A business hotel that is well equipped for both work and leisure, Dorint City Hotel Bremen offers one of the key factors that travelers look for – an impeccable location. 

It is situated between the train station and old town, just 3-5 mins walk to the central train station and right outside the entrance to Bremen old town.

This made it incredible easy for me to pop in and out of the hotel to check out the tourist hotspots. Considering that the weather wasn’t the best when I was there, the convenience of staying at such a prime location really shone through.

Overall Vibes

Upon entering the lobby, you might be forgiven to think that the hotel is an art exhibition hall. 

While the area is not filled with a bunch of trinkets and decorations, it is tastefully set up with art pieces in the right areas. This gives the hotel an airy and spacious feel, almost sophiscated with its minimalism.  

In addition, they utilize the area well with functional features like seating and seminar rooms. Apart from offering accommodation, the hotel also hosts different events and functions.

If you ask me, it resembles a conference and exhibition venue which serves the purpose of the hotel well. You see a consistent concept applied from the rooms to the common areas.

Room

I had a Medium Plus room that faces the Wallanlagen Park. This means I wake up to a scenic view of the greens, the Stadtgraben river and also that iconic windmill building (which is Beck’s restaurant and bar).

The immediate impression of the room was the incredible amount of space it had, not just in terms of empty floor space, but also the work desk and tables/surfaces to place things.

Similar to the common areas, they don’t overstuff the room with decorations but instead leave it very functional and convenient for guests. Many of the furniture are also moveable, from the sofa to the bed side standees, so you can set up your own configurations.

The room comes with a mini bar that has a Nespresso machine and complimentary pods. As someone who likes coffee, this is certainly a welcomed feature. I also loved that they send a generous plate of fruits to your room upon arrival.

Remote Work Features

As a business hotel, Dorint is well setup for business and working needs.

WiFi

Dorint City Hotel has stable wifi that features around 10/35 mbps download/upload on the laptop. The coverage is good around the hotel, from the common areas to the rooms and even the gym.

In-room

I really loved how much space the work desk has; just simple, long and clean. Even when I toss all my equipment on the table, I still have ample space to set up my laptop and screen.

At first glance, I noticed that the room does not have a central light. This is because the room gets ample natural light during a sunny day with the large windows. Even during rainy and gloomy days, the desk lamp is strong enough for work purposes.

The combination of lights allows me to easily switch from work mode to relaxation mode by turning on and off corresponding lights.

Lobby/Bar

While there are many common areas around the hotel, my clear favorite for working would be the bar. And easily so for others as I have seen people deep in work with their laptops here.

You can just grab a drink and go into focus mode here. It has a relatively relaxing vibe without loud music. They also feature different types of seats; my personal preference are the booths. While these are open booths, the seats are tall enough that it feels you are enclosed and have your own space.

Not all parts of the bar are close to power sockets; but if you really need them, there are some seats that have access to them.

Fitness And Relaxation

Gym

The hotel has an in-house gym on the basement level. While it isn’t a commercial gym, it has all the common equipments to get in your cardio work and weight training. 

They also provide yoga mats, which you can take to your room and return after you are done. My room had so much space that I can easily lay down the mat for some mobility work and stretching.

I definitely took advantage to catch up on my workouts. It’s easy to get back on the healthy habits when the facilities are so accessible.

In addition, the hotel is right next to a beautiful park so don’t let that natural space go to waste.

Sauna

When it comes to relaxation, there is nothing better than a sauna to sweat it all out. Initially, I thought it was just a small room in the gym’s bathroom. However, I was surprised that the door opened up to a whole relaxation space.

The hotel has both a dry and wet sauna. You will find showers and an ice dispenser on either sides of the room to cool down. There are also reclining sun beds at the back of the space to chill after that, which I embarrassingly fell asleep on.

You can ask for a bathrobe from the reception, and they will send it up to your room.

Food And Drinks

Breakfast

Dorint City Hotel offers a buffet breakfast at their restaurant on the first floor, and it is quite the spread.

You will find several stations featuring 1) cold cuts and cheeses, 2) muesli, yoghurt and toppings, 3) pastries and breads, and 4) hot dishes. Of course, you also get your tea, juices and coffee.

Regardless of the breakfast you are craving, there are options here. I also noticed slight variations in the breakfast items served during my stay.

