Living Hotel Berlin Mitte by Derag

The Berlin Mitte outpost of the Derag Livinghotel brand is one of three in the city for the German company -- one of the others is situated directly across the street. Much smaller than its sister hotels, this six-story corner building houses just 58 rooms and features homier, more traditional decor. The lobby is decked out in dark wood wainscoting and large oil paintings with ornate gold frames, which also appear in the hallways. Behind the reception desk, individual cubbies house classic brass-fobbed keys. The reception area fades directly into a small bar and breakfast room, where wood paneled walls and faux-candle sconces and chandeliers are paired with benches and chairs upholstered in silky damask. Throughout, the look is hardly fashion-forward and could certainly read as dated to some. Großer Kurfürst across the street is more spacious, but this property has a cozier feel, making it more popular among tourists. 

The hotel is centrally located in Berlin’s popular Mitte district, situated right below Museum Island where the Spree River splits into the canal. The immediate block is mostly occupied by other hotels, but Berlin’s major attractions are in reach either on foot or by public transit in five to 20 minutes. The Märkisches Museum U-Bahn stop is almost directly outside, just two minute’s walk from the hotel’s front doors. Limited parking is available nearby, but it costs an extra fee and should be arranged in advance. 

• Five minutes to Alexanderplatz via public transit (15-minute walk)
• Eight-minute walk to Museum Island
• 11 minutes to Potsdamer Platz via public transit
• 12 minutes to Checkpoint Charlie via public transit (20-minute walk)
• 16 minutes to Brandenburg Gate via public transit
• 20 minutes to Berlin Central Station via public transit
• 22 minutes to the East Side Gallery via public transit
• 22 minutes to Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church via public transit
• 45 minutes to Tegal Airport via public transit
• 55 minutes to Berlin-Schönefeld Airport via public transit

On average, guest rooms at Derag Livinghotel Berlin Mitte feel warmer than those at the brand’s two sister hotels in Berlin, though they also tend to be smaller. Rooms may feature red or brown wall-to-wall carpeting, cream-colored striped walls, and dark wood accents that lend a traditional touch. Decor can feel a little predictable, and often dated depending on when it was last redone, but framed art on the walls offers a dash of individual style. Bathrooms may be white-tiled with combination showers and tubs, but in more updated rooms expect marbled walls, wood floors, and walk-in glass showers. 

The 58 guest accommodations at this property are split between rooms and studios or apartments, which include two bedroom apartments that can sleep up to four. Entry-level Business Single and Business Double Rooms lack kitchenettes, but still have electric kettles for coffee and tea and minibars stocked with free drinks (two bottles of beer and two bottles of water). They also have flat-screen TVs, safes, trouser presses, and free Wi-Fi, in addition to hairdryers and toiletries. Upgraded rooms and apartments add little kitchens or kitchenettes with sinks, burners, microwaves, and dishes. However, all lack AC, not entirely uncommon at Berlin properties. The smallest rooms start at just under 200 square feet -- acceptable for a city hotel, but not huge -- while two-bedroom apartments can be over 350 square feet. Rooms overlook the street or the canal. 

For a small city hotel, this Derag Livinghotel outpost offers guests a decent number of extras. There are no on-site wellness facilities, but Großer Kurfürst, the sister hotel right across the street, offers the use of its small gym and spa area (which has a sauna, steam bath, and plunge pool). On the premises, guests can choose an extra-fee buffet breakfast with table service for coffee and tea, served up in a charming, traditional breakfast room off the lobby. A small bar is attached to the reception desk and opened in the evenings, but many guests prefer the somewhat livelier bar in the lobby of Großer Kurfürst. For lunch and dinner, guests can eat at the Indian restaurant Shezan (while the restaurant is not owned by the hotel, it is attached directly to it with an internal entryway). In warmer months, the restaurant offers an outdoor terrace. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and staff offer concierge and room service.