expert reviews of cheap hotels in Berlin

Bedecked in trendy, artful décor, the hotel Acksel Haus wins our “hip-bang-for-your-buck” award. It feels like you're entering a design studio instead of a hotel.

This stunning four-star hotel presents pristine rooms that seem to jump out at you, with lime green carpets and curtains, electro-violet chairs, pop-art prints, and modern furnishings.

Outside, backpackers sit with cups of coffee and laze in the sun. Inside, grunge rock plays at the reception and sign-up sheets advertise walking tours.

Hotel Bogota is one of our favorite Berlin hotels. Refurbished in 1967, the Bogota has been maintained in a funky late 1960s style ever since.

We love Hotel-Pension Dittberner so much we want to scream. When Germany decides to legalize Web site-hotel marriage, we'll make a formal proposal.

How could you not love a place that once was the home of a silent screen goddess? From 1931-1937, the Danish-born German actress Asta Nielsen took up residence in the 14-room belle epoque apartment.