"The red and white lobby of Hotel Q!, set just off Berlin’s glittering main drag, the Kurfürstendamm, comes as quite an eye-opener after the low-key, grey-walled façade. The work of the Graft group, who designed Brad Pitt’s Hollywood Studio, it’s undeniably cool: funky tunes play from concealed speakers, backlit walls emit a soft glow, and the hip all-in-black staff seem genuinely pleased to see you. (Want to know the latest clubs and newest boutiques? These guys are the people to ask.) Beyond the curved front desk lie a good Thai restaurant and a members-only bar - all red leather, charcoal suede and chrome - plus a lounge where you can recline on sleek chaises-longues and chill out over cocktails. There’s also a patio for alfresco summer drinks and, in the spa, a tropical sand room and a Japanese wash area for devotees. Slip upstairs to find low-level red lighting, vibey music set at just the right volume, and corridors lined with a thick burgundy shag-pile carpet that would look unfashionable anywhere else. The 77 all-white and well-maintained rooms flaunt cocoon-like design, with swooping bath-cum-bed combos and barely a right angle in sight; quirky touches like naked prints and ceiling murals add a spot of humour to break up the minimalism. All in all, it’s sexy, stylish and fun - a great Berlin base for couples seeking a good time. Highs An excellent location in one of Berlin’s most upmarket areas, with plenty of shops and restaurants nearby, and close to good transport links Service is friendly and unpretentious, and the staff know all the hippest places in town Breakfast is one of the best we’ve come across - not normally included in the rates, but worth the extra spend During our summer stay, we enjoyed excellent cocktails in the secluded courtyard And in winter, the small basement spa has a sauna, steam room and a menu of excellent massages Lows The bold design may not to be everybody's taste, although it was still looking slick on our last visit The bath-by-the-bed arrangement looks great, but you’ll need to wash gently or you'll splash your sheets, and you may find it easier to climb out onto the bed than floor No twin rooms and bathrooms are open-plan: it’s definitely a hotel for couples rather than friends The full-length mirror right by the shower we found a touch unforgiving!" - Will Hide