Hotel Berlin Berlin: Gay-Friendly Stay in the Heart of Schöneberg

🔥 Sights, Flights & Boyfriends HOTEL RATING: 4/5 👨‍🤝‍👨👨‍🤝‍👨👨‍🤝‍👨👨‍🤝‍👨

Modern, Central, Reliably Comfortable & Smart

Why Hotel Berlin Berlin Caught Our Attention
Our Story: Ten Years of Berlin, Finally at Hotel Berlin Berlin
The Location: Schöneberg Convenience
The Rooms: Space, Style & Modern Quirks
Hotel Amenities: What You Actually Get
Breakfast & Dining: The Underwhelming Truth
Gay-Friendly Vibes & LGBTQ+ Safety
Nearby Restaurants, Bars & Convenience
Value for Money: Is It Worth It?
Who Should Stay Here
FAQ
Quick Stay Guide
Final Thoughts

Why Hotel Berlin Berlin Caught Our Attention

After ten years of visiting Berlin, we've learnt that location matters more than fancy amenities. Hotel Berlin, Berlin sits near Nollendorfplatz, right in the heart of the city's gay scene, with quick U-Bahn access to almost everywhere that matters. That central location alone makes it one of the best gay-friendly hotels in Berlin for couples planning a city break.

This is a modern, practical hotel that gets you where you need to go and offers genuinely spacious rooms — especially if you’ve got Radisson Rewards status (and if you’re not a member, it’s definitely worth signing up and earning points).

We’ve stayed at Hotel Berlin, Berlin many times over the years, often when attending events around Nollendorfplatz, one of the city’s most famous LGBTQ+ areas. During our most recent Berlin trip, we spent five nights at this super gay-friendly hotel and used it as our base for exploring the city.

Our Story: Ten Years of Berlin

We've been visiting Berlin for well over a decade. The first time was for Berlin Pride 2015, staying in a tiny budget place in Friedrichshain with no air conditioning during a heatwave. We’ve tried countless hotels since then, but few balance comfort, price and location quite like Hotel Berlin, Berlin.

The hotel recently went through a stylish renovation — the rooms look smart and modern — though they’ve also introduced slightly annoying self check-in kiosks (don’t worry, you can still find a real person to help; they’re just tucked away in a side room).

Our suite upgrade helped smooth the experience. We dropped our bags and headed straight for Nollendorfplatz, grabbing drinks at a David & David café (highly recommended for their cakes and sandwiches). That’s Hotel Berlin, Berlin in a nutshell: but perfectly placed for everything that really matters.

The Location: Schöneberg Convenience

Hotel Berlin, Berlin sits near Nollendorfplatz, which is genuinely brilliant for LGBTQ+ travellers. You're in Schöneberg, Berlin's historic gay neighbourhood, with queer bars, cafés, and clubs within a five to ten-minute walk. The location also connects you to the U-Bahn network via multiple lines, making everything from Museum Island to Checkpoint Charlie ridiculously easy to reach.

Getting Around from Hotel Berlin, Berlin

The hotel is positioned on Lützowplatz, about 500 metres from Nollendorfplatz U-Bahn station (U1, U2, U3, U4 lines). That's roughly a six-minute walk, which we managed even after several rounds at Connection Club. You can reach:

Brandenburg Gate: 15 minutes via U2
Alexanderplatz: 20 minutes via U2
Checkpoint Charlie: 12 minutes via U2 and U6
East Side Gallery: 30 minutes via U1 and U5

We never bothered with taxis during our stay. The U-Bahn runs frequently, it's cheap (€3 per journey or €9 for a day pass), and stations are clean and safe, even late at night (perfect for gettig back from KitKat or Berghain)

The Gay Scene on Your Doorstep

This is where Hotel Berlin Berlin really earns points. Within walking distance, you've got:

Boyberry Berlin Bar (5-minute walk): (Although it'll always be Tom's bar to us!) Legendary cruise bar, not for the faint-hearted
Connection Club (7-minute walk): (Closed at the moment but will hopefully reopen soon!) Multi-floor club with different vibes per level
Prinknash (6-minute walk): Awesomem busy bar that's perfect for pre-club drinks and making friends!
Hafen (9-minute walk): Popular cruise bar with a more relaxed atmosphere

The concentration of venues means you can easily bar-hop without taxis or public transport. That's the Schöneberg energy—welcoming, unpretentious, and refreshingly drama-free.

