5 dog-friendly stays in Berlin

Berlin is one of Europe’s most pet-friendly cities, with dogs allowed on all public transport (be sure to get the right ticket, though) and walking tours being one of the most popular ways to see the city. It’s also scattered with parks, from the leafy, 520-acre Tiergarten to the abandoned airfield, Tempelhof. And there are numerous pet-friendly cafés, such as Five Elephant, whose famous cheesecake can be ordered as a dog-friendly version.

Here are five of Berlin’s best pet-friendly accommodations, so that both you and your pooch can enjoy a city trip to the dynamic German capital.

Gorki Apartments

In the middle of Berlin’s sought-after Mitte neighbourhood, these serviced apartments provide you with a bed and bowl to make your pet feel right at home. Check into one of the penthouse suites and you’ll have 200 square metres of living space plus access to a rooftop garden for your pup to roam and play in. And there are plenty of parks nearby for further leg-stretching.

Pestana Berlin Tiergarten

This pet-friendly hotel is located right next to the Tiergarten, Berlin’s largest and most popular inner-city park. The park is an enormous expanse of greenery, covering 520 acres from the Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin Zoo. Head to the Café am Neuen See and grab a pretzel to share with your pooch, sitting on the wooden decking aside the lake.

Mövenpick Hotel Berlin Am Potsdamer Platz

The bold and whacky design of this extremely central Berlin hotel will suit the most playful pups. It’s located on Potsdamer Platz and is only a 20-minute walk from the Tiergarten and the Brandenburg Gate. Or, you can venture a little further (40 minutes) to reach the expansive Tempelhof, an abandoned airfield-turned-public park. The entire park is enclosed by a tall fence and there are three areas in which dogs don’t need to be kept on a lead. And, with huge concrete runways and no trees or shrubs in sight, it’s a great place for dogs who like to race.

Hotel Zoo Berlin

Glamorous pets will delight in the design of this luxurious hotel, artfully combining antiques with a more contemporary, conceptual aesthetic – note the wood panelling and aubergine leather club chairs alongside exposed brickwork and abstract, chain link chandeliers by Italian design brand, Terzani. It’s also only a 5-minute walk from the leafy confines of the Tiergarten.

Motel One Berlin-Spittelmarkt

The dark wood furnishings, crushed velvet upholstery and warm lighting of this design hotel’s lounge make it a lovely place to snuggle up with your pet after a day’s sightseeing. Located in the heart of Mitte, it’s a great place to base yourself for strolling the area’s boutiques, cafés and restaurants with your dog. And there are several small, pretty parks within easy walking distance.