Orania.Berlin

Orania.Berlin is a boutique hotel on Oranienplatz in Kreuzberg, housed in a heritage-listed corner building that has been carefully restored. It brings a high level of comfort and service to one of Berlin's liveliest and most characterful neighbourhoods, and it is a good choice for travellers who want to stay among bars, restaurants and street life rather than in the more formal hotel districts of Mitte and the west.

The rooms and suites are warm and elegant in style, mixing contemporary design with natural materials, art and carefully chosen furniture. The hotel is small compared with the big international names, which helps it feel personal. Check room categories when booking, as some rooms face the square and others the quieter side.

Food and music are at the heart of the hotel. The Orania.Restaurant is particularly known for its Peking duck, prepared in-house to a recipe developed with the chef Philipp Vogel, and served in several courses; it has become one of the most talked-about dishes in the city. In the restaurant, live concerts take place five days a week, which gives evenings a relaxed, sociable atmosphere. The Orania.Bar serves signature cocktails, wine and classics, and is open to non-residents.

The hotel suits couples, culture lovers and travellers who want a stylish base with a strong sense of place. It works less well for anyone wanting complete quiet at night, as Kreuzberg is lively and Oranienstrasse has a busy bar scene. Rates are in the upper range. Booking ahead for dinner in the restaurant is recommended, especially for the duck.

Staying in Kreuzberg gives a different picture of Berlin from the government quarter and the shopping streets of the west. The district grew up close to the Wall, became home to large Turkish and alternative communities, and is now known for its food, nightlife and creative energy. Orania offers a comfortable way to experience that, with the reassurance of a high-end hotel to return to at night.

Moritzplatz on the U8 and Kottbusser Tor on the U1, U3 and U8 are each a short walk away, giving easy connections to Mitte and Alexanderplatz. Oranienstrasse, with its bars, cafés and shops, starts at the door, the restaurant Max und Moritz is a few minutes away, and the Landwehr Canal, the Jewish Museum Berlin and Checkpoint Charlie are all within about twenty minutes on foot.