Eastern ComfortEditor's Pick

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The Eastern and Western Comfort Hostel Boats, a duo of blue and white boats docked on the Friedrichshain (Eastern) and Kreuzberg (Western) sides of the Spree, offer nautical kitsch with a hip twist. These simple botels have private cabins and dorms and boast easy access to both Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg.

There is an upstairs-downstairs dynamic on board the Eastern (which houses the reception for both boats). Carpeted singles and doubles on the main floor have en suite bathrooms (showers only), two large windows, and cabinets. Downstairs, plain dorms fit up to six skippers, sardine-style. Pothole windows, scrubbed wooden floors, and images of Berlin affixed to the wall add charm, but the tiny en suite bathrooms and flimsy mattresses are major minuses. In summer, there’s an even cheaper option: You can set up a tent on the deck.

Decorated with knots, globes, and other nautical paraphernalia, the dark-wood lined breakfast room offers great views of the shimmering river. Head to the boat’s stern to find a tiny seating area. Smokers usually occupy a table and chairs set up on the small deck outside. A laidback café on the top deck offers more elbowroom and expansive views of the river and the East Side Gallery.

The seasick-prone should breathe easily. The friendly staff assured us that, since its debut in 2007, there have only been a handful of green-in-the-gills guests. The boat does sway a bit, but the Spree is so gentle that most landlubbers shouldn't even notice.

» Susan Buzzelli

Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.