Ein Prosit! Hotels Perfect for Celebrating Oktoberfest in Germany

If you can snag an invite to Käfer's Wies’n-Schänke (Germany's VIP beer tent) -- then Hotel Adlon Kempinski is your cup of tea lager. The 382-room hotel continues to attract an A-list clientele; this is where Michael Jackson infamously dangled his baby son from a balcony in 2002. It's an elegant, classic hotel with a rich history. Its predecessor was one of the most popular hotels in Europe through World War II, hosting guests such as Charlie Chaplin and Josephine Baker. The original building was demolished, but after the fall of the Berlin Wall, a building inspired by the original was built on the same location near the Brandenburg Gate.

The 303-room Ritz-Carlton, located near Postdamer Platz, is one of the most luxurious hotels in Berlin (in other words, don't get dropped off by a keg-equipped Bier Bike if you want to avoid stares). The roomsare gorgeous in a classically elegant way, featuring mahogany furniture, rich curtains, plush bedding, and massive marble bathrooms with separate soaking tubs and showers. Modern amenities include touch-screen controls and large flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi is available, but it comes with a pesky additional fee. The hotel has plenty of amenities, including a large spa, indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center. There are also several dining and drinking options on-site, along with 24-hour room service.

The 558-room InterContinental, in central Berlin, is a short walk from the famous Tiergarten, home to some of the best beer gardens in the world. Contemporary rooms have sophisticated decor, spacious bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and stocked minibars; some have great views of the gardens. The hotel has all of the amenities you'd expect from a big, upscale chain: an extensive spa, indoor pool, fitness center, and two restaurants (including one with a Michelin star).

We give this hotel prost (that's "cheers" in Bavarian) for its central location and friendly staff that always provide directions to the nearest beer garden. It's only a six-minute drive to Mitte district for bars and dance halls that are particularly lively during Oktoberfest. The Excelsior Hotel Berlin has 316 modern rooms featuring crisp white bedding, plush accents, and striking sepia photographs. This stylish property has an appealing lobby with flickering candles and the Franke Brasserie has a nice gas fireplace. With a cozy on-site bar, fitness room, sauna, and steam room, this hotel is packed with amenities.

After a long day at Neukölln’s Britz Garden, you'll enjoy kicking back your heels at the sleek Sir F.K. Savigny Hotel in Charlottenburg. But with only has 45 rooms, guests must book early. The vibe is ultra-modern, with a black and white motif, complete with flowing white curtains and striking black and white photographs. This hotel offers great amenities such as free Wi-Fi, minibars stocked with beer (yay!) and soft drinks, and Nespresso machines. Bright rooms get excellent natural night and have big flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. An attractive garden with tables and chairs is located out back of the 19th-century building, and some rooms have private balconies. While bathrooms lack complete privacy and some guests consider the breakfast too expensive, this is a great pick for design, location, and freebies.

The Michelberger Hotel is a trendy, budget-friendly option set in a former warehouse in the Friedrichshain neighborhood. Close proximity to some hot nightclubs and pubs is a definite plus, particularly during Oktoberfest. Most of the 119 rooms have spare, modern decor; the exception is the Gold Room, which is decked out in an opulent, romantic style. Some of the rooms have exposed cement, big windows, and open showers, while others have bunk beds and can accommodate larger groups.


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