Courtyard Berlin City Center is Convenient and Cool

Berlin is a spread-out, convoluted city in Germany thanks to its unique history and near-constant construction, but the Courtyard Berlin City Center is in a good location for seeing the sights and much more stylish than you’re probably expecting. 

I remember when I started staying at Courtyard by Marriott Hotels as a young corporate business traveler. I would sometimes wake up from a night of entertaining business associates and be confused about where I was: every property looked the same, no matter what city it was in. They were all so alike that after a while, I knew where everything was in the public areas and my room before I even checked in. 

As soon as we checked into the Courtyard Berlin City Center Hotel, I saw clear signs everywhere that things had changed for the better, from the striking lobby and lounge to our room, which felt more plush than I’d seen before from this chain. Part of this was thanks to a series of recent renovations that were design-focused and well thought-out. I’m not including a photo of the restaurant because even though it was quite attractive, it’s the last section of the hotel to still be renovated. 

When we checked in, the front desk clerk spoke fluent English and was helpful in letting us know what to expect. We had one issue with the Wi-Fi right away and another later that may have been user error, but both were resolved quickly and friendly. 

I wasn’t sure about the “city center” moniker when we first started looking around since this hotel is near a lot of office buildings and the immediate area is not very lively at night. This was, after all, the area once occupied by the Berlin Wall separating East (Democracy) and West (Communism) so when the wall came down, new buildings went up in the empty space. 

Once we walked a few blocks though, we hit a grocery store, coffee shops, bars, and a metro station. Beyond that, the “Museum Island,” Berlin Cathedral, Checkpoint Charlie, and more are within walking distance. 

Dining and Lounging at the Courtyard Berlin

The main gathering place at this central Berlin hotel is the lounge space to the left of reception as you enter. It’s a large room with lots of natural light in the daytime, one illuminated by designer light fixtures at night that are pleasant and flattering. 

It’s the kind of communal area that many hip hotels try hard to create but fall flat on. This one works because of the quality furniture, the mix of work and play sitting areas, and the successful attempt to make it feel  more like a comfy living room than anything corporate. 

This is also a terrific space for meetings, whether social or business, because of the wide range of refreshments available. It’s very DIY until the front desk clerk rings up your choices, but it’s obvious that a lot of thought went into the choices. Good beer and wine, interesting snacks, pre-made frozen cocktails, ice cream, and plenty more, all from quality brands that have choices for people with allergies or dietary restrictions. 

Breakfast is equally satisfying, with a European-style buffet spread of cured meats, cheeses, sausages, bread, and eggs joining a wide array of healthy choices like fruit, muesli, and juices. Again, the area is flooded with natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass, making even the dreariest winter days feel bright. 

If you want something smaller and quicker, the #Hashtag coffee shop with a separate entrance is an attempt to create a bit of bohemian chic on a block where everything feels brand new. You can charge items here to your room while lounging in a place that might make you feel more like you’re in artsy Berlin. 

There are a few places to eat within a few blocks, more if you’re willing to take a car service or the metro. We ate at a great Turkish restaurant nearby and saw options in a variety of price ranges, from simple sandwich places to fine dining.

This Berlin hotel also has a well-equipped gym to work out in if you’re not getting enough exercise already moving around on foot. It has plenty of high-tech app touches if you want to use them to connect with others or record your workout stats. 

Comfy Berlin Hotel Rooms

There are a few advantages to booking with an international chain brand when you’re traveling on the continent. You can avoid some of the European hotel quirks that are so common, like beds split in two, showers that soak the whole bathroom, and the lack of washcloths. This Courtyard hotel in Berlin was a different story. It also had one duvet instead of two and plenty of places to charge the gadgets, which was a pleasant surprise. 

All rooms have safes, tea kettles, irons, mini-fridges, a work desk, and large TVs with premium channels and Chromecast. 

There are some European minimalist quirks here and there, but overall, these rooms feel well-equipped and comfortable. You also probably won’t forget where you are when you wake up, thanks to reminders like this: 

If you want to step up your stay, the Studio options are like a large junior suite. They have a TV that swivels around for viewing in the sitting area or on the bed, plus a sofa bed and dining table. 

The highest category options here are the Apartments. These have a full living room and dining area, a kitchenette, and some extra amenities such as capsule coffee makers.  

Sustainability Behind the Scenes

This Courtyard City Center Berlin hotel may not shout its sustainability efforts from the rooftop, and many guests won’t even notice the efforts, but it is doing its part and then some to help save the planet. The flooring in the rooms is made from recycled vinyl and produced in a factory that uses renewable energy. Hallway carpets are made from coconut fibers, and individual sections can be replaced in squares, lengthening the time before the whole lot needs replacing.

This whole hotel is Green Key certified, a reflection of the LED lighting design, waste reduction efforts, and the use of renewable materials during renovations. Much of the furniture in the #Hashtag coffee shop came from what would have been tossed during the lobby lounge renovations. 

Rates at the Courtyard Berlin City Center start at around $140 in the winter off-season but normally start at $199 most of the year. See more at the official website or compare rates online at Expedia, Hotels.com, or Booking.com.

Review and photos by Tim Leffel who was hosted by the Courtyard and Visit Berlin while researching articles for other publications. As always, all opinions are his own.