Contributor/ Amy Guttman
Best Known For
Think of the sort of place not every cab driver knows, and you’ll arrive at Ackselhaus and it’s neighbouring BlueHaus apartments. The hotel is known for it’s themed rooms, each of which takes inspiration either from the sea, safari, or one of the continents. This being Berlin, rooms are larger than in most cities. Ackselhaus is known for being a bit edgy, but not inaccessible. In fact, the apartments are very family-friendly.
The Good Stuff
It’s fair to say Germany does bread well…very well, if you’re a fan of those thick, dark, nutty, crunchy loaves. But at Ackselhaus, they’ve got something even more special: laugen croissants. Think of a croissant that tastes like a pretzel – a cretzel, if you will. They’re a bit difficult to track down, so a stay at Ackselhaus kills two birds. In summer, the courtyard gardens at Ackselhaus and BlueHaus are a real treat. Guests have access to both and made for great spots to catch up on email after long days out before heading to my room, or for taking meetings in the most civilised way.
The Vibe
Like most of Berlin, things at Ackselhaus are pretty chilled out. Guests range from creative types on their own, to families, and couples. People come and go, but the gardens provide a social backdrop. Lovely jugs of citrus water and an honesty bar encourage lingering. With the hotel’s setting in the artsy area of Prenzlauer Berg, the vibe at Ackselhaus is very much that of a local. The nearest tourist traps are at least a few tram stops away.
Inside the hotel – 7/10
A claw-footed, high-backed tub, set in a bathroom with an arts and crafts style work table with two sinks laid in was the wow factor in my room, called Beach House. A big screen TV mounted just opposite the tub was a real treat, though with no English channels, it was a bit of a tease. The themed décor is fun, if not slightly quirky, with white washed floorboards, and furnishings like wallpaper printed with pictures of the sea, ornate chandeliers and velvet brocade sofas. The large size of the rooms makes Ackselhaus a good stop for more than a weekend without getting claustrophobic.
Outside the hotel – 7/10
Breakfast is served next door, at Blue Haus, in a café-style setting, with indoor and al fresco seating. It’s a very relaxed, but plentiful continental buffet with great coffee. Just around the corner, a tram goes straight to Alexanderplatz in less than 10 minutes, where there are easy transfers to the more touristy parts of Berlin. One of the city’s best pizza restaurants is in the neighbourhood, and a community theatre is just across the street. The residential nature of the area offers a quiet, leafy respite from the rest of the city.
Image courtesy of Ackselhaus
