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Bedecked in trendy, artful décor, the hotel Acksel Haus wins our “hip-bang-for-your-buck” award, Prenzlauerberg Division. (Prices have jumped since we first visited, although we'd still consider booking a night here for a splurge). From the moment you walk into the slick lobby, it's no secret that a group of architects and designers runs the show. In fact, it feels like you're entering a design studio instead of a hotel.
The Acksel Haus comprises two buildings, the “ackselhaus,” the original older building, and the “bluehome Berlin,” its newly finished and more expensive neighbor. There are no simple rooms in either building—guests can stay in shared apartments (with baths and kitchens shared between two rooms), studio apartments, two-room suites, or double apartments that sleep three-to-four people. In both buildings, rooms are highly styled and offer access to a kitchenette.
In the ackselhaus, themes run the gamut from “African” to “Venetian,” and pass through “film,” “floral,” and much more in between. Larger suites face the street, while other rooms open to the leafy back garden, a peaceful spot for reading during the day that turns into a cool oasis for quiet socializing at night. Most rooms have private bathrooms and private kitchenettes, though there are some that share both amenities with one other room.
Rooms in the bluehome Berlin boast similar themes with a more contemporary spin. Check out our photo of the four-posted canopied bed, retro sofa, bleached wood floors, flat-screened television, and bath with carved stone sink and frosted glass bath. All of this modern style in a room with high ceilings and restored crown moldings. It's refreshing, cool and so “Architecture Digest.” All rooms in the bluehome have bathrooms en suite and private kitchenettes.
Breakfast, not included in the price, is served in the popular (and unsurprisingly well-designed) ground-floor café and restaurant, Club del Mar. The hotel is located just down the street from the Wasserturm.
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