Read more about our Berlin Pride 2025 experience for insights into the city's LGBTQ+ scene beyond Schöneberg.

The Rooms: Space, Style & Modern Quirks

Here's where Hotel Berlin, Berlin genuinely delivers: the rooms are big. Not "big for Berlin" big—actually spacious, with room to spread out your luggage without playing Tetris every time you need a clean pair of tiny shorts.

Room Categories at Hotel Berlin Berlin

The hotel offers six room types, ranging from compact solo options to sprawling suites:

Individual: 16m² (cosy single traveller room)
Cosy Small: 17m² (compact but functional)
Standard, Superior & Family: 20m²+ (comfortable for couples)
Premium & Premium Family: 32m²+ (adds seating areas)
Suites: 32m² to 95m² (separate living spaces, some with balconies)

We stayed in a suite thanks to our Radisson Rewards VIP status. The standard practice: book a basic room, get upgraded automatically. Our suite measured roughly 40m² with a separate bedroom, a proper living area with a sofa and desk, and enough storage to unpack completely (which we never do, but the option existed).

What We Actually Liked

The rainfall shower was brilliant—proper pressure, consistently hot water, and enough space that we didn't bang elbows while getting ready for dinner. The bed was firm but comfortable (we prefer firm), and the blackout curtains actually worked, which matters when you're stumbling in at 4am from Berghain.

Soundproofing proved decent. We heard occasional hallway conversations but nothing disruptive. Request a room on the courtyard side or higher floors if you're sensitive to street noise—Lützowplatz can get lively on weekend nights.

Room Amenities That Matter

Each room includes:

Mini fridge (empty—bring your own drinks)
In-room safe (actually big enough for laptops)
Flat-screen TV with streaming options
Desk with power outlets and USB ports
Complimentary Wi-Fi (fast enough for video calls)
Coffee and tea facilities (Nespresso machine in suites)
Rainfall shower with eco-friendly toiletries
Air conditioning (essential for summer visits)

The suites add extra perks: separate living (great from those pre-parties) and sleeping areas, balconies in some rooms, dining tables, and more elaborate seating arrangements. If you're planning to work remotely or spend downtime in your room, the suite upgrade makes a difference.

The Quirky Design Elements

Hotel Berlin, Berlin leans into that "quirky Berlin" aesthetic—bold colour accents, geometric patterns, and artwork that ranges from interesting to "why is there a neon sign saying 'Dream' above the bed?" It works, mostly.

Hotel Amenities: What You Actually Get

Hotel Berlin, Berlin spans over 500 rooms, which means busy breakfast times!

Common Areas

The lobby bar stays open until late, serving decent cocktails, beers, wines and a limited food menu, and next to the bar, there's a small shop selling snacks, toiletries, and drinks. As mentioned, it's expensive. A bag of crisps costs €3, bottled water €4, and basic toiletries (toothpaste, razors) are marked up significantly. Use it for emergencies only.

Gym & Sauna

The hotel includes a gym and sauna, though opening hours are limited:

Opening Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 18:00 - 23:00
Friday - Sunday + holidays: 15:00 - 23:00

The gym is compact but functional, with cardio equipment (treadmills, bikes) and basic weights (not that we have used them). Nothing fancy, but enough for maintaining your routine. The sauna is a nice addition, especially after a long day exploring the city or a late night out.

Breakfast & Dining: The Underwhelming Truth

Let's address the elephant in the breakfast room: the morning spread at Hotel Berlin Berlin doesn't justify the €22 per person price tag.

What You'll Find at Breakfast

The buffet covers the basics:

Continental options (bread, pastries, cold cuts, cheese)
Hot items (scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon—all varying in quality)
Fresh fruit (limited selection, often just melon, grapes, and oranges)
Yoghurt and cereals
Coffee, tea, and juices

Nothing offensive, but nothing memorable. The coffee tastes like standard hotel coffee (weak, slightly bitter), and the pastries lack the fresh-baked quality you'd expect in Germany. We ended up skipping hotel breakfast after the first morning and walking five minutes to Café Berio on Maaßenstraße for proper cappuccinos and croissants.