In addition, you get to enjoy a view of the garden and river while you dine. I love the scene of tranquil nature right in the morning.

Having had my fair share of hotel breakfasts, I always keep a look out for anything special. My favorite thing here is actually a tri-selection of honey, which is the first I’ve seen at hotel breakfasts.

They are super yummy and really do taste different. I use honey for everything from mixing it with tea to lacing it on my bacon, so it’s just perfect.

Outside breakfast hours, the Hillmann’s Bar & Bistro functions like a regular F&B restaurant offering international and regional dishes.

Around The Area

Another advantage of the hotel’s prime location is that you can find different types of food around the area. It is, after all, located in a zone where all the “action” is. From fast food to exquisite restaurants, you find it all within walking distance.

Even if its raining heavily or you don’t feel at all like wandering out, you have a popular bakery cafe, a kebab place and a couple of nice bars right outside the hotel entrances.

Staying In Bremen

It is hard to find a more convenient location to stay in Bremen. I find that with the close proximity to all the highlights and amenities, I can optimises my time while having the flexibility to make last minute plans. Dorint City Hotel is certainly a fuss-free, comfy option to consider when visiting Bremen.

Disclaimer: I was a guest of Dorint City-Hotel Bremen. All opinions are my own.

A colorful and fun hotel nestled within the Altona district of Hamburg, Superbude Altona Paradise might not be an obvious choice for tourists since it is not within the city center. However, it is still relatively easy to get to with a direct bus ride from Hamburg Altona station.

In fact, one of the perks is that you will be drawn to check out the Altona district which is full of bars, restaurants and cafes as well. This area is charming in its own right. 

You can also easily reach the city center using the S-Bahn trains from either Altona or Bahrenfeld station. In addition, the hotel also offer bike rentals if you prefer to get active.

If you are staying here, a Hamburg Card will be great to have as it provides you with free unlimited public transportation for the duration (1-5 day options available). In addition, you also get up to 50% discounts to key attractions.

While the immediate area around the hotel is considered a business district, it is also a neighborhood where locals live. You will find convenient amenities like supermarkets, pharmacy and some well rated restaurants right next to the hotel.

Overall Hotel Vibes 

The exciting theme of the hotel was immediately clear from the colorful art painted on the building, and the entrance which sticks out with the neon and retro signs/displays.

The spacious lobby is segmented into various spaces that are all fun and interesting to check out. It felt to me like I’ve entered a childhood arcade with all the funky and happy stuff around. 

Even the stairway is decorated with interesting art pieces and remember to spot the hand drawings on the walls that make use of the steps.

Fun Zones 

One of the visually striking area at the lobby is the colorful sitting area with a tropical theme. You definitely won’t miss it while heading to your room.

It’s eye-catching and a great setup for photos. Right next to it, you find a literal candy cart with all sorts of gummies and sweets. 

They are a really fun touch and you can actually buy them in individual pieces. Grab what you like and make payment by just placing the corresponding amount unto the cash plate.

It’s easy to satisfy your sweet cravings and relive some childhood memories. Certainly also an impulse purchase spot 😉

An amusing irony is that next to the sinful sweets cart, you have a chiller filled with bunch of healthier food options including fruits, juices and sandwiches.

At another corner of the lobby, you will also find a small “shop” with various products and nick nacks for sale. It is fun to look around even if you are not planning to buy anything. I saw some interesting vintage looking items and also your classic souvenirs.

There is also a mini bar right next to the reception where you can find snacks and beverages to purchase. So if you want to grab quick bites for your late movie night, fret not!

Room Review: Double Room M

The same fun urban jungle theme you see throughout the hotel is equally evident in the room

From the fun mosaic tiles to the trinkets hanging on the wall/ceilings, and the main light covered by a kiwi umbrella, it’s all amusing and artful at the same time.

Definitely not you regular looking hotel room. Creatives will love it here.

The first thought that struck me though was how spacious and loft-like the center area is. I could even do my inversions there

Apart from that big center floor space, the huge windows panels contribute immensely in making the room look kind of lofty.

The bath is also a more open concept which makes it very airy. While the areas are clearly segmented, they wasted no space with wall divisions.

It is a clever setup, and also very functional with huge storage spaces right by the door.

Remote Work Features

WiFi

Superbude Altona Paradise has a strong wifi speed of 70+/60+ mbps (download/upload) which is great for all sorts of tasks. Signal reception was good throughout the hotel as well.

