Berlin Hostels are more than just bunk beds, shared bathrooms, and community kitchens: Check out some of the best and most original hostels in Berlin here. Besides dorms, all of the recommended hostels feature private and double rooms.
But even more than that, many hostels in Berlin also offer unique atmosphere and great service; from a hostel boat on the river Spree, to individually designed rooms, rooftop terraces, and airport pick-ups, here are the best hostels in Berlin.
1. Circus Hostel Berlin
The Circus Hotel in central Berlin Mitte offers dorms and single rooms - but the best deal here are the two quiet and airy rooftop apartments. Fully furnished, with kitchenette, bathroom, and balcony, they have unparalleled panoramic views of Berlin's skyline.
Another plus is the Circus' top-notch service, with airport pick-ups, bike, car and segway rentals, and organized walking tours.
2. Eastern Comfort Hostelboat
This boat turned hostel on the river Spree gently rocks you to sleep: Moored close to Kreuzberg, the Eastern Comfort Hostel has 25 cabins on three decks; stay in a 2nd class dorm, or opt for a private room 1st class. Although the rooms are a bit small, the unique atmosphere (including the portholes) makes up for it. The three terraces of the hostel boat offer great views of the river, the East Side Gallery, and the turreted Oberbaum-Bridge nearby. It's a lively area, and in summer, the parties often go into the early hours.
Dorms start at 16 Euros, private rooms at 50 Euros.3. Ostel Berlin
A wordplay of Ost ("East") and Hostel, this place playfully revives the communist era of former East Germany; housed in a "Plattenbau" high-rise, the signature architectural style of the GDR, you can stay in a "Pioneer Camp" (a.k.a dorm), or choose a retro chic single or double room. The Ostel store supplies you with original GDR products, and you can go on a nostalgic Berlin tour with the hostel's old-fashioned “Trabi”, one of the few remaining cars that were produced in East Germany.
Dorms start at 9 Euros, private rooms 40 Euros.4. Baxpax Hostels Berlin
Three Baxpax hostels are located in Berlin, two in the district of Mitte, one in Kreuzberg. Along excellent rates, each of the Baxpax hostels has its own unique style, with individually designed rooms by international artists, a fireplace lounge, and the famous Volkswagen Beetle bed. The multilingual staff and international travelers make the baxpax hostels a hot-spot for backpackers.
Dorms start at 11 Euros, private rooms at 21 Euros.5. East Seven Hostel Berlin
The website hostelworld.com honored the East Seven Hostel in Prenzlauer Berg with numerous awards, and the small-sized hostel was among the Top 10 Hostel worldwide between 2006 – 2008. The modern and bright East Seven Hostel welcomes travelers of all ages with an inviting lounge, a fully equipped guest kitchen, courtyard garden, and free Berlin tours. Children are welcome, and guests rave about the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Dorms start at 13 Euros, private rooms at 30 Euros.6. A&O Hostel Berlin
The A&O Hostel is in walking distance to the famous shopping mile Kudamm in the West of Berlin. Just a stone’s throw away from one of the city’s main train station, Zoologischer Garten, it offers great access to public transportation. The hostel features 550 clean and spacious rooms, two bars, a rooftop terrace, and several conference rooms. You'll find plenty of inexpensive eateries and a big supermarket just around the corner.
Dorms start at 9,50 Euros, private rooms at 15 Euros.7. Wombat Hostel Berlin
The brand-new Wombat hostel, which opened in 2008 in the heart Berlin's Mitte, is a great starting point to explore the neighborhood with its lion share of designer shops, theaters, restaurants and clubs. This hip hostel features dorms, private rooms, and apartments, and the rates include bed sheets and a welcome-drink in its "Wom-Bar".
Dorms start at 17 Euros, private rooms at 29 Euros8. Meininger Hostels Berlin
The hostel chain Meininger has four hostels spread all throughout Berlin (Prenzlauer Berg, Schoeneberg, Kreuzberg, and Mitte). All hostels have clean, modern and spacious dorms, female dorms, private rooms, and apartments. Besides a bathroom, all rooms have a TV and some even have telephones. You can meet other international guests in the sleek designed Meininger Bar and on the rooftop terrace.
Dorms start at 18 Euros, private rooms at 37 Euros