💰 COST BREAKDOWN: If you're paying for breakfast, it's €22 per person. That's €44 for a couple—nearly the cost of a nice dinner at a mid-range restaurant. Skip it unless it's incluced and save the money, explore local cafés instead.

Dining Alternatives Near the Hotel

Berlin's Schöneberg neighbourhood offers brilliant breakfast and brunch spots within walking distance:

Café Berio: Excellent coffee, Italian-style pastries, €8-12 for breakfast
Tomasa: Popular brunch spot, expect queues on weekends, €15-18 for full brunch
Joseph-Roth-Diele: Traditional German breakfast, Eisbein if you're adventurous, €10-14

We loved Tomasa for weekend brunch—fresh juices, generous portions, and a lively atmosphere that felt quintessentially Berlin. Book ahead or arrive before 10am to avoid the rush.

Gay-Friendly Vibes & LGBTQ+ Safety

Berlin ranks among the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in Europe, and Hotel Berlin Berlin reflects that welcoming attitude. Staff showed zero hesitation when we checked in as a couple (once we got past that bloody self-check-in machine), and we experienced no uncomfortable moments throughout our stay.

Is Berlin Safe for Gay Couples?

Yes. Germany's LGBTQ+ rights protections are strong, same-sex marriage is legal in Germany, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal. The city's gay scene has been thriving since the 1920s (interrupted by darker periods, obviously), and today's Berlin celebrates queer culture very, very openly.

That said, context matters. Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, and Neukölln are overwhelmingly welcoming. You'll see same-sex couples holding hands, kissing at cafés, and generally existing without incident. We never felt uncomfortable showing affection in public around Hotel Berlin Berlin.

Practical Safety Considerations

Berlin is safe, but it's still a major city. Standard urban awareness applies:

Late-night U-Bahn travel is generally safe, but stick to populated areas
Avoid empty train carriages at 3am—sit near other passengers or the driver's carriage
Keep valuables secure in crowded areas (tourist spots, busy markets)
Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is

We've walked (OK, staggered) and Lime scootered home from clubs at all hours without incident, but we stay alert, stick to well-lit streets, and avoid confrontations with drunk groups. Common sense goes a long way.

LGBTQ+ Resources in Berlin

If you need support or information during your visit:

Mann-O-Meter: Berlin's oldest gay counselling centre (Bülowstraße 106)
Siegessäule: Free LGBTQ+ magazine with event listings (available at cafés and bars)
Schwuz: Community centre and club space (Rollbergstraße 26)

Berlin Pride (CSD Berlin) takes place annually in July, attracting over a million participants. Read our full Berlin Pride 2025 guide for tips on navigating the celebrations.

Nearby Restaurants, Bars & Convenience

One of Hotel Berlin Berlin's strongest selling points is the neighbourhood. Within a 10-minute walk, you've got everything from Michelin-recommended restaurants to late-night döner shops and LGBTQ+ nightlife.

🍽️ Where to Eat Near Hotel Berlin Berlin

Renger-Patzsch (6-minute walk)

German cuisine with a modern twist, seasonal menu
We shared the Brandenburg duck and potato rösti—perfectly cooked, generous portions
€60-80 for two with wine, reservations essential
Perfect for: Romantic dinners, celebrating special occasions

Trattoria Paparazzi (8-minute walk)

Unpretentious Italian, massive portions, buzzing atmosphere
The spaghetti alle vongole was excellent, and the tiramisu is enormous
€40-50 for two with wine, walk-ins usually fine
Perfect for: Casual dinners, carb-loading before clubbing

Dolores (10-minute walk)

Berlin's answer to Chipotle, build-your-own burritos and bowls
Fast, filling, flavourful—ideal for quick lunches
€10-12 per person, no reservations needed
Perfect for: Lunch on the go, budget-friendly meals

Curry 36 (12-minute walk)

Legendary currywurst stand, Berlin institution since 1981
The currywurst with chips is mandatory at least once per trip
€5-7 per person, expect queues (they move fast)
Perfect for: Late-night munchies, authentic Berlin experience

🍹 LGBTQ+ Bars & Clubs Nearby

Connection Club (7-minute walk)