In-room

The room has a long work desk which makes it convenient to lay everything out. It easily fitted my laptop and portable screen even with a bunch of my snacks on the side. 

Although the central lighting of the room is covered by a funky kiwi umbrella which contributes to the room’s relaxing ambience, much of the room are powered by spotlights and a strong desk lamp. 

In addition, the huge window panels easily welcome natural lighting into the room. This makes it great for both day time working and nigh time relaxation. 

What I’m really missing is a projector where I can cast Netflix or some movies from because there’s a real vibe for that. 

Common Spaces

In addition, there are two other areas within the hotel which is great for working.

One is the hotel’s in-house bar/restaurant – Bamboole, where you can grab a drink and getting your work mojo on. They also have a good selection of dishes including vegan and healthy options.

There are sitting here that looks out into the streets if that’s what you prefer (like I do). During the warmer season, they even setup the outdoor terrace. It is a great place to hangout with other travelers.

Secondly, there’s the breakfast or lounge area where you have big spacious desks and.comfy sofa chairs. 

My favorite spot is the one right next to a fireplace at the back. There’s a cozy feel about being next to the fireplace and I like to get warm whenever I can during the windy winter. 

Breakfast

Now speaking of breakfast, the hotel offers a nice buffet spread in the morning.

The breakfast area is divided into zone with areas for coffee, tea & juices, the main food area and they also have a waffle station. 

There’s a bunch of cold cut meats and cheeses to choose from, along with plenty of ingredients to create your own salad or muesli bowl; even vegan options! So if you are staying for a few days, you can have some variations in your breakfast.

I loved the tea station which features a wide selection of loose tea leaves. You then package them into the tea bag that they provide. This means you can even mix and match different ones to form your own concoction. 

And if you have want a touch of ginger to sooth yourself from winter cold, they have fresh ginger you can cut from as well.

Staying In Hamburg

The Superbude Altona Paradise is an interesting accommodation option, which is different from the typical business hotels. The creative spin adds a unique experience to a stay, making it more them just a place for sleeping. 

If you are looking for a place with personality and not stuff with the crowd in the city center, this is definitely one hotel to consider. The Hamburg Altona station also connects well to the rest of Germany. I arrived and departed from Hamburg via that station.

Disclaimer: Part of my trip was hosted by Hamburg City and Tourism Board. All opinions are my own.

If you are looking for a hotel that has a distinctive personality yet still offers great amenities that you need for a nice stay, Bikini Berlin certainly fits the bill.

This hotel which opened in 2013 is part of the 25 Hours hotel group, which has multiple distinctive properties spread across major German cities. 

One specialty about 25 Hours is that each of their hotels feature a unique theme. They call it “You know one, you know none”, because each of them are so different yet individually charming in their own right.

And this one in Berlin certainly intrigued me to give the others a try.

The hotel is very conveniently located right next to the S+U Zoologischer Garten Bhf station at the edge of Charlottenburg. I collected my Berlin Welcome Card at the airport and took the S9 train right to the hotel area. No fuss, no hassle, no fumbling with payments.

You can take both the S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains from this station to get to different parts of Berlin. If you don’t want to have to deal with the cost and trouble of buying public transportation tickets every time you want to board a bus or train, definitely get the Berlin Welcome Card.

It is just one of the obvious perks in addition to discounts for certain key attractions and shops.

Bikini Berlin features an eco-friendly, nature theme that fits well with their strategic location overlooking the Berlin zoo. With some prior research, I was already eagerly looking forward to my stay there.

Overall Hotel Vibes

And I’ve got to say this hotel impresses at first sight. From the bicycles and vintage car setup at the entrance lobby to the cheery-singing lift, I was pleasantly surprised just making my way to the check in counter.

A clear standout point of the hotel is that it is photogenic all round with various areas artfully designed. Overall, the hotel has a relaxing and playful feel with a mixture of neon signs, hammocks and cushy furniture all round. 

Whenever guests opt out of a daily cleaning service, they actually contribute the savings to planting a tree (you also get to pin a tree to their wooden board; it’s these seemingly little elements that add to the fun)

The walls of the hotel common areas and rooms are all hand painted/drawn by Japanese artist Yoshi Sislay.

