If you are looking for a funky hotel in Berlin then NHOW Berlin is the one for you. How many hotels do you come across with their own recording studios and themed lift – pop, rock, jazz and classical, the rock one even has a guitar for you to play inside it?
NHOW Berlin : Playing our Tune
The musical theme runs throughout the hotel, even the floor design in rooms represents musical sound waves. There is a concert on the stage in the extended lobby area on the first Saturday on every month, while at other times DJs spin their best, or local musicians play acoustic sets. Apparently, the bigger events can draw several hundred people. If you wish to play your own set then you need to chat to management beforehand, although I can’t imagine anyone stopping you if you just start jamming. The atmosphere at NHOW Berlin is most definitely chilled.
If the hotel has its own tune, then it would be the soundtrack to Pretty and Pink for pink is most definitely the colour at the NHOW Berlin. At times this can be a little overwhelming, but that is the nature of the hotel group, judged by my previous stay at the NHOW London.
Glorious Location
In addition to music, the other main attraction of the hotel is its wonderful location on the banks of the river Spree, a few minutes’ walk from the East Side Gallery tribute to the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
I arrive by train from Chemnitz, taking the S-Bahn from Berlin Hauptbanhof (Central Station) to Warschauer Strasse station, a ten-minute walk from NHOW Berlin. The airport is an hour away on the S7.
As my train arrives late, I opt for a few drinks in the riverside bar before having an early night, almost a crime in Berlin, as I have a busy schedule exploring how the German capital is constantly reinventing itself over the next few days.
I awake to discover my pink junior suite has the most incredible views along the river and up to Molecule Man a 30-metre high sculpture designed by American artist Jonathan Borofsky that appears as if it is walking on water. A five-minute walk across the river is Kreuzberg, one of the coolest parts of Berlin, with its wonderful streetart and the excellent plant-based, organic Happa restaurant where I am to dine that evening.
Healthy Breakfast
It is relaxing to wake up and see boats drifting along the river, the same views are offered from the spacious restaurant and bar, which is a great place to meet up with friends from the German capital. It is also where breakfast is served.
English breakfast might have international fame, but I much prefer the Germanic and Scandinavian versions. The breakfast at NHOW Berlin is excellent. Strong coffee is an option via the machine you now find in most quality hotels, and there is a range of juices, including a bloody Mary option for those guests who live a rock and roll lifestyle. However, my favourites are the range of breads and cheese on offer and the muesli, granola, fruit and yogurt mix which convinces me I am giving the day a healthy start.
Inevitably the breakfast soundtrack is excellent, and the same can be said of the service. Staff ensured the buffet was constantly stocked without being intrusive – I wasn’t even asked for my room key.
NHOW Berlin is an excellent choice for people looking for a longer stay in the German capital. In addition to its magnificent view, my junior suite had a spacious desk on which I could have worked if I had more spare time. The bed was enormous and comfortable, the bathroom had bath and shower options, both of which were excellent.
Fitness and Sauna
After a day exploring the Tempelhof region, easily reachable by S-Bahn, I returned to try out the hotel’s spa, which opens at 2pm and has a sauna, steam and solarium, as well as a room in which you can relax. It really did pick me up, although the spa cannot really compete with Vibali which I was to experience on my final day. However, such comparisons are odious. The spa at NHOW Berlin was certainly one of the best I have experienced in a city hotel.
There is also an ample fitness centre, which apparently can get crowded early morning, but was empty when I walked past it on the way to the sauna.
The hotel has a large terrace area which can be used for summer parties and in the winter turns into a Christmas market.
The Verdict
This is an excellent and quite unique hotel in a really cool area of town, ideal for music enthusiasts. Rooms are spacious with great views of the river, and the breakfast is excellent. Finally, if pink is not your colour don’t fret as there is another building where the rooms are decked out in blue. A good option especially if you have a few days in Berlin.
NHOW Berlin
Stralauer Allee 3, 10245 – Berlin
+49 (0)30 290 299 0
Website: click here.