Berlin boasts diverse history, vibrant nightlife, and a thriving arts scene. One of the must-visit attractions in the city is the Checkpoint Charlie, which has Cold War remnants. History buffs can stop by DDR Museum, which houses exhibits from the Cold War era. Art lovers can head to East Side Gallery, which is an outdoor art gallery with murals painted on Berlin Wall. If traveling with kids, Zoo Berlin and Tierpark Berlin are worth a visit. For a bird’s-eye view of the city, climb up the TV Tower. The city is also home to a plethora of accommodation options. If you’re looking for a blend of heritage and home comforts, check out this list of the best historic hotels in Berlin, Germany.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 24, 2024.
1. Hotel am Steinplatz, Autograph Collection (from USD 373)
Reasonably priced for the quality and location.
Well-appointed rooms, friendly staff, and a lovely historic building.
Located in a calm, pretty area with easy access to public transportation and great restaurants.
Superb breakfast with organic options, great coffee, and a wonderful bar with skilled staff.
What started as a residential building in 1907 ended up as a deluxe hotel in 1913. Hotel am Steinplatz first served as housing for officers before the first world war. Later on, it became a retirement home before being empty for a while.
It reopened as a luxury hotel in the Autograph Collection in December of 2013. It stands out with its Art Nouveau architecture and features a rooftop fitness area, lavish spa, and private meeting rooms that will make you doubt it was once a residential area.
2. Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin (from USD 435)
Have you ever thought about success stories of establishments that went through war? Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is a prime example of such stories. The original Hotel Adlon was one of the most famous establishments in Europe due to its unique mixture of Neo-Baroque and Louis XVI styles in 1907.
The 5-star hotel went through World War II and a massive fire. But that didn’t stop the hotel from opening again in 1945, offering heartfelt service and top-notch facilities to this day. Over the decades, it has played host to a string of well-known faces, including Albert Einstein, Michael Jackson, Franklin Roosevelt, and more. The stately hotel now provides three excellent restaurants and an opulent spa under its roof.
Tip from tour guide
Since you'll be staying at Unter den Linden, make sure to visit Neue Wache, only about six minutes away by car from this hotel. Stop by the Mother with her Dead Son sculpture by Käthe Kollwitz. The original sculpture, dating back to 1937/1938, was enlarged by Harald Haacke to be placed in the old Neue Wache building on Unter den Linden in 1993. On rare occasions, I visit the memorial with tourists on a rainy day. The effect of the rain on the mother is something I cannot miss myself, and together with my guests, I stop to observe and take a picture. The time of day also plays a significant role in the emotions the commemoration art at this place evokes in visitors. Request: Please do not step so close to the sculpture. I used zoom to take this picture.
3. SO/Berlin Das Stue (from USD 389)
High-end pricing with additional costs for amenities.
Cozy vibe, relaxing pool, spa, bike rental, and private access to the zoo.
Nestled in a quiet green street next to Tiergarten, with easy access to Kurfurstendam and public transportation.
Fabulous and generous breakfast, great restaurant, but some limitations and high prices.
Member of the Historic Hotels Worldwide, SO/ Berlin Das Stue’s story goes back to 1938 when it was a Royal Danish Embassy. In 1970, it was sold into supposedly what was to be public housing. However, the once palatial building fell into ruins due to neglect.
Luckily enough, in 1983, city officials made it into a massive office complex, which then became a training venue for the German Post Office. In 2009, it took a positive turnaround when it finally became a well-known hotel today.
The initial 1930s neoclassical structure is still intact, with only a trapezoid wing attached as a contemporary piece. With an elegant spa, swimming pool, and world-class restaurants, it’s no wonder why it’s an acclaimed 5-star hotel.
4. Rocco Forte Hotel De Rome (from USD 509)
Who would have ever thought to create a hotel out of a historic bank? The owner of Rocco Forte Hotel De Rome did. Up until 1945, it served as the headquarters of the Dresdner Bank. Now, this 5-star hotel blends its classic architecture with contemporary design.
Indulge yourself in the hotel spa and take a dip in the swimming pool at what once was the jewel vault. Walk through the old cashiers’ hall that’s now a grand ballroom, and take a rest in the original bank directors’ offices made into suites.
5. Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann (from USD 573)
Were you ever stuck choosing between privacy and proximity to the town center? Well, Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann offers both. This 5-star hotel is nestled in the posh locality of Grunewald, about a 20-minute drive away from downtown Berlin. Each individually decorated room offers stunning views of the garden.