One thing I noticed about the hotel is that they like to collaborate with local “makers” that create these amazing products. For example, the all-natural soap, shampoo and lotions in the room are sourced from a sustainable business run by a Swiss entrepreneurial couple.

You will find a bunch more products at the reception area, where you can even purchase them as souvenirs. 

The Medium Jungle Room

I absolutely loved the jungle room I stayed in. In terms of design, the room continues on the whole nature theme with an open style shower featuring a rainfall faucet. This is one of my favorite features.

The plants and colorful shelves add to the playful vibes. They even provide a sling bag for you to use in the duration of your stay.

There is a huge comfy hammock right next to the full length window which overlooks the zoo. There’s not as many active animals during the cold winter, but still plenty of birds, sometimes flying in formations. Looking at the orange leaves on the tree that are baring for winter, I’m pretty sure that the room will have an amazing view of autumn foliage.

Another amazing thing is that there is a mini bar with complimentary goodies. Yes, you read that right. FREE! Seeing that we are all familiar with the ridiculously priced mini bar in hotels, this came as quite a surprise.

In addition, it’s not the usual boring bottled water or tea bags that you find in this mini bar. It’s stocked with interesting stuff like German beer, chocolate, fritz-cola (German coke), sparkling water. Things that give you some exposure to local brands and culture. 

Overall, there’s a lot of small gestures from the hotel that shows you they care. It gives an inexplicable feeling that they will do their best to make you feel at home, and not try to just charge you for everything. 

Remote Work Features

WiFi

The hotel has a reliable WiFi that provides around 20+/10+ Mbps download/upload speed. Sure it’s not the fastest in the world, but it’s one of the better speeds I have seen in Berlin. 

If you have never been to Germany, you might be surprised (like I did on my very first visit) that the country doesn’t really have blazing fast Internet speeds that you might expect from a highly developed nation. 

This is due to some of the legacy infrastructure that is going to take time to replace. However, it is improving as I’m seeing better speeds compared to years ago.

In any case, the WiFi at Bikini Berlin was good for all my needs from uploading files to making calls. 

In-room

The room has a whole bunch of power sockets all over the place. Specifically at the desk area, there are at least 3 of them in my room, which means charging multiple gadgets has not been a problem at all. 

There’s also at least 2 next to the beds/hammock. I didn’t even take note of others, because there was never a need to fret about it.

They also provide a nice portable speaker if you like to work with music, or even just enjoy entertainment with better sound quality.

A slightly lacking “work” element in the Jungle Room is the seating, but that can be easily solved. The round stool in the Jungle room fits the design theme perfectly but is not the best seating option if you plan to work for hours on end. (Note that different themed rooms do feature differing furnishings.)

Regardless, you can easily ask the reception for another chair if you really need one. They have all sorts of options available throughout the hotel. A great customer service team just means you can always approach them with anything, and they will try their best to help.

I usually dangle on the hammock while working in the room; because come on, how many times do you get a private hammock right in your room!

But let me tell you, the room is unlikely to be the place you work at the most because Bikini Berlin has a whole workspace called the work labs! 

Work Labs

Located right next to the reception and cafe on level 3, the work labs is essentially like a coworking space that anyone can use. It’s open 24/7, free to use and has a view of the main street.

Like a bee drawn to honey, I even woke up one day at 4am to get some deep work done here.

There are a variety of seating options here, from high chairs to sofas and couches. There’s even 3 iMacs which you can use for your work if needed. And of course, lots of power sockets around. 

You can get a coffee (or wine, depending on your jam) from the aperitivo bar on the same level and dive into work mode here. They also rent the space out for business events. 

Relaxation and Fitness

Dry Sauna

Saunas are not uncommon in a hotel, but you know how many saunas are just a secluded room facing nothing? 

Well this one on level 9 actually overlooks the Berlin Zoo. This means you can enjoy your sauna while watching the animals or soaking in the city views. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Or does it? As if those aren’t enough, there is a relaxation area right outside the sauna, equipped with a mini bar storing beer, sparkling water, cola, tea and fruits that you can help yourself to after sweating it out. Yes, they are complimentary, these are the same things found in your room’s free mini bar. 

So grab a sauna kit with bathrobes and slippers from the reception, then prepare to just chill.

Side note for the uninitiated: Germans enjoy their sauna fully naked. You don’t have to bare everything; just don’t be alarmed when others do. 

