The story of the Michelberger is closely intertwined with Berlin’s own development. Nadine and Tom Michelberger opened the hotel back in 2009, at a time when the city still felt noticeably rough around the edges. Their idea was not simply to create a place for guests to sleep, but a creative meeting point, somewhere locals and visitors alike would come for a conversation or a drink. In a sense, they built a hotel around a bar.
Today, many hotels claim to follow this concept, but few truly succeed. Often, it’s a matter of understanding the kind of energy a hotel lobby needs. The Michelbergers understood this from the very beginning – and still do. (How exactly they make it work remains a secret, because you cannot copy these things).
The listed building was constructed around 1905 as a light factory. People and employees used to live, produce and sell here A kind of blueprint for the Michelberger idea. Also the façade has been deliberately left unchanged, fitting perfectly into the rather gritty surroundings. Directly opposite are the entrances to the U-Bahn and S-Bahn at Warschauer Straße; around the corner you’ll find clubs, scene bars, and by now also gourmet restaurants, very much the Berlin version, meaning you can safely leave your jacket at home.
So what’s it like?
Excellent. Check-in takes place at the bar, where most guests first opt for a coffee – preferably outside in the courtyard during summer. You mingle with an international crowd, soak up the atmosphere, and only then make your way to your room. Along the way, you’ll discover extra spaces: a small cinema on the fifth floor of the rear building, or the ground-floor restaurant, where you may want to book a table for dinner straight away.
The rooms
Within the “Pretty Hôtels” universe, the Michelberger counts as one of the larger properties. There are currently more than 100 rooms, many of them entry-level categories with simple furnishings and very reasonable prices (think of €100 per night!). The suites on the fourth floor, by contrast, offer wonderful views; some feature freestanding bathtubs and fluid transitions between bathroom and living space. We stayed in one ourselves and can wholeheartedly recommend the experience.
The Hideouts
Particularly worth mentioning are the new Hideouts, designed by renowned architect Sigurd Larsen. These are cleverly interlocking wooden modules, some with bunk-style sleeping areas for children, plus practical and very well-equipped kitchenettes. One of the larger Hideouts even includes its own sauna. The idea is simple: those staying longer – or traveling with family – should also find a home at the Michelberger. We found it absolutely fantastic.
Bar & Restaurant
If you’re staying at the Michelberger and meeting someone from Berlin for a business conversation, there’s no real need to leave the hotel. As mentioned, the lobby is a popular meeting spot, especially in summer when the courtyard opens up. There are great drinks and small bites on offer. Naturally, we also tried the in-house restaurant, where breakfast is served as well (highly recommended). On the menu: baked Jerusalem artichoke with bergamot and lardo as a starter, or quark dumplings with brown butter, cabbage, and king oyster mushrooms, all made with ingredients from certified cultivation.
The Farm
Speaking of cultivation: the Michelberger family now runs more than just hotels, restaurants, and bars in Berlin. They also operate the Michelberger Farm, located about 1.5 hours southeast of the hotel. This is where much of the vegetables and salads used in their restaurants are grown. Guests can also stay there, plan a workation, join a retreat, or organize one with their company.
Location
At first glance, the Michelberger may seem a little far east, but its location is truly prime. Arriving via Berlin’s main station, you can hop on the S-Bahn and reach the hotel in just 12 minutes. Behind the building is the Uber Arena, which hosts many major concerts; several musicians have stayed at the hotel and even played small additional shows in the bar. Beyond that, the neighborhood has evolved into a true “it place,” with countless bars, restaurants, and even clubs just around the corner.
Rates
Single rooms (small, from approx. 12 sqm): around €100, Suites: around €230, Hideouts: around €380. Prices vary depending on availability and season.
Booking & Contacts
Michelberger Hotel
Warschauer Straße 39-40
10243 Berlin
Germany
