The Circus Hotel

The Circus Hotel is an independent boutique hotel on Rosenthaler Platz, the busy junction where Mitte meets Prenzlauer Berg. It belongs to the Circus group, a Berlin company that also runs the Circus Hostel across the square and a set of apartments nearby on Choriner Strasse, and it has built a reputation for friendly service, thoughtful design and good value in one of the city's most convenient locations.

Rooms are bright and comfortable, with a cheerful, slightly retro style and practical touches. Room sizes vary, so check the categories when booking, particularly if you are travelling as a family or want more space. The atmosphere is relaxed and personal rather than corporate, and the staff are well known for local tips on where to eat, drink and explore. The ground floor café and bar are a sociable place to start or end the day, serving coffee, food and cocktails.

The location is a big part of the appeal. Rosenthaler Platz is surrounded by cafés, restaurants and bars, and the streets of the Spandauer Vorstadt and the Scheunenviertel, with their galleries, boutiques and courtyards, are on the doorstep. Mauerpark, the Berlin Wall Memorial and Museum Island can all be reached on foot or by a short ride.

The hotel suits couples, solo travellers and small families looking for a mid-range base with character. Because it is on a busy junction, light sleepers may want to ask for a room away from the street. The Circus also brews its own craft beer, which you can try at the group's bars. Book directly through the website for current rates and any offers.

Independent hotels of this kind are a good way to feel part of the city rather than simply passing through it. Rosenthaler Platz is a local hub, with people heading to work in the morning, meeting in cafés during the day and going out in the evening, and staying here puts you in the middle of that everyday rhythm. If you plan to explore mainly on foot, few hotel locations in Berlin are as convenient.

Rosenthaler Platz station on the U8 is right outside, with trams also stopping on the square, so getting to Alexanderplatz, Kreuzberg and Neukölln is straightforward. The Barn on Auguststrasse, Zeit für Brot on Weinbergsweg, the Hackesche Höfe and Monsieur Vuong are all within a few minutes' walk.