Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie

Low lighting, warm color tones, and a modern style make for a romantic atmosphere at the Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie. The black-marble front desk is the first telltale sign of the property's sophisticated style. It's complemented by trendy art pieces and photographs, and there are multiple sitting areas with plush couches and armchairs on Greek key-patterned rugs in the lobby. However, it’s the inner courtyard that’s the most attractive feature, especially for those wanting to share a drink in the evenings. Stone walkways, preened plants, and small tables are lit by large square floor lights and lampposts shaped like giant desk lamps. Like the rest of the hotel, the restaurant has an intimate vibe, with low lighting, round leather booths, and tables with candles in glass fishbowls. Guests tend to be vacationing couples attracted to the spacious apartments and indoor pool, although it's also a good option for long-term business guests. 

The hotel is located in the Mitte district of Berlin, a region that’s dotted with notable attractions and has good access to public transportation. There are plenty of dining options on surrounding streets and a Lidl grocery store across the street for those wanting to take advantage of the in-room kitchens. Checkpoint Charlie, the infamous checkpoint between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, is an eight-minute walk away. Hop-On Hop-Off buses also stop here. It’s 12 minutes on foot to reach Friedrichstrasse, a major shopping thoroughfare. The historic Gendarmenmarkt square -- a great place to try authentic German food -- is a seven-minute walk. Though the hotel is somewhat in central Berlin, attractions such as Tiergarten or Brandenburg Gate are best reached by metro. The closest station is Stadtmitte, a six-minute walk away. Berlin Tegel Airport takes 25 minutes by car to reach.

The hotel’s 127 apartment-style rooms are decorated in neutral color schemes with warm hints. The largely gray palate in the carpets, couches, and bed runners is complemented by warmer hues in the form of orange curtains and red abstract paintings. These air-conditioned apartments are far more spacious than the typical hotel rooms in Europe and come in studio, one-, and two-bedroom configurations. Studios have kitchenettes with microwaves, stoves, coffeemakers, refrigerators stocked with drinks, and dishwashers, while kitchens in the one and two-bedroom apartments have the added luxuries of ovens and freezers. All units come with washers and dryers and flat-screen TVs. While Wi-Fi is available, it costs extra. Some rooms have balconies with views of nearby construction, and some past guests report issues of disruptive noise. Others have views of the inner courtyard. The white and brown-tiled bathrooms are comfortably spacious and have shower/tub combos or walk-in showers. Toiletries and hairdryers are also provided. Some of the hotel's policies might discourage families from staying here, with additional fees for children under 12, baby cots, and sheets or bedding for the sofa beds.

One of the best features of the hotel is its heated indoor pool, which is uncharacteristically long and directly beneath a lovely skylight. There's also a hot tub and a sauna, plus an adjacent fitness center that’s well-equipped with multiple cardio machines, free weights, and a few weight-lifting machines. For dining, Alto Restaurant and Bar serves Australian-influenced dishes, but note that lunch is only offered on arrangement to groups or conference meetings. Breakfast is available for a fee and dinner as open to all; there's also room service, but the hours are limited. A public computer and five fully equipped meeting rooms are nice business amenities, plus there’s free Wi-Fi in the lobby and restaurant. Parking is available in an underground garage, for a fee. Families should note that there's fees for children under 12, baby cots, and bedding for the sofa beds.