McFit Collaboration

There is no gym right in the hotel. However, Bikini Berlin has a partnership with the nearby McFit gym which allows you to pay just 10 euro for full day use of the facilities.

The Medium Jungle Room had sufficient space for my mobility stretches and yoga flow, so I stayed snug and cozy right in the room while getting my workout in.

Food And Drinks

Right within Bikini Berlin, you will find three other spots for food and drinks, each catering to a rather different need. All of them are open to public, but as a guest, you don’t have to queue to get into them.

Yes, the monkey bar is so popular that sometimes there is a queue to get in. 

The Monkey Bar

Located on the top floor, the monkey bar is a cocktail bar that features live music, delicious cocktails, views of the zoo and the city, as well as a tasteful interior decoration.

Right when you enter, you will see a wall filled with photographs that used to be museum exhibits. There are seats behind the bar counter that gives you a view of the animals. If you prefer a nice city view, there is an outdoor terrace where you can catch a beautiful sunset. 

They also have an interesting cocktail called “Bini’s Monkey Pokey” that is named after one of the Orang-Utans in the Berlin zoo. And for each sale, some of the profits are donated to Bini the Orang-Utan.

NENI Restaurant / Breakfast

Right next to the Monkey Bar, you will find the NENI Restaurant. This is also where you will indulge the delicious breakfast buffet if you have it included. Alternatively, you can also pay for it when you arrive. 

Breakfast at the hotel includes a variety of pastries, cold and hot dishes. I’m particularly impressed by the amount of cold plate selections they have, from cured meat to cheeses. There is enough options for me to mix and match, and enjoy a differentiated breakfast during my stay.

The restaurant is very nicely decorated but my favorite are still the window seats, particularly the ones facing the zoo. So if your room doesn’t overlook the zoo, this is one of the several spots in the hotel where you can still enjoy that pleasure.

Side note, the restaurant is also a nice place to work at. I got a productive hour in during breakfast hour while the friendly staff helped refill my caffeine supply. 

Outside of breakfast time, NENI serves Mediterranean cuisine at very affordable prices. You can even order it to your room.

Companion

This is an aperitivo bar right next to the reception on level 3. Here you can get a good selection of food and drinks for a nice snack. They have two special aperitivo drinks that are crafted in partnership with Nordcraft and Si Puo Fare Bio. 

What’s most interesting here though is the ambience and variety of seatings they have. 

You will find stuff like hammocks, big cushy chairs, a long desk, and a warm fireplace that’s simply cozy in the winter. This can be a good place for working as well depending on your mood for the day. Similarly, you can get views of both the zoo or the city depending on where you sit.

This is one of my only regrets – that I didn’t factor time to just cozy up here with a cup of hot joe while enjoying the snowfall. 

Staying In Berlin

All in all, the Bikini Berlin felt like an oasis within the big city. I know that regardless if I’m looking to relax or get work done after a day out exploring the city, all the amenities are within grasp. 

The unique design and hotel theme offers something different from your traditional business hotels. The accommodation becomes a whole experience by itself rather than just a place to stay. 

A word of caution though, you might be tempted to just spend time in the comfy hotel rather than heading out to check out the city! This was especially so for me when the cold winter air was blowing. 

This experience in Bikini Berlin certainly makes me want to check out the 25 hotel properties in other cities.

Disclaimer: Part of my trip was hosted by Visit Berlin. All opinions are my own.

When I was looking up accommodations for Berlin, The Circus Group very quickly caught my attention because they appeared repeatedly whether I was searching for hostels, hotels or apartments.

Turns out that’s because they offer all 3 accommodation options, which makes them an obvious choice to look into regardless of your preferences and requirements.

AND they have something new brewing that I’m pretty excited about which we will reveal at the end.

The Circus Hotel and Hostel are separate buildings situated right across each other. The Circus Apartments are in the same area, just one street away. All of them are centrally located in Berlin-Mitte, which is surrounded by the major tourist highlight spots.

Situated right outside both lodging options, you will also find a U-bahn station (U Rosenthaler Platz) and several tram stops. The district itself has plenty of nice restaurants which left me debating on what to try during my limited time there.

Overall Hotel Vibe

The Circus Hotel is housed in a restored 19th century building and their interior design exquisitely captures the essence of that. It is tastefully set up with a classy touch that also takes you back in time.

