Hotel AMO by Amano, Berlin, Germany

Hotel AMO is near the junction of Friedrichstrasse and Oranienburger Strasse in the busy Mitte district. Oranienberger Tor U-Bahn station and Oranienburger Strasse S-Bahn station are next door. Sammlung Boros is a huge wartime bunker that now holds a collection of contemporary art from 1990 onwards; take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the building.

It's an easy walk south to the River Spree and east via Monbijoupark to the Museumsinsel.

By plane: direct flights to Berlin Brandenburg from London (1 hour 40 minutes), Manchester (1 hour 55 minutes) and Edinburgh (2 hours 5 minutes). It's a 45-minute drive to the hotel. Book flights to Berlin.

You enter this five-story hotel through a passage off Friedrichstrasse, either via steps or by a lift that transports guests to a reception and lounge area where the feel is that of an upmarket nightclub, with a black ceiling, dark green chairs, wood-effect floor and low lighting.

There are minimal facilities, but most guests are usually out and about. There didn't seem to be a lot of staff, which meant waiting at times, but they were helpful with suggestions of what to do.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Free Wi-Fi

Four room categories start with the frankly-named Economy; if you want a king size bed opt for Comfort or Superior rooms. High-spec interiors feature furnishings in shades of blue with offset by brass lights. Double beds have two single duvets and white-tiled bathrooms have showers.

Room types: Economy Room, Standard Room, Comfort Room, Superior Room

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Anyah toiletries, hairdryer, smart TV, free Wi-Fi

JOSEPH is a buzzy candle-lit restaurant next to the hotel's entrance, serving up Israeli cuisine including pleasant veggie dishes - it's popular so book ahead. Breakfast is an unexceptional buffet including fruit salad and cold meats and cheeses, served in the dark and windowless downstairs lounge.

Joseph Restaurant: casual restaurant, Israeli cuisine. Open daily, from 6pm. Mains from €16.50.