25Hours Hotel Bikini Berlin

The Scene

25Hours Hotel Bikini occupies an uncommonly great location in central Berlin. To its south, the city sprawls out behind the jagged spire of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church; to its north, Zoo Berlin and the Tiergarten provide a leafy refuge for animals of all kinds (the hotel in fact looks onto the monkey enclosure). It’s up to you to decide where to go. West Berlin is filled to the brim with quintessential Berlin landmarks and shopping. Stay on the move with free bike rental…or how about a free MINI rental? At 25Hours Hotel Bikini, this is a real option.

The Concept

Turning the concept inside out, 25Hours Hotel Bikini is quite literally an urban jungle. Hammocks abound from “Bikini Island” (involving the Work Lab, sofa area, and DJ corner where someone spins live most nights) to the Jungle rooms (which just so happen to overlook the Tiergarten and zoo). The sheer amount of things to do in this hotel may invoke the feeling of untamed wilderness, but we promise this hotel is quite well-behaved. Surprisingly few shenanigans but plenty of great drinks hang out at the Monkey Bar right next to NENI---a “culinary mosaic” of flavors from Russia to Turkey and everywhere in between. The rooftop terrace surrounds both of these, giving you the most varied 360 view of Berlin. The Jungle sauna on the 9th floor (American 10th) offers peace and rest throughout whether you want to unwind in the dry sauna, work it out in the fitness center, or play with a water hose (really).

The Look

Life and color are the two trademarks of 25Hours Hotel Bikini’s style that rejuvenates the often sleepy area in between Tiergarten and West Berlin. Live leafy plants are used liberally throughout the hotel---including in the rooms---and it’s a breath of fresh air (pun intended). The view you choose determines details of the room. Jungle rooms have a hammock that swings gently in front of your view over the Tiergarten and Zoo and feature natural materials; Urban rooms are a little edgier with more concrete (and sans hammock). Aside from views, the real differences manifest themselves in size and amenities: large rooms (L) come with king size beds, a bike inside your room, plus a rainshower and bathtub. But you won’t forget that this building used to be industrial; ceilings are often left deliberately unfinished and the walk down the corridor to the rooms is eerily reminiscent of a dark sidewalk at night (rest assured---it’s naturally safe and a very cool effect).

In Short

25Hours Hotel Bikini injects vibrancy and sheer joie de vivre back into this sleepy corner of Berlin. Spend the night together with Berlin’s new kid on the block (and the stuffed monkey in your room).