Multi-floor gay club, different music on each level
Four floors ranging from house music to darker fetish spaces
€10-15 cover, drinks €5-8
Vibe: Energetic, diverse crowd, stays open until dawn

Boyberry Berlin ~~Tom's Bar~~ (5-minute walk)

Cruise bar, not for everyone, very Berlin
We didn't stay long (not our scene), but it's legendary for a reason
No cover, drinks €5-7
Vibe: Unapologetically sexual, men-only, dress code enforced

Prinknash (6-minute walk)

Cosy cocktail bar, LGBTQ+-friendly, intimate atmosphere
The bartender crafted custom cocktails based on our preferences—brilliant service
€10-14 per cocktail, reservations recommended for weekends
Vibe: Sophisticated, romantic, ideal for date nights

Hafen (9-minute walk)

Popular cruise bar with a more relaxed vibe than Tom's
Mixed crowd, less intense dress code
No cover, drinks €5-8
Vibe: Friendly, cruisy but approachable

Berlin Metropol (6-minute walk)
Historic LGBTQ+ club dating back to the 1970s, once a cornerstone of Berlin’s gay nightlife
Now renovated into a modern event venue that still hosts queer parties and performances
Entry varies depending on the event (€10–20), drinks €6–9
Vibe: Nostalgic yet modern — a piece of queer history reborn

Blond Cocktail Bar (7-minute walk)
Sleek LGBTQ+-friendly cocktail bar known for its creative drinks and good-looking crowd
Excellent service; the bartenders actually ask what flavours you like before mixing
Cocktails €10–14, reservations recommended on weekends
Vibe: Sophisticated, flirty, and perfect for a date night or relaxed start to the evening

🛒 Convenience Shopping

Lidl (5-minute walk, Bülowstraße)

Stock up on drinks, snacks, and breakfast items
Open daily, including Sundays (limited hours)

Netto (7-minute walk, Winterfeldtstraße)

Another budget supermarket option
Slightly better selection than Lidl, similar prices

Rossmann (6-minute walk, Nollendorfplatz)

Drugstore for toiletries, cosmetics, and basics
Open late most days

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

This question depends entirely on whether you've got Radisson Rewards status. Without it, Hotel Berlin Berlin feels overpriced for what you get. With it, the value proposition shifts significantly.

Pricing Reality

Standard room rates typically range from €120-180 per night, depending on season and availability. Suites start around €200-250 per night. For that price, you're paying primarily for location and space—not luxury amenities, exceptional service, or memorable dining.

Comparable hotels in Schöneberg (Motel One Ku'damm, NH Berlin Kurfürstendamm) offer similar convenience for €90-130 per night, though with smaller rooms and fewer frills.

The Radisson Rewards Factor

We booked a standard room for €70 per night and got upgraded to a suite worth €220+ per night. We also received complimentary breakfast and late checkout until 2pm. Those perks made the stay feel like genuinely good value.

If you're not part of the Radisson loyalty programme, [joining is free and worth considering] (https://sightsflightsandbfs.blog/blog/berlin-pride-2025) if you travel regularly.

What You're Really Paying For

Prime Schöneberg location (worth it)
Spacious rooms (rare in Berlin)
Reliable U-Bahn connectivity (essential)
LGBTQ+-friendly neighbourhood (priceless)
Modern, recently renovated interiors (nice but not necessary)

What you're not getting:

Exceptional service (it's adequate, not memorable)
Outstanding dining (breakfast is skippable)
Luxury touches (it's comfortable, not indulgent)
Unique character (it feels like a nice chain hotel)

Our Verdict on Value

With Radisson status: 4/5—worth it for the upgrades and location
Without status: 3/5—decent but overpriced for what you receive

Who Should Stay Here

Hotel Berlin, Berlin works brilliantly for specific traveller types and falls short for others. Here's who'll appreciate it most:

✅ Perfect For:

Gay couples wanting easy access to nightlife: You're 5-10 minutes from Berlin's best LGBTQ+ venues
First-time visitors to Berlin: Central location simplifies navigation
Radisson loyalty members: Upgrades and perks make it excellent value
Business travellers: Desk space, fast Wi-Fi, conference facilities
Couples prioritising space: Rooms are genuinely spacious

❌ Skip If:

You want boutique character: This is a modern chain hotel, not a design hideaway
Budget is tight: Better value exists elsewhere in Berlin

FAQ

Is Hotel Berlin Berlin actually gay-friendly?

