i31 Hotel Berlin

The Scene

Named for its address, i31 Hotel Berlin may not be the home of Berlin’s flashiest landmarks, but you’ll be in fantastic company with cultural sights like the Natural History Museum and beautiful parks like the Invalidenpark. There’s cafes, restaurants, and bars to satisfy your cravings at all hours and shops aplenty. You’ll find plenty of transportation nearby to whisk you away to the top sights of Mitte and Nordbanhof, one of Berlin’s main hubs, is a 5 minute walk away from the hotel. Berlin is a big city, though---and the quieter location can be a real boon for relaxation. If you’re interested in history, check in with the concierge or front desk and ask for a map of the Berlin Wall Trail; there are very important sites not far from i31 Hotel like the Invalidenstraße crossing.

The Concept

i31 Hotel Berlin blends what you really need in a hotel---comfort and great location---with what you really want---laid-back style and modern amenities. The whole atmosphere is very open and come-as-you-are rather than overly kitsch or high design. Unwind at the bar from morning til evening, shifting from a delectable light breakfast to drinks with a DJ; in between, laze in the beautiful courtyard and garden. There are plenty of lounge chairs in which to sit down and stay a while---feel free to bring out your coffee! The wood-paneled sauna is an extremely welcome addition for the heat-seekers when the weather is not conducive to spending time in the lovely outdoor garden, and the fitness center is the perfect size for a quick workout.

The Look

Neutrals abound in cool modern style. Three schemes define the rooms: pure, white, and brown. Pure rooms are comfortably bright with bright chartreuse accents while white rooms feature calming greys and light purples; brown rooms envelop you in the coziness and warmth that the color naturally brings without being overbearing. Texture is also key here since the palette is (deliberately) limited; look for subtly patterned walls and lush fabrics (especially on the sofas) to bring balance to the neutral color scheme. Details are really the icing on the cake---you’ll find generously large umbrellas tucked into a neat stand near the door, free Internet, air conditioning, Molton Brown toiletries, and complimentary soft drinks in the minibar.

In Short

All too often hotels get wrapped up in themselves and offer far too many facilities and amenities that travelers simply don’t have time to appreciate. i31 Hotel Berlin pares itself down to suit travelers---not the other way round---and makes itself a haven of cool comfort.