Gay Berlin Berlin City Guide

Trying to sum up a city as diverse as Berlin in one paragraph seems like an effort in futility. Not many places have gone through such a turbulent period of history as Berlin has done in the past century, reminders of which can still be seen today in the bullet hole-ridden façades of Mitte or the remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall. When the sun goes down, the laidback character of the city gives way to a hedonistic, non-stop nightlife that is second to none. Hearing a call for last orders is rare, and it’s one of few places where you could conceivably enter a club on a Friday night and re-emerge Monday morning. Perhaps what makes Berlin so fascinating to explore though is that each district is like a town in itself, all of which exhibit their own style and quirks. Although forming stark contrasts, these idiosyncrasies complement each other and combine to form one of the most vibrant, exciting cities in the world. Looking for the ultimate Berlin gay guide? Mr Hudson has got you covered.

The best hotels in Berlin

Tucked away in the trendy district of Prenzlauer Berg is a hotel of two halves, Ackselhaus & Blue Home. Ackselhaus is the more eclectic of the two, featuring thirteen creatively-themed rooms that range from the bold colours of ‘Picasso’ to the reserved elegance of ‘Cairo’. Its sibling next door, Blue Home, is a more typical boutique hotel, but one that evokes a sense of tranquillity by virtue of its soothing colour palettes and carefully selected furnishings.

At the other end of the stylistic spectrum, you have the exuberant Hotel Zoo Berlin, which was flush with film stars and celebrities during the fifties. Its most recent renovation encapsulates the glitz and glamour of this decadent past, combining it with animal motifs—a nod to nearby Berlin Zoo. Each of the 131 rooms and 14 suites is unique in design and layout, with many boasting alluring features such as freestanding bathtubs and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Mandala Hotel is a 5-star hotel that exudes luxury. Centrally located at Potsdamer Platz, it puts you within walking distance of sights such as the Brandenburg Gate. Here you can expect rooms that are both opulent and spacious (and even the smallest rooms, at 40m2, have suite-like qualities). The indulgent experience of this elegant establishment is rounded off with the sensuous ONO Spa and the fine dining of restaurant FACIL. Boasting two Michelin stars, it’s one of Germany’s best restaurants. Not only does it serve exquisite food, but the interior is equally stunning, with glass walls that overlook a bamboo garden and a glass roof that retracts during summer.

Positioned on the edge of Berlin’s biggest and arguably most beautiful park, Tiergarten, the 5-star Das Stue offers stylish accommodation in a gorgeous building that was once the Royal Danish Embassy. It features interiors designed by the world-renowned Patricia Urquiola and provides Michelin-starred cuisine courtesy of Cinco restaurant.