It’s also the perfect haven for relaxation, as it offers a large indoor pool, Finnish sauna, and treatment room for decadent massages. Complete with a bar, Champagne Lounge, and restaurant, the hotel boasts excellent facilities. But Schlosshotel Berlin wasn’t always this way.
This Renaissance-style castle was famous for its lavish parties in 1911. It went through two world wars and became the Croatia embassy at one time. In 1951, its journey to becoming the prominent hotel as it’s known now started. The estate changed its name 5 times until it settled with Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann in 2015.
6. Hotel Oderberger (from USD 332)
Hotel Oderberger, which only opened its doors as a hotel in January 2016, is practically a baby in the world of hotels. The reason: it was initially a bathhouse in 1902. The Volksbadeanstalt (its original name) survived the war without extensive damage. But it couldn’t avoid closure in 1986 due to cracks on its floor. Thanks to its historical significance, the bathhouse was preserved in 1989.
After renovations and rebranding, this hotel officially opened with 70 luxurious rooms, 2 unique apartments, and 10 seminar rooms. Additionally, it has a cozy fireplace bar and a breakfast buffet prepared using regional produce, highly favored by visitors. Of course, the swimming pool and sauna are still the hotel’s highlights.
7. Hotel Zoo Berlin (from USD 215)
This 5-star hotel was formerly for a wealthy family in 1891, but not for long. Conversion for the structure to become an upscale hotel happened in 1911. By then, it was home to many prominent personalities and even became a VIP hotel in the 1950s. However, its popularity took a toll after the fall of Berlin and German reunification.
In 2014, it reopened combining historical architecture with modern design. This deluxe boutique hotel has lavishly decorated rooms, a speakeasy-style GRACE bar, and an exceptional restaurant. Also, the rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Berlin.
8. Hotel Tiergarten Berlin (from USD 120)
Hotel Tiergarten Berlin is a historic hotel, not only because it’s been a family business for over 30 years, but mainly due to its location. This 3-star hotel stands on a land highly favored by a king in the 16th-century. Two other kings succeeded the throne, and it was opened to the public and made into a park. After the second world war, the park received extensive damage, including many historical statues and figures.
Today, Hotel Tiergarten Berlin stands smack in a historical land only opposite the Kleiner Tiergarten. Tourists especially love its proximity to public transport and various boutiques and restaurants. The well-known hotel is also praiseworthy for its breakfast buffet that includes vegetarian dishes and an assortment of baked goodies.
9. Hotel Bristol Berlin (from USD 212)
Hotel Bristol Berlin dates back to the 1890s. It was one of the most prominent hotels in Berlin during the 19th century. Sadly, an air raid destroyed the hotel in 1944. And it was made into an embassy by the Soviet Union.
The structure became a famous hotel once more, boasting 246 refined rooms and 55 stately suites with exquisite attention to detail. Considered an event location by tourists and locals alike, the hotel has ideal venues for special occasions or meetings. Enjoy the mix of classic and modern together with quality service at Hotel Bristol Berlin.
10. Hotel-Pension Funk am Kurfürstendamm (from USD 101)
Reasonably priced with good value for money, especially for single rooms with shared bathrooms.
Charming Art Nouveau decor, historic building, quaint vintage vibe, and a unique old-timey feel.
Conveniently situated in central Berlin, close to transportation, posh shops, and central attractions.
Tasty and great value breakfast served in a beautiful dining room, with a hostel-type kitchen available.
Have you ever ventured into a famous actress’ mansion? Well, now you can at Hotel-Pension Funk am Kurfürstendamm. Once home to the renowned silent film actress Asta Nielsen, it’s now one of the historic hotels in Berlin. This lavish hotel incorporates the original Art Nouveau features of the 1895 mansion with modern facilities.
The traditional pension lies in a peaceful backstreet of the Kurfürstendamm, making it a convenient yet still relaxing place to stay. Before heading out to explore the nearby Charlottenburg district or Kurfürstendamm shopping street, fuel up with a hearty breakfast buffet. Berlin Zoological Garden is only a 15-minute walk away from the property.
Drift back in time in Berlin's historic hotels
Berlin is brimming with historical, cultural and recreational attractions. Stay in any of the above listed historic hotels, many of which date back to the 19th and early 20th-centuries, and have seen numerous famous guests pass through their doors.
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