When looking for our accommodation in Berlin, my choice was easy. Months before we’d even planned to visit the city, I came across a review of an eco-friendly, vegetarian hotel online and immediately saved it into my iPhone notes. As a veggie who’s always looking to travel in a more sustainable way, the idea of not even having to leave the building to find delicious food was obviously appealing. So, when Jamie and I found some bargain flights to the city, I knew exactly where we had to stay!
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The Almodovar Hotel is located in the Eastern district of Friedrichshain, a relatively chilled but trendy area filled with quirky vegan cafes and home to the East Side Gallery. On walking into the warm hotel lobby from the freezing air outside, I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was! A faux fire danced gently near the window while the soft furnishings draped across the room gave it an incredibly calm, relaxing feel. After a seamless check in, we headed excitedly to our room.
The chilled out vibe of the lobby continues with quirky, muted lighting that brought a real feeling of ‘hygge’ into our spacious room. Following the fine, sleek lines of Bauhaus design, the individually designed pieces are made from sustainable materials such as deep rosewood treated with natural oils and organically grown textiles. From the little bookshelf above the TV to the natural toiletries yoga mat nestled in the corner of each room, the attention to details is a wonderful way of making you feel pampered and completely comfortable all at once. The paint job is somewhat quirky – it was so tempting to smooth it out in these photos! – but on the whole, it was a really beautiful room.
Sustainability goes down to the core of the Almodovar Hotel. The rooms are cleaned with environmentally-friendly products – I’ve not even scratched the surface of at home of this but it’s undoubtedly really important! One thing I was worried about was the eco-friendly shower but the large nozzle head and steaming hot water made for a wonderfully indulgent wash. In fact, despite the bitter cold outside and the minimal appearance of the large hotel room, we were always warm and cosy.
I also loved how there were little notes scattered around the rooms, explaining why certain materials and products have been used. For example, did you know that mini fridges in hotel bedrooms guzzle energy? Instead of cooled bottled water, we had a sparkling jug with two glasses next to a card explaining how Germany’s tap water was some of the cleanest in the world. And you know what? It tasted as good as any bottled water I’ve ever had. If you want something a little different, there’s a fridge by reception stocking a full range of organic drinks and vegan beers.
In the mood for a pamper? The hotel even has a rooftop wellness area where you can sweat out the toxins in a minimalist wooden sauna or chill out on the terrace! Unfortunately it was closed off during our visit but if you decide to visit, make sure you pay it a visit because it looks divine.
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Bistro Bardot, located on the ground floor of the hotel, really rounds off the hotel offering. The breakfast buffet’s are renowned as one of the best places to find veggie or vegan food in the city – I mean, where else can you find smoked tofu AND vegan currywurst in one place? They also have a great dining deal in the evenings where you can enjoy a four course menu for €35.
Well, I think that’s my rave review complete! Getting to stay at the Almodovar Hotel really rounded off our trip to Berlin nicely – especially as Jamie and I have only ever done budget travelling together! – and it made me remember why I love quirky, independent hotels so much. It was in a great area too: about five minutes walk from Berlin Ostbahnhof S-Bahn and just over the road from the brand new Avocado Club so you’re well covered for delicious food. I’d definitely go back and hopefully some of you reading will pop it on your bucket list too!
Would you stay at this hotel if you visited Berlin?
Laura x
*After reading about the Almodovar Hotel, I contacted them and they agreed to host two nights of our stay in exchange for an honest review. A huge thank you to the team for having us – we didn’t want to leave!
4 Comments
Hazel
February 10, 2018 at 11:13 amWhat a beautiful looking hotel, really elegant. We’re similar to you- a pair of travelling vegetarians who prefer to keep it as eco friendly as possible. Berlin is one of our favourite cities so I will make sure this is saved safely for our next visit!
Carly | FearlessFemaleTravels.com
February 10, 2018 at 11:27 pmI would have loved to stay here! I had a wonky trip to Berlin… one night in an Airbnb with a friend, then a night in a terrible hostel, and two night in the Hotel Adlon (right in front of the Brandenburg Gate). I need to go back to Berlin ASAP with a more cohesive plan!
Jennifer Lo
September 22, 2018 at 9:10 pmI haven’t had a chance to visit Berlin yet but have been eyeing Almodovar for years. It’s 100% organic, which is a rare commitment for hotels. I’ve shared many true eco properties via my instagram @onthepurplepath and gearing up to launch a Lifestyle brand of plantbased hotels. If you’ve been to any more veg-boutique-hotels, especially urban locations and have good things to say, I’d love to hear. Thanks!
Laura
October 22, 2018 at 8:06 pmHey Jennifer, thanks so much for your comment! I hope you do get to visit one day, it was such a lovely place. Keep in touch, I’d absolutely love to hear more about what you’re doing x