If you’re looking for an atmospheric stay with a standout dining experience, this stylish hotel in the heart of Berlin is made for you
Location
Located in Mitte, the centre of Berlin, Hotel Telegraphenamt is the perfect place from which to explore everything the city has to offer. Stylish restaurants, hidden bars, low-key coffee shops, arty bookshops, vintage stores, galleries and museums are all within walking distance or a boat ride away on the Spree River (which is around a five-minute walk from the hotel).
The nearest subway is Oranieburger Tor (a seven-minute walk away). Berlin Brandenburg Airport is a 45-minute taxi ride, depending on traffic, at a cost of around £50 to £60.
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The vibe
Upon entering, the hotel feels akin to a grand, urban member’s club. High ceilings and exposed brickwork give it industrial grandeur, softened by deep lounge seating and warm lighting.
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The former telegraph office opened in 1916 and was the centre of Berlin’s telegram network. The designers took inspiration from early 20th-century Berlin design, blending Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Bauhaus influences with more modern pieces to create the hotel’s current look.
Service
This is a very friendly hotel – something that I felt keenly as I was travelling alone during my visit. The reception team, and every staff member I met, were warm, professional and genuinely willing to help.
Bed and bath
I stayed in a “Cosy City” room, which offered an elegant mix of heritage and modern design, decorated in soft neutral tones, offset with warm wood finishes and soft lighting to create a calm, peaceful atmosphere.
The bathrooms are hidden behind sliding doors befitting of a Marlene Dietrich entrance, and are sleek and modern with a walk-in shower. The stone and dark fittings create a stylish contrast to the softer-feeling bedrooms.
At the other end of the scale, the top suites – Graham Residence and Mabel’s Place – are less like hotel rooms and more like private city apartments. The design is consistent with the rest of the hotel but elevated. The bathrooms are larger, with walk-in showers and a free-standing bath.
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Food and drink
Food and drink are a serious part of the Hotel Telegraphenamt offering. The main restaurant is Root. Located in the building’s former courtyard, it has kept an airy outdoor vibe with high ceilings, a glass roof and many, many plants. Breakfast is served here from 7am to 11am. It’s a beautiful spread of fresh bread, pastries, fruit, cheeses, granola, yoghurts and cooked dishes.
I ordered eggs royale, served on a slice of toasted brioche. The salmon was stacked up at least a centimetre thick, the poached eggs oozed satisfyingly and were served with rich hollandaise sauce. The menu is modern European with great options for vegetarian and vegan diners; gluten-free guests are also well catered for.
Lunch options include wild herb salad with organic tofu, teriyaki and wasabi sesame dressing.
Petit Bijou (an external dining destination managed by the hotel) is just a three-minute walk away and overlooks the Spree River. It offers al fresco dining as well as chic, bookish interiors.
Dieselhaus (also a hotel-owned restaurant off-site) serves traditional German food and the interior has a similar industrial character to the hotel, but is more relaxed.
I tried the Gutshof Weng ham platter and the rich obatzda (ripe Camembert mixed with butter). The Braumeister goulash is comfort food at its best, while the buttery macaroni cheese pairs well with richer dishes.
Facilities
There is a state-of-the-art gym, which is perhaps among the most comprehensive I’ve ever seen in a hotel. It’s a huge space offering classes, gong baths, and personal training sessions (at around £105). Psychological counselling and diagnostic analysis provide insight into your performance, health and recovery (starting at €65 or £56). Opening hours are 7am to 10pm.
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Disability access
The hotel offers seven adapted rooms and barrier-free access in the public areas. There are lifts throughout the building.
Pet policy
Dogs are welcome at the hotel. An additional fee of £43 per pet, per stay applies. Availability may depend on your chosen room category.
Check-in/check-out?
Check-in is from 3pm; check-out is 12pm.
Family-friendly?
The hotel is best suited to adults, though cribs can be added to rooms for infants and there is a children’s menu at Dieselhaus restaurant.
At a glance
Best thing: The industrial and edgy interiors.
Perfect for: Anyone who wants to be in the centre of Berlin and to explore the city’s museums.
Instagram from: The beautifully dramatic lobby.
Not right for: Those who prefer a quieter location.
Caroline was a guest of Hotel Telegraphenamt
Address: Telegraphenamt, Monbijoustr. 11, 10117 Berlin
Phone: +49 (0)30 994 05 90
Website: telegraphenamt.com
