Budget Berlin - Hotel Die Fabrik

Central Accommodation in Trendy Kreuzberg at Affordable Price

Oct 14, 2008 Renate Oetjens

Since opening in 1995, this charming hotel has gathered many friends. The warm welcome and reasonably priced, comfortable rooms turn guests into regulars.

Located in Kreuzberg – a famously multicultural part of town in the former west – Die Fabrik blends in well in this colourful quarter. The former factory was sensibly transformed and modernized without destroying the traditional facade; throughout the hotel old brick wall features remain and a old and new are successfully blended.

Inside the cosy foyer offers plenty of comfortable space to sit down, chat and relax. The 24-hour-reception is very helpful and friendly, whether questions are about Berlin's tourist attractions, public transport or accommodation issues. Those who want to explore Berlin's vibrant night life and music scene will get knowledgeable advice here.

Rooms in Berlin for Budget Travellers and Groups

Surprisingly the hotel reveals to be bigger than it seems from the outside: It has 50 rooms over several floors and situated around a courtyard: 15 single, 25 double, 6 three bed, 2 four bed, 1 seven and 1 eight bed room. The bright rooms are furnished simple, but practical and comfortable. A warning to TV-addicts: There are no television sets in the rooms – so better go out and discover Berlin!

Some rooms have a sink, but in general all sanitary facilities have to be shared and are centrally installed on each floor. They are well maintained, very clean and separate for males and females.

Hostel prices with a hotel feel: Rates start at 18 Euro (around 13,50 USD) for a bed in a 7-bed-dormitory. A double room costs between 52 and 72 Euro (38 – 53 USD). Breakfast is not included, credit cards not accepted. A recommendable and practical choice for breakfast is the cosy Fabrikcafé next to the hotel, which can be entered from the foyer as well and is open from 7.30 a.m. til late evening.

Solar Power for Green Credentials

On the roof of the hotel solar panels soak up the sun and supply additional hot water and heating for the hotel. In summer Die Fabrik can rely entirely on solar energy for its hot water. Energy-efficiency is an important issue in this hotel, that wants to use resources sensibly. Not only environmentalists will love this.

The Surrounding Area – Discover Kreuzberg

Before the reunification of Germany one part of West-German Kreuzberg (called SO36 after its old postcode) was in a most insular position: directly by the Wall and practically surrounded by East Germany on three sides. Rents were cheap and vacancies plenty, so a unique alternative and cultural scene thrived. A lot of this charm still remains. And while the very most parts of the Wall have disappeared and the topography of Berlin has been rewritten, some traces can still be found.

Today Kreuzberg is a lively, multicultural quarter with a vibrant art and live music scene. Cafés and small shops radiate a bohemian flair. With a great variety of restaurants and bars it is also an ideal base to come back to at night after a day of sightseeing in central Berlin, which can be easily reached in a couple of minutes by underground. For a quick and cheap meal try one of the many Döner Kebab-shops: Its big Turkish population has made the super-size wraps with beef, salad and salsa very popular in Berlin.

Hotel Die Fabrik. Schlesische Straße 18, 10997 Berlin. Phone +49 (0)30-611 71 16.

Read more about Berlin: Some German nightclubs, ballrooms and shops recreate the 1930s – because Berlin Is In The Mood For Swing Music

The copyright of the article Budget Berlin - Hotel Die Fabrik in W Europe Travel is owned by Renate Oetjens. Permission to republish Budget Berlin - Hotel Die Fabrik in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

The Foyer of Hotel Die Fabrik in Berlin