Orania.Berlin

"Start us off with an overview and an entrance.Set in a restored 1913 Art Nouveau building along leafy Oranienplatz, this boutique property is one of the few hotels—and the only upscale option—in the edgy, nightlife-filled east Kreuzberg. A large, open-plan "Living Room," which functions as a restaurant-bar-lounge, is bookended by two roaring fireplaces (in winter) and surrounded by enormous windows, and a raised corner stage sports a Steinway piano. Sounds quite nice. What’s the crowd like?Chic locals mingle with equally hip guests—mostly leisure travelers looking to soak up the area's buzzy nightlife. And what are the rooms like?The 41 rooms and suites vary in size and layout, but all are similarly designed: lots of rich, exotic woods, deep red textiles featuring the hotel’s signature gold elephant, handmade Persian carpets, and curvaceous lamps from Enzo Catellani. All rooms have tall windows—thankfully double-glazed, given the teeming nightlife just below—and some feature French balconies. The modern marble bathrooms are large—all have walk-in rainforest showers, and some suites come with a separate tub. What about the little details: Any of note?The bathroom is stocked with natural vegan products from i+m, a great Berlin-based company. Mattresses are handmade in Germany by Schramm (though some find them too hard). In-room flat-screens feature Apple TV integration. Okay, how about food and drink? What are our best options to refuel?Breakfast is served till 2 pm daily at the Breakfast Club, with a bountiful buffet until noon and a wide range of à la carte options, including egg dishes, waffles, müsli, and smoothies. Orania Restaurant serves a concise menu of seasonal, international dishes, with a heavy focus on seafood and salads. You can also dine at the lobby's long, curved wood bar, which has comfy, high-backed stools and immaculate (if pricey) cocktails. Anything else we should be sure to check out while staying here?There's an interesting roster of jazz, soul, pop, and world music concerts (open to the public) in the ground-level lounge five nights a week, plus during Sunday breakfast. Also take a peek at the sleekly designed top-floor salon and library (currently only available for event rentals); its floor-to-ceiling windows and two balconies offer incredible skyline views. So who is it best for?If you're a frequent visitor to Berlin and love nightlife, this hotel is ideal for you. First-timers though will probably find it too far from most of the key tourist sites." - Jennifer Ceaser