Yes. The staff showed zero hesitation about us being a couple, and the location puts you right in Schöneberg, Berlin's historic gay neighbourhood. We experienced no uncomfortable moments throughout our stay.

How far is Hotel Berlin Berlin from Berlin's main attractions?

The U-Bahn network makes everything accessible. Brandenburg Gate is 15 minutes away, Checkpoint Charlie is 12 minutes, Museum Island is 20 minutes, and East Side Gallery is 30 minutes. You'll never be far from major sights.

Is the breakfast worth €22 per person?

No. Skip it and explore local cafés instead. You'll get better quality coffee, fresher pastries, and save money. Try Café Berio or Tomasa for proper Berlin breakfasts.

Do I need Radisson Rewards status to enjoy this hotel?

Not strictly necessary, but it transforms the value proposition. Without status, you're paying premium prices for a good (not great) hotel. With status, you'll likely get upgraded to a suite and receive complimentary breakfast and late checkout.

Is Schöneberg safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?

YES! Schöneberg is one of Europe's most established gay neighbourhoods. You'll see rainbow flags, same-sex couples holding hands, and zero hostility. Standard urban awareness applies (stay alert late at night, keep valuables secure), but we felt completely comfortable throughout our stay.

Quick Stay Guide

💰 Money & Costs

Room rates: €70-250 per night (depending on room type and season)
Breakfast: €22 per person (skip it)

🚇 Getting Around

Nollendorfplatz U-Bahn: 6-minute walk (U1, U2, U3, U4)
Buses: Multiple lines nearby (M19, M29, M48)
Taxis: Plentiful but unnecessary—U-Bahn is faster and cheaper
Walking: Most Schöneberg attractions are within 15 minutes

📅 When to Visit Berlin

June-August: Warm weather, Pride celebrations, peak tourist season
September-October: Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, still vibrant
December: Christmas markets, cold but atmospheric
Avoid: January-February (bitterly cold, but Berlin is always a great city to visit!)

🗣️ Language & Culture

Most Berliners speak excellent English, especially in Schöneberg. Basic German phrases (Danke, Bitte, Entschuldigung) are appreciated but not essential. Service can seem brusque—it's cultural, not personal.

🌟 Must-Try Experiences (Top 5)

Sunday brunch in Schöneberg (Tomasa or Café Berio)
Late-night currywurst at Curry 36 (essential Berlin ritual)
Post-sightseeing sauna session at the hotel (perfect wind-down)
Walking the rainbow crosswalk at Nollendorfplatz (photo opportunity and symbol of Berlin's LGBTQ+ pride)
Exploring Museum Island (easily reached via U-Bahn from hotel)

Final Thoughts

Hotel Berlin, Berlin delivers exactly what it promises: a modern, spacious, conveniently located base for exploring Berlin. It won't blow your mind with exceptional service or memorable dining, but it positions you perfectly for LGBTQ+ nightlife, cultural attractions, and authentic Berlin experiences.

For gay couples visiting Berlin, the Schöneberg location alone justifies consideration. You're minutes from the city's best queer bars, clubs, and cafés, with brilliant U-Bahn connections to everywhere else. The rooms offer genuine space (rare in European city hotels), and if you've got Radisson status, the upgrades make it excellent value.

We'd stay here again, especially with our Radisson status securing suite upgrades. Without that benefit, we'd probably explore alternatives like Motel One or smaller boutique options in Kreuzberg. But for first-time visitors or anyone prioritising location and space over luxury touches, Hotel Berlin Berlin gets the job done.

Berlin keeps pulling us back year after year. The city's energy, openness, and unapologetic celebration of queer culture make it one of our favourite destinations. Hotel Berlin Berlin serves as a solid foundation for diving into all of that. Book it, dump your bags, and get out there. The city's waiting.

Read more about our Berlin adventures:
Why We Loved Berlin Pride 2025

Travel with us, always with love and a little luxe 🌈✈️

Book Hotel Berlin Berlin: [Booking.com affiliate link]
Join Radisson Rewards: [Free membership link]
Plan Your Berlin Trip: [Berlin tourism board]