Hotel Linien 133

The Hotel Linien 133 is an island of no-nonsense German hospitality marooned in trendy Mitte. This no-star hotel may feel a bit dowdy, but as long as you don’t check in expecting cutting edge design or luxurious amenities you’ll be pleased by the enviable location and fabulously low rates.

Quick read

Pros: Super-Cheapo. Brilliant Mitte location. Free parking (a major rarity).

Cons: A bit rundown. No elevator. Cash only.

Rooms

The 20 guest rooms at the Hotel Linien 133 are simple and basic. Furnishings are utilitarian and may feel a tad dated, but the rooms are bright, comfortable and do the trick. Plus they are quite clean and surprisingly quiet despite the non-stop action outside the building.

Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Most also have a minibar.

Bathrooms

All rooms at the Hotel Linien 133 have private bathrooms, though some are located outside of the room proper. Those that have a toilet outside the room are an especially good deal: Guests have a private key to their own bathroom, but can still pay as low as €40 a night for a double room. All rooms have a hair dryer, but you’ll have to pack your own toiletries.

Hotel

The Linien, formerly the Hotel Märkischer Hof, is a simple but pleasant spot, great for the unfussy traveler looking to stay central for cheap. A breakfast buffet is served each morning (for an additional €7) in an old-fashioned breakfast room done up with peach walls, crown molding and ornate chandeliers—plus views of bustling Oranienburger Strasse.

The hotel also offers free (yes, free) private parking. It does not, however, have an elevator, so pack light. Also, guests should be aware that the reception staff may not converse much "auf Englisch."

Location

To be sure, location is the biggest selling point (along with price) of this simple spot. But what a major point it is. The Linien 133 is in the heart of Mitte, within easy reach of the shopping street Friedrichstrasse, plenty of nightlife and great public transit options.

When afternoon hunger strikes, queue up at Dada falafel next door—it’s our favorite Middle Eastern joint in town. Otherwise, we recommend resisting the temptation to patronize the mediocre and tourist-trappy restaurants on Oranienburgerstrasse. There are better ways to maximize your euros on nearby Linenstrasse, Auguststrasse and Torstrasse.