An archway off a side road leads guests into the quiet -- or shall we say "calm" -- courtyard after which Calma Berlin Mitte is named. Calma has rooms on the first three floors of the five-story white brick and stucco building, which is listed as a historic property (GDR propaganda was once printed here). Step through the courtyard entrance and into the hotel, and guests may feel like they've found something a little more stylish than the standard three-pearl property, though the amenities themselves are decidedly mid-range. 

The lobby, which was renovated in mid-2017 after our photographer's visit, has transformed from "nice but generic" to "cozy-chic boutique," with a soft color palette of gray, white, and blush pink. The reception area fades directly into the breakfast room, where gray upholstered bench seating, white farmhouse chairs, and wood cafe tables are paired with just the right touch of rustic flare (like a tree-stump side table) and trendy accents (like exposed filament lights in caged shades). Personal touches are everywhere: little vases of fresh flowers, regional products in the breakfast buffet, and art from a Berlin street photographer. The professional photos of the staff line some of the hallway walls, reflecting the pride they take in their work. The breakfast room becomes a daytime lounge area, where German and international guests alike, including several families, grab free speciality coffees and fuel up for a day of exploring.

The entrance to Calma Berlin Mitte is situated in a courtyard, off a fairly quiet side street in Berlin's central Mitte district. It's well-connected via public transit, just a two-minute walk from the nearest tram stop, a three-minute walk from the nearest U-Bahn stop, and a five-minute walk from the S-Bahn stop. This means that a slew of major attractions are reachable in 15 minutes or less, with even the farthest flung sights reachable in a half hour. Shopping and restaurants are just a one-minute walk away on bustling Oranienburger Street, where a 15-minute walk east will take guests to Hackescher Market, passing on the way the beautiful New Synagog (a six-minute walk). Guests can also walk to Museum Island in 15 minutes.

• Nine minutes to Brandenburg Gate via public transit 
• Nine minutes to Checkpoint Charlie via public transit
• 10 minutes to Berlin Central Station via public transit
• 11 minutes to Museum Island via public transit
• 12 minutes to Potsdamerplatz via public transit
• 15 minutes to Alexanderplatz via public transit
• 27 minutes to the East Side Gallery via public transit
• 30 minutes to Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church via public transit
• 30 minutes to Berlin Tegal Airport via public transit
• 45- to 60-minutes to Berlin Schönefeld Airport via public transit

Continuing the lobby's boutique-chic decor, guest rooms showcase a soft color palette of gray and white. Updates in mid-2017 (since our photographer's visit) haven't revamped the rooms entirely, but cozy details were added such as pink accent pillows, white-washed accents, and framed photos of street art by a local photographer. All of this elevates the simple surroundings of gray accent walls and white wood-laminate furnishings including small desks, headboards with built-in side tables, and open wardrobes. Rooms tend to have plush gray carpeting, but a handful have parquet floors. The white-and-gray tiled bathrooms are typically compact but contemporary with glassed-in shower stalls. In-room amenities include wall-mounted smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, hairdryers, and a combination of toiletry dispensers and individual toiletries. Rooms are stocked with a few snacks and drinks for purchase, but they lack mini-fridges and coffee/tea service. Also lacking are safes and air-conditioning. 

Room sizes range from compact XS rooms (130 square feet), either built as singles or very tight doubles, to S and M doubles, to spacious "L" family rooms (430 square feet) for up to four guests with sleeper sofas. Street-facing rooms can be a bit noisier, but the majority of rooms face into the quiet courtyard.

Amenities here aren't extensive, but they're on par with other mid-range properties in Mitte. The stylish lobby-cum-breakfast room offers up a nice breakfast buffet, served through the late morning, and it spills into an outdoor courtyard area in the warmer months. The morning spread serves up quality and often regional versions of standard items like cold cuts, cheese, yogurt, breads, and sometimes even lox. Breakfast is not usually included in the room rate. After breakfast is over, the coffee and tea facilities -- which also churn out speciality drinks -- remain out through the early evening providing free caffeine boosts. Some drinks are also for sale in a fridge near reception. Depending on how guests book, free welcome drinks may also be doled out.

The hotel's helpful staff can sell transport tickets, stamps, arrange for laundry service, provide luggage or safe storage, or assist with directions. Wi-Fi throughout is free and bikes are available for rental. There's no on-site parking, though staff can direct guests to street parking. It's worth noting that the front desk and lobby close in the evening; guests have access to the hotel through a side door. Those checking in late or checking out early should arrange to pick up or drop off their keys in a special lock box. (There's also a phone number for late-night needs.)