The Circus Hotel

Reviewed by Emily McDonnell

A quirky-cool hotel with individually-designed rooms, expansive cafe, rooftop terrace and cosy courtyard at the heart of Berlin

Type:
Hotel
Costs:
From €105
Sleeps:
2+
Where?
Central Berlin

What?

Soon after the wall fell, Andreas (one of the owners) found a building on ‘Am Zirkus’ (the inspiration for the hotel’s name) and began squatting there with the idea of growing it into a hostel for those flocking to the former East Berlin in search of adventure. Eventually, the hostel moved, and, as the owners aged, they decided a hotel would be a good addition to The Circus family. 

Now, The Circus Hotel - occupying a 19th-century building - stands proudly at the heart of the city and is wonderfully Berlin, oozing authenticity and openness. Its eclectic style, enticing energy, diverse mix of staff, and focus on discovering the city beyond the sites captured our hearts.

Downstairs, the lounge where - breakfast is served in the morning and drinks in the evening - is full of pieces that capture your attention: vases with monkey faces, bold floral prints, old record players and inviting wicker chairs. Bedrooms are all just as unique, each one has been individually designed, featuring prints, sculptures and splashes of bold colours, but each is alluring and boasts sustainable climate control, Birkenstock beds and a snack draw stocked with goodies from cool Berlin brands.

Whether visiting the capital for the first time, or if you just want to take a break in your own city, The Circus Hotel is the perfect base to do so.

Why?

I fell in love because...
  • The decor is beautifully eclectic, with bright prints, animal statues and deep colours, coming together to create a warm, relaxing environment
  • The staff are incredibly warm, welcoming and knowledgeable, and their love of the city shines through
You must...
  • Take part in a ‘Behind the Curtain’ event, which allows guests to discover the Berlin beyond the main tourist attractions (we loved the East Berlin Music Walk)
  • Spend a lazy morning in the stunning cafe, courtyard or on the roof terrace, sipping coffee and feasting on food as you watch the world go by 
You might dislike...
  • There’s no restaurant for evening meals, but you’re at the heart of Berlin and there are dozen of great eateries a stone’s throw away
  • Some of the rooms are a little small, but each is well designed and a pleasure to sleep in
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© The Circus Hotel, The Staycation Collection

Who?

Introducing Katrin!

“I joined the team over a decade ago working on the front desk, and I loved it so much I stuck around: the design, energy and concept of The Circus fills me with joy.”

She loves…

“Berlin is such a special city, and The Circus is at its heart. Every single staff member shares this love of Berlin, and each has great insider tips - some of which I didn’t know!”

Katrin’s insider tips 

  • Take a walk along Karl Marx Allee, past the Kino International, to get a glimpse of what the Soviet’s had intended the architecture of East Germany to be
  • Humboldthain Park, named after the great natural historian Alexander von Humboldt, is interesting not just because of the gardens, but also because of the bunker and anti-air raid towers that still exist on the grounds 
  • Take a trip to Beelitz-Heilstätten, a former sanatorium with a creepy history, which is a short (and direct) train ride away. It is an interesting alternative to Berlin’s traditional historic sites
  • Check the Doodle Guide! We asked all our staff for their favourite weird and wonderful things to do in Berlin, and turned the best into an illustrated guide (find it in reception) 

What people
are saying.

“Quirky hotel in the hip Mitte area of Berlin. Friendly and helpful staff, a nice courtyard cafe and an intimate roof terrace with great views over the Berlin skyline.”

Tony

“This was my first time here and it won't be the last, this place rocks! I have rarely seen staff so friendly and knowledgeable.”

Christian

The essentials.

  • Sleeping arrangements: There are 64 rooms in different configurations, from small, single rooms to large suite-style rooms with private bars. Each is decorated individually, with splashes of colour, unique vases and statues, and artwork, as well as a mini-library. Rooms have inbuilt climate control and feature Birkenstock beds.
  • Bathroom set up: All rooms are ensuite and feature products from Bramley’s sustainable range.
  • Food: Breakfast and brunch are provided throughout the lay in the downstairs cafe and lounge space. Rooms feature a snack draw and some have mini-bars (honesty bar system), and there’s also a bar in the lounge and a rooftop with an honesty bar. There are numerous eateries on the hotel’s doorstep.
  • For families: Families are more than welcome, though they might be better suited to The Circus’ Apartments (enquire when booking).
  • On-site equipment: Rooms feature books which can be borrowed, and there’s a library on the ground floor. 
  • Optional extras: Guests can partake in free walking tours, and access events through the Behind the Curtain programme (check out upcoming events on their website). Additionally, guests at The Circus Hotel get discounted access to local gyms and sports facilities. Bikes can be borrowed, too 
  • Help: There’s a reception on the ground floor, and there’s always a friendly face on hand to help.
  • Remember to pack: Just a change of clothes! The Circus Hotel has everything else covered.
  • Pets: Not allowed, but guide dogs are welcome.
  • Sustainability: The hotel was completely renovated in 2020 with sustainable and climate-friendly solutions as a key focus. For instance, the ceilings are fitted with a clay cooling system.

Where?

The Circus Hotel is located in Mitte, Berlin. 

You can drive, and there’s hotel parking (extra cost). 

The closest station is Rosenthaler Platz, easily accessible from Berlin’s central station.

How?

Show The Staycation Collection some love and mention it when booking.
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