Berlinow – Your Berlin Story
You’re used to hostels being the cheapest way (apart from coach surfing) to stay when you’re abroad. In Berlin there’s a much cozier alternative for the same price, at least if you’re traveling together with someone.
If you’re planning to stay in Berlin for a longer period, you might be looking for more permanent living situation – take a look here. If you’re just hanging out here for a shorter period, keep reading.
There are countless vacation apartments in Berlin. You’re renting a normal apartment, furnished and completely equipped, for roughly the same price as a hostel bed. An apartment is from around 40 euros per night and up. Yes, that’s for the whole apartment, not per person. You got all the amenities for your self – kitchen, bathroom and sometimes tv and wifi. You definitely get a much more relaxed stay compared to a hostel, or even a hotel. Just like home, but in Berlin.
The apartments are often let by people that owns a single apartment, but there are also companies that operates several apartments. Usually the owners are linked to an agency that arranges the bookings online, but there are also those who book their own apartments, via mail or phone. If you’re dealing directly with the landlord it pays off to bargain a bit about the rent, when you’re staying for a longer period (a week or more). Sometimes the rent can be as low as half the advertised.
If you’re traveling alone, and want to keep the price at a low level, there are also many home owners that offer rooms in their own apartments to travelers. Prices are from 15 euros per night.
Big agencies
Airbnb is one of the largest marketplaces for apartments and rooms in the world. They have a wide variety of accommodation facilities in Berlin on their website. The German “clones” 9flats and Wimdu are definitely worth a visit as well.
Mowitania
Maybe not the nicest looking site, but you’ll find a large selection of apartments all over Berlin.
Berlin.de
Berlin’s official site, which also let you search for vacation apartments.
Apartment hotels
Central Berlin Apartments
Two small but nice apartments in the trendy area between Hackescher Markt and Prenzlauer Berg. Overlooking Weinbergpark, with several cozy cafés and pubs in the area. Wifi, elevator.
Ima lofts
Loft apartments in a former Kreuzberg factory building. The immediate surroundings might not be the most interesting in Berlin, but you’re only a five minute walk from the hip Oranienstraße with several cafés, restaurants and shops. Wifi, elevator.
Other sites
Craigslist
Berliners that are going on holiday often sublets their own apartment while they are away. You’ll find a lot of these ads on Craigslist, but there’s also quite a few “professional” landlords here. You can really make a bargain on Craigslist, but look out for scammers! Never pay for the apartment before arrival. If the landlord demands that you pay in advance, go for another place.
WG-Gesucht
You’ll find more apartments than on Craigslist, but this site is in German only. Many ads are for longer periods, but there are also weekly or daily rentals. Once again, look out for scammers.
To find out if you’re dealing with a scammer, have a look at this frequently updated blog. Also google the mail address or phone number. If you end up finding ads from different cities all over Europe, you’re most certainly in contact with a scammer.
