The Place
Berlin’s friendliest hotel, we think, and as if to justify our claim, its guests recently voted Hecker’s Hotel the city’s most welcoming hotel. This is why, despite its six floors and 69 rooms, we continue to list it – as a charming middle-sized hotel. You can’t miss the impressive glass-walled reception and lobby off Grolmanstrasse. During the 1990s the building was remodelled (the old part, with the biggests rooms, is at the back) and today, every room, from ground floor reception to sixth floor Bauhaus suite, is a tribute to 20thC interior design. The three themed suites are the highlight: you can spend a night in a faux Tuscan villa or African safari lodge.
Hecker’s is a first-class hotel with spacious bedrooms beautifully designed in a classic style or contemporary, all with a desk and an internet port, a sitting area and a sumptuous bathroom. The lobby, dramatically lit and hung with contemporary art, is for breakfasts, snacks, drinks and nightcaps. For lunch and dinner you visit Cassambalis Restaurant, which offers an appealing menu of Greek, Cypriot and Italian favourites, from calamares and beef carpaccio with rocket salad to gnocchi and risotto.
Despite its size, the best thing about Hecker’s is that it is still able to maintain its friendly, relaxed atmosphere and a highly attentive, personalised service.