Room 44, The Dude, Berlin
1 July 2014
Words: Gareth Rees / Image: The Dude, Berlin
The Dude is as cool as its name suggests, but the boutique property eschews the hipster shabiness to be found in trendy neighbourhoods such as Kreutzberg, instead opting for classic style. Located in the central Mitte district, a short distance from landmarks such as Alexanderplatz and The Fernsehturm television tower, the hotel is housed in an attractive 30-room property built in 1822.
The Dude sits on a quiet side street and operates more like a private members club than a hotel. Throughout our stay, the small staff was friendly but never intrusive, and the hotel has a preference for thoughtfulness, exemplified by the selection of Berlin-themed books in the lobby, over showiness. But The Dude does everything in style. The Brooklyn, a classic American cocktail bar and steakhouse, takes care of dinner, while the diner-style Brooklyn Burger Bar and small adjoining breakfast room with its superb coffee have the other two main meals covered.
Our Senior Double room, furnished sparingly but stylishly with a red leather arm chair, comfortable cast iron and brass double bed, crisp sheets, gold cornicing, dark wood floors and bright blue statement wall, looked out over the street and was the epitome of understated elegance.
thedudeberlin.com
INTERNET: Free Wi-Fi
PILLLOWS: Two (more available on request)
BED SIZE: Double
COMPLIMENTARY SNACKS: Licorice and red wine
TOILETRY BRAND: Molton Brown
EXTRAS: Mini Moleskine notebooks
TV CHANNELS: 50
VIEW: 2/5 B
BURGER DELIVERY TIME: 45 minutes
RATE: EUR159 (US$215) to EUR239 (US$325), depending on the season