All the different areas of the hotel exude a cozy vibe that’s just the perfect escape from the cold winter when I visited. The lobby area is definitely my favorite and made an immediate impeccable impression when entering.

Functioning as both the hotel breakfast area in the morning and a bar at night, the furnishings are not just classy but also versatile.

Room: The Medium Plus

I had a Medium Plus room that faces the interior garden courtyard, which makes it blissfully quiet. The warm tone lightings scattered around makes it perfect for relaxing at night, but the room also receives bountiful natural light by day.

One thing that really stood out for me is the blend of features which just reminds me of documentaries about past eras. From the interior decoration to intricate trinkets and display pieces around the room, they all fit in with the classic theme.

First thing that caught my attention is the cool old-school light switches that flips on and off. I pictured it like in war documentaries where communication operators are flicking switches to send/receive messages.

Another feature was the multiple types of glasses, vases and cups available, which makes it great to host a friend over drinks. It conjures images of when businessmen will talk about deals in their hotel room over drinks. And the in-room mini bar does facilitate that convenience as well.

That said, the room is not just about design, but also highly functional with modern features too. Starting with the big TV armed with a Bose speaker, and more importantly, Chromecast!

This is one of the few rooms where I really found a use for the TV. With the prevalence of streaming apps, I rarely ever watch local channels in hotel rooms.

Here, you can cast your Netflix, Youtube or other streaming apps onto the TV to enjoy quality entertainment. I took the chance to catch up on some content from other creators.

In addition, the bathroom had a long towel warmer which dries wet towels quickly. As someone who is not used to the cold winter, every heating element is a plus. It helped to keep me warm when coming right out of the shower.

Remote Work Features

Now you might be wondering if a hotel and room featuring a more classic design theme would be good for working. Turns out it is!

WiFi

The Circus Hotel has strong wifi that features around 24/16mbps download/upload speed. I had no problem with signal strength from the room or common areas.

It is also sufficiently good for everything. I took the opportunity to backup my travel photos and videos to the cloud.

In-room Setup

The room has a proper work desk set up that even comes with a pin board on the wall. And you can shift the table decorations away to make even more space. But it was already good for a laptop and portable screen.

There is also no lack of power sockets in the necessary areas, which makes it convenient to charge all my devices at the same time.

The hanging table lamp is great for working at night without disturbing others if you have a roommate that is sleeping.

It’s rather rare to find a water flask (in addition to the kettle) in the room. That came in surprisingly handy as I don’t have to keep leaving the desk to refill my cup while working.

Hotel Lobby And Bar

With a variety of seating, the lobby, bar area is equally great for working. My favorite is the corner sofa seat with round table and a view unto the streets. I am not sensitive to noise and love to observe the hustle of local life pass me by while working.

If you prefer somewhere quieter, there is also smaller room at the back of the bar, or even the garden during the warmer seasons.

BOOKING A STAY?
Be sure to check for any deals and promotions the Circus Group is running on their website. They also plant a tree for every direct booking made!

Relaxation And Entertainment

Lost My Voice Bar

When the light dims, the lobby is transformed into a nice high end looking cocktail bar, oozing with ambience.

This is not just a regular hotel bar which only guests visit. It is actually quite popular, credit to the central location. I always see “Reservation” signs being placed on tables as it gets later into the night.

What I loved about the bar is that the music stays at a reasonable level so you can really unwind after a full day. It is also easy to chat with others without shouting; a place I can convince my local friends to come hang.

This also means you are not hearing any noise from the bar while in your room.

There are a few signature drinks here, and the staff is very patient with explaining anything and giving recommendations. I ultimately went with a refreshing Smoking Kiss that was a great prep for bed time.

And if you’re staying in the hotel, you can just charge the bill to your room and settle it during check out.

Personal Care

An interesting thing is that they have a tray of treats that is filled with all sorts of personal beauty products. From shaving cream to perfume, if you forget anything, this is a good place to look. And even if you don’t see what you are looking for, just ask the staff; they have more items than what is displayed.

The tray is located at the reception but you can also ask them to bring it up to the room for selection.

I managed to find a hand cream for my hands that started peeling due to the cold winter; and even a face mask to moisturize the face. While I’m no personal beauty expert, that shaving kit I got was certainly of way better quality than typical disposable ones.

