In the trendy Mitte district of former East Berlin
Walking distance to Friedrichstrasse U-Bahn and S-Bahn
Design hotel with interiors by Philippe Starck
Chic contemporary rooms done up in earthy tones
Superior and Executive Rooms have balconies with city views
Wellness area with small fitness center and sauna
Trendy retro-look “Circus” bar lounge next to lobby
On-site meeting rooms with attached business lounge
Business corner with computers and connected printers
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Pet-friendly (fee)
Stained carpets in some rooms; limited storage space
Breakfast not included
Rooms' electric outlets inconveniently placed
No full restaurant or spa facilities
Tiny fitness center with only four machines
Built in 2014, the upscale glass-and-metal Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte sits where the famous Friedrichstrasse shopping street meets the Spree River in the Mitte district. Public areas at this Phillippe Starck-designed have a punchy look, and the 309 beige-toned guest rooms are subdued and stylish. Rooms are air-conditioned, and come with work desks, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi; some have balconies and terraces, and a Presidential Suite has a kitchenette with an espresso maker. Features are surprisingly few for a property of this category: There's no full restaurant, and the fitness center is tiny, but the bar lounge is retro-trendy, and the two meeting rooms have an attached business lounge. Rates are competitive, but other chain hotels like the Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz offer more features, such as an on-site restaurant, children's corner, and 24-hour snack and coffee shop.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
One of Berlin's newest design hotels
Built in 2014, Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte is one of the city's newest design hotels. Designed by Eike Becker Architects, the avant-garde, 10-story exterior has a glass-and-metal facade, which resembles a stack of windowed cubes with recessed balconies; the highest four stories taper into a tiered pyramid. The minimalist and streamlined interiors are by renowned designer Philippe Starck's Yoo design company. The red shiny floors and cubed shelving units showcasing contemporary sculptures are the first things guests see when entering the lobby. Other design accents, like the high-backed tufted sofas and armchairs, wire-frame floor lamps, and shimmery gold-laced chandeliers hanging over the reception counter make for a splashy look. Hallways are decked out in a pale gray, with large vintage photographs of Berlin streets in bright colors adorning the walls. Clientele is a mix of business travelers and tourists, including couples and families.
Location
In the trendy Mitte district of what was East Berlin, close to Friedrichstrasse Station
Located in the popular Mitte district of the former East Berlin (walking distance to Checkpoint Charlie) and close to the River Spree, Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte is within walking distance of Friedrichstrasse U-Bahn and S-Bahn station. The neighborhood is known for its many trendy restaurants, shops, and cafes. - Five-minute walk to Friedrichstrasse U-Bahn and S-Bahn station
Rooms
Stylish rooms in soft earthy tones ranging from Comfort Rooms to a Presidential Suites
Decorated in plush earth tones, the guest rooms evoke a sense of calm, with sand-colored accent walls, white lacquered furniture, tan curtains, and carpeting lined in wide taupe and brown stripes. Swivel chairs upholstered in cognac velour give a rich, retro touch. Open wardrobes are cleverly tucked into shelving units. Decorations are kept to a minimum, but wall-mounted, faceted lamps cast a sunburst pattern on the walls, and slender vases with white lilies adds a delicate touch. In contrast to the natural tones of the guest rooms, bathrooms are decked out in deep coral walls and brown tiles. White vessel sinks are set on gray granite sink tops, and the roomy walk-in showers are fitted with rainfall showerheads. Sea of Spa toiletries, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers are provided. All rooms are air-conditioned, and include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, kettles, mini-fridges (but no minibars), safes, and free drinking water.Measuring 193 square feet, standard Comfort Rooms can be cramped, especially for two people, but Superior and Executive Rooms are roomier, measuring 236 and 290 square feet, respectively. These rooms have terraces or balconies with views over the city's rooftops. The 925-square-foot Presidential Suite includes a separate living area, kitchenette with full-size fridge, stove-top, sink, Nespresso machine, cutlery, plates, and cookware. In addition to standard amenities, this suite adds a soaking tub, a sound system, trouser press, and a balcony furnished with lounge chairs.Past guests have pointed out a few notable sticking points: inconveniently placed electrical plugs, curtains that easily detach from their rods, and some stains on the carpeting. Also, rooms are tight on storage, and the open wardrobes are narrow.
Features
Buffet breakfast, wellness area with tiny fitness room and sauna, meeting facilities, free Wi-Fi
Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte misses a few of the features that are usually expected in an upscale hotel, such as a full-service restaurant. But breakfast is offered buffet-style in a spacious dining area; it includes hot and cold dishes, as well as fresh fruit, juice, tea, and coffee, but it's not included in the rates. The adjacent “Circus” lounge bar has a retro look with neon lighting, hanging lamps, and stylish sofas. A wellness area includes a sauna, and a tiny fitness center with only four machines: a treadmill, elliptical trainer, a stationary bike, and a bench press. There are two meeting rooms with a cozy attached business lounge furnished with lime-green modern sofas and colorful armchairs, a refreshment area, and attached balcony. The business center has four computers connected to printers. Other services include luggage storage, laundry and ironing, and room service. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
