On my inaugural visit to Berlin, my first stop was the Brandenburg Gate, the neoclassical icon where President John F. Kennedy famously gave his memorable “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech. The city dates to the 13th century, but it’s Berlin’s 20th century history that continues to lure countless travellers to see places like Checkpoint Charlie, the forming crossing point at the Berlin Wall between East and West Berlin during the Cold War.
The Brandenburg Gate — a striking neoclassical monument and enduring symbol of Berlin. Once a stark marker of the city’s Cold War division, it now stands for unity, resilience, and a reunified Germany. Photo: Femi Oyekoya
Awarded a 2025 German Design Award for excellent architecture: interior architecture, sly Berlin’s 150 modern rooms embrace a sleek palette of oak floors, crisp white linens, oversized black-framed windows and a pop of colour with a yellow side chair.
Lounge all day in the inviting public spaces, tucked away in the hallways or at the hotel lounge’s red leather couch, where laid-back vibe evolves from kaffeehaus to cocktail bar.
THE PROPERTY
sly Berlin
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THIS HOTEL?
On my first visit to Berlin, I wanted to spend time in east Berlin among gritty Soviet-era architecture, political graffiti and contemporary art galleries.
WHEN DID IT OPEN?
November 2023
ANY HISTORY IN THE PLACE?
Four former furniture factory buildings make up the hotel, and hints of the past are seen in the round arches as well as the rooms featuring noted design pieces including chairs from Danish design firm Fritz Hansen and the Panthella table lamp by Verner Panton for Louis Poulsen which debuted in 1971.
Hotel exterior. Photo: sly Berlin
DESIGNED FOR EVERYBODY?
Friends or couples on a weekend getaway will appreciate easy access to nearby East Berlin nightclubs and art events; all public spaces are wheelchair accessible and there are 11 accessible rooms. Kids are welcome (and receive a bag of candy upon arrival), while canine companions are presented with a dog bed, bowl and treats during check in.
Canine companions are presented with a dog bed, bowl and treats during check in.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Found in the Friedrichshain neighbourhood, it’s less than a half hour walk to the Spree River to discover the East Side Gallery, the longest open-air gallery in the world. Featuring an original section of the former Berlin Wall, there are more than 100 paintings including the notorious “Fraternal Kiss” by Dmitri Vrubel, depicting a passionate kiss between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German chairman Erich Honecker. The nearby Holzmarkt 25 is a cultural centre on a former industrial site featuring parkland, cafe, bakery, rotating exhibitions and a pub open from lunchtime to until evening. Wander the paths of Boxhagener Platz, which hosts a weekly Saturday food market and Sunday flea market.
WELLNESS MOMENTS
Every room features a gray serpentine stone tiled bathroom with a rain shower and underfloor heating. Guests can access the main floor gym at any hour featuring Lifefitness machines, weights and yoga mats or from 6am – 11pm, spend time in the rooftop spa, with a Klafs sauna, outdoor lounge and complimentary tea and refreshments.
Ready to unwind? The hotel’s rooftop spa—with sauna and sweeping city views—is the ultimate spot to relax.
BREAKFAST IN BED?
Sly Restaurant’s breakfast buffet is a tropical delight, served beneath a bright glass roof and surrounded by lush greenery.
Photo: sly Berlin
sly Restaurant serves an impressive breakfast buffet every morning, diners surrounded by an abundance of tropical plants below a glass roof. Start the day with piping hot cappuccino, fresh baked fruit pastries, German sausage and all the fixings for a yogurt bowl with fresh fruit, seeds and nuts. The restaurant’s lunch and dinner menu are inspired by Thai flavours and includes items from the Japanese robata grill.
WHAT YOU LOVED
The rooftop lounge had great views of the city skyline and was a welcome spot to work or relax after a day of exploring. The sly lobby includes a spati, an East German convenience store open 24/7, featuring German snacks, drinks, toiletries and amenities, while the Berlin tram stop is close to easily accessible restaurants, shopping and attractions in the city centre.
The sly lobby includes a spati, an East German convenience store open 24/7, featuring German snacks, drinks, toiletries and amenities. Photo: sly Berlin
NEED TO KNOW
- Marshall bluetooth speakers in room
- Built in wardrobe to easily unpack with in-room safe
- Molton Brown toiletries in stone bathroom
- Complimentary in-room Nespresso coffee and sparkling water
- Pick your own bag of complimentary candy after check-in
- Complimentary wifi