There is also a basket for fruits at the reception where I always grab one whenever I pass by. It really helps to keep up with healthy eating.

By now, you should know that I believe the small things matter. It might not seem like a huge deal to offer fruits or beauty products; but it’s not really about the items. These thoughtful touches go a long way in delivering the feeling that they truly care about your well-being.

Gym Collaboration

Although Circus Hotel doesn’t have a gym right within the building, they have a partnership with John Reed Fitness in Berlin. You can get a day pass from the reception at just €10 for full day use of the facilities.

During the summer, they also host yoga lesson on the rooftop. This is definitely something I missed in the winter; but you can also borrow yoga mats from them for your own flow session. That said, the Medium Plus room had ample room to layout a yoga mat so you can get your workout in easily even if you want to stay in the hotel.

Tours And Events

The best thing about a brand that runs both hotel and hostel is that they have facilities and activities catering to both market groups. The hostel has events almost everyday from pop quiz and karaoke sessions at Circus Hostel’s in-house microbrewery. Even if you are staying at the hotel or apartments, you can easily hop in to participate,

The Circus Group also run behind-the-curtain tours where a local staff takes you around to explore a specific theme of the city. From museums to flea markets, it’s always insightful to hear things from a local perspective. You just need to reserve a spot at the counter, regardless if you’re staying the hotel or hostel.

Food And Drinks

Hotel Breakfast

If you have your breakfast included, you are in for a treat.

Circus Hotel runs a more ala carte breakfast menu. Before you complain about not getting a breakfast buffet, let me tell you my salmon avocado toast was sufficiently filling, visually appetizing and very satisfying.

Sure, a breakfast buffet always seemed more bang for buck, but almost every time, I feel like I overeat to make the most out of it. This ala carte breakfast hit the right spot which left me full and happy, without being bloated.

For set menus, you can choose either from the “Quick Breakfast Set” or the “Classic Breakfast Set”. Both gives you unlimited coffee/tea and access to the muesli buffet (so you can still fill up on these if you are really hungry, but a single round was enough for me).

The difference is main dish options which you pick from two different lists. I tried the Classic Breakfast, and highly recommend it because the dishes you get to choose from… let’s just say I had a real dilemma deciding which one to go with.

Alternatively, you can also just order individual items right off the menu, so there is a lot of flexibility.

Around The Area

Another convenient feature is that there are so many great food places surrounding the hotel that not only serve different cuisines but also cater to different price ranges and dietary needs.

Some of my favorites are:

• Zeit für Brot is located right next to The Circus Hostel; so it’s a street away from the hotel. This is the perfect spot for grabbing pastries if you looking for breakfast or snack.
• I met up with a friend for a soupy and hearty meal to warm up from the winter cold, the Cô Cô Bánh Mì Vietnamese Deli right next to the hotel is superb.
• For a quick grab and go meal, the small hole-in-wall Warpublic right across the street is very good value for money.  

There are a few on my list that I didn’t even have time to try, so foodies will definitely be spoilt for choice. The streets spreading out from the U Rosenthaler Platz intersection are just lined with well-rated options from bars to restaurants.

Circus Living Serviced Apartments

Now, as if the hostel, hotel and apartments are not enough, The Circus Group has a project in the works that I’m very excited about – Circus Living.

This is a building featuring 207 service apartments, coworking space, and a cafe, all which facilitates a community bonding environment. Yes, it sounds exactly like the arrangement that digital nomads or remote workers looking to stay mid to long-term will benefit from.

The site is estimated to open in February 2024, and will be located at Krautstraße 30. Having stayed in this district on my first visit to Berlin, it is a relatively convenient zone with close access to the Berlin Ostbahnhof Train Station and also the bustling Alexanderplatz.

Berlin is a hot spot for the artistic and creatives, so it does draw a certain audience group. I imagine a lot of new ideas can come out of the connections. This is one project I am very keen to check out when it is ready.

But regardless if you are visiting Berlin for a quick trip or want to stay for a period, The Circus Group has diverse options that can cater to your requirements and budget.

I love that the hotel has a unique personality that comes with functionality; that always makes the stay a more interesting experience. But with the stellar reviews that they receive all round, you are in good hands whichever accommodation option you go for.

Disclaimer: I was a guest of The Circus Hotel. All opinions are my own.