Lulu Guldsmeden

"Why book? A hygge vibe pervades the loft-style rooms of this eco-friendly boutique hotel, while a buzzy location along Potsdammer Strasse make this a hit with the hip set. Set the scene A somewhat off-the-beaten-path location means you won’t find your garden-variety tourist staying here. In-the-know visitors and art aficionados—especially European millennials—dig the bars and galleries in the area, and the spacious loft rooms and suites can easily accommodate small groups. The backstory A former down-at-the-heels hotel has been reimagined as a chic, eco-friendly, four-star property, courtesy of the trendy Danish mini-chain Guldsmeden Hotels. It retains much of the original character of the 1850s building—exposed brick walls, high ceilings, intricate crown molding, and tall windows—while incorporating sleek Nordic design and warm Balinese accents. The Green Globe-certified hotel brand has some serious eco cred, incorporating natural materials such as stone and bamboo, repurposing antique furnishings, and using only organic and/or Fair Trade goods throughout, from the food and drink to the bath amenities, linens, and paper products. The rooms Every room has a slightly different configuration, with many featuring wonderfully high ceilings, enormous windows, and exposed brick walls. The vibe is warm and cozy no matter the size, with wood floors and big four-poster beds draped with white fabric and decorated with colorful Balinese accent pillows and blankets. The 24 loft rooms have an upper sleeping alcove—ideal for small groups of friends or families—plus fun touches like a swing or hammock suspended from above. Larger rooms and suites also feature a seating area outfitted with comfy brown-leather Chesterfield-style sofas and club chairs. Bathrooms throughout are on the smaller side but are beautifully designed, with stone sinks, bamboo vanities, and white subway tiles in the rainforest showers. Splurge on a higher-end suite for a separate stone soaking tub. Food and drink The hotel’s restaurant will reopen in 2022 with a new name and concept, but in the meantime, guests can enjoy an organic buffet-style breakfast (not included in rate) in the bar/restaurant area, on the terrace tables out front, or in the leafy courtyard. The small, marble-topped bar serves eco-friendly libations, including biodynamic wines, organic spirits, and NaturCola brand soft drinks. Rooms don’t have a fridge, but the “mini-bar” is stocked with an array of organic local candy, chips, and other treats. The neighborhood/area The formerly scruffy Potsdamer Strasse, in West Berlin’s Tiergarten district, is now hip and happening, lined with art galleries, edgy boutiques, and smart restaurants and cocktail bars—including one of the city’s best, Victoria Bar, a short stroll away. You’re a 15-minute walk (or a quick bus or U-Bahn ride) from the tourist-friendly spots of Potsdamer Platz and Tiergarten park. The service Service is casual and friendly—there’s no formal lobby or concierge and just a small reception desk—but front-desk staff can arrange for in-house bike rentals and offer local recommendations. For families While there’s plenty of space for families in the larger loft rooms—and kids will dig the indoor swings—anyone staying in the sleeping alcove will need to climb a set of stairs. The area around busy Potsdamer Strasse isn’t particularly family-friendly, and it’s a fairly long (and not particularly scenic) walk to major attractions. Accessibility There’s no elevator, but the hotel has some wheelchair-accessible rooms. Anything left to mention? The entry-level Standard Doubles are a tight squeeze—better for solo travelers than couples—and some in this category don’t have air conditioning; be sure to request one that does in the steamy late-summer months." - Jennifer Ceaser