Hotel Transit

The two-star Hotel Transit is tucked away in a courtyard in the middle of the Bergmannstrasse Kiez. This self-proclaimed “youth hotel” is big with school groups, but its simple dorms and privates are ideal for any Cheapo eager to sample Kreuzberg’s inexpensive eats and laid-back bars. And with rooms sleeping up to six people, the Hotel Transit is an especially good deal for groups.

Quick read

Pros: Spacious, clean rooms. Good for groups. Great location.

Cons: Very basic. Attracts student groups. Can pick up noise from other guests. Can get stuffy in the summer (no A/C).

Rooms

Light streams through huge windows to brighten the Hotel Transit’s 50 dorms and private rooms. Lined with blue carpet, rooms feature a table and chairs, a framed print or two, an IKEA-esque lamp, bed lights and plenty of storage space.

The Hotel Transit offers six-bed mixed dorms and private rooms for one to six people. Whatever their configuration, rooms are spare but rather spacious, and come equipped with free Wi-Fi. Private rooms also offer a safe, but there no other amenities.

Bathrooms

All rooms (including dorms) feature private tiled bathrooms, which are snug and very clean. Note that the showers operate on a push-button timer, so the water stops after a few minutes (but you can push the button again).

Hotel

The Hotel Transit prides itself on bringing people together. To that end, the spacious and airy reception area is also a fun (often lively) place to meet and mingle. The check-in desk doubles as a bar, and the lobby offers a smattering of tables and a leather sofa. The area tends to become a party zone in the evenings (noise-averse, beware), but if you’re looking to get out, the very laid-back staff is a great source of tips—especially when it comes to live music venues.

The Hotel Transit’s sister property, the Hotel Transit Loft, offers a similar vibe in Prenzlauer Berg.

Wi-Fi is free throughout (but tends to be patchy in the rooms), and a buffet breakfast is included in the room rate—and available until noon to cater to the party set.

Location

The Hotel Transit’s immediate surroundings make eating on a budget a breeze. In addition to the legendary Currywurst stand, Curry 36, you can find all the basics: Döner kebabs (Mustafa’s Gemüse Döner), vegetarian food (Seerose), pizza (Dolce Pizza) and a beer garden (Golgatha, in the expansive, green Viktoriapark).