When browsing for Airbnbs for my first trip to Berlin—an extension of a business trip—I was not only looking for a place that would offer the same design caliber of the city’s distinctive hotels, but I also needed a rental that would have a good remote workspace, too.
I settled on a duplex in Prenzlauer Berg, the quiet and charming neighborhood in northern Berlin. In addition to a large dining area to serve as my office, the major draw of this two-story apartment was its sweeping wall of windows and skylights. The overall effect was lounging in a light-filled glass jewel box—a particularly rare feeling during a gray winter in Berlin. Sipping my coffee there in the morning sun was almost enough to make an early bird out of me.
When I first arrived outside the apartment, I knew I’d made the right choice. Under a Bauhaus-style pendant light displaying the street number was an old-fashioned carved door. The apartment was past a shared courtyard and up another set of stairs (there’s no elevator, so it’s not a suitable place for travelers with accessibility needs).
Aside from the sunroom area, the apartment was laden with other design-forward features, including exposed brick walls, a wood-burning fireplace, a freestanding tub, a large kitchen with copper cabinets and island, and a striking wooden spiral staircase between the two floors. As far as outdoor space, there’s plenty of it, with two spacious balconies, one connected to each story.
The only downside of the experience was the fact that the tub was broken during my stay and not in use. I also inquired with the owner about using the fireplace and was asked not to use it for safety reasons. So those two amenities, which are both included in the listing, might be off the table if you decide to rent the place. It’s probably ideal to plan a stay in summer, when you can take full advantage of the two balconies and potential use of the bathtub or fireplace would be less of an issue.
