Berlin on a BudgetWhat: A new hotel brand emerges, offering reasonably priced accommodations in one of Europe’s most cultural cities.

The Dirt:
Once a divided city, Berlin is now home to a great film festival, a huge art scene and a great selection of hip hotels. Enter Michelberger Hotel, an 119-room hostel-cum-hotel located near Oberbaum Bridge, set to open in September 2009. Named after its proprietor, Tom Michelberger, the hotel caters to artsy globetrotting travelers. This new option combines contemporary European designs with a careful use of space, as exhibited in some of the loft rooms.

The brains behind the hotel have thought of everything, with amenities including free WiFi, a courtyard garden, a laundry room, a luggage room, parking, dining options and a bar with a live stage. But, this is no glorified hostel. This spot even has a private cinema and a conference room that holds 50, for small screenings or indie business functions. Plus, the 24-hour reception and bistro mean anytime you stumble in, after too many beer tastings, there will be someone around and something to eat.

Where:
Rooms start at €59 and breakfast is €8. For more information or to book a room, visit the Michelberger website. To read in English, look for the EN button on the bottom right!