The edgy Hotel Q! is as much a club as it is a hotel, something its NH Berlin Kurfüerstendamm isn't as swanky, but it has larger rooms and cheaper rates.

Incredibly cool, the 149-room, eco-friendly 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin is a great option for hip, design-conscious travelers looking to stay in the heart of the city. Its West Berlin location is next to Berlin Zoo and very close to Tiergarten and Breitscheidplatz, with plenty of places to dine and drink within walking distance in the neighborhood. This design hotel's theme is urban jungle, and its huge public spaces are full of greenery, glass, and exposed pipes. There are two restaurants and a bakery on-site, plus a rooftop cocktail bar overlooking the zoo. There's also a 24-hour fitness center, a sauna, and a lounge space for relaxing. Rooms are just as quirky and trendy as the rest of the four-pearl hotel, with doodles drawn on the walls, hammocks, and rainfall showerheads in the minimalist bathrooms.

The 80-room, two-pearl Circus Hostel has bright and hip decor, a sociable atmosphere, and a young clientele. The property is conveniently close to public transportation and restaurants and is within walking distance to the Berlin Wall Memorial. Rooms range from dorms with lockers and shared bathrooms to private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and even studios and private rooms with kitchens and balconies. A lack of air-conditioning may be a drawback for some, but it’s just a part of the hostel’s green practices. Features include a trendy cafe and bar, a microbrewery, and free Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, the buffet breakfast (served until late) costs extra and there's no communal kitchen -- unusually for a hostel. PLUS Berlin is a good alternative with a restaurant and barbecue area, indoor pool, and game room. 

The 72-room Louis Hotel's lively Munich setting -- between Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt -- attracts guests looking for a centrally located hotel full of amenities. There are a sauna, modern gym, Japanese restaurant with excellent cocktails, and a rooftop bar all on-site. This property also offers 24-hour front desk service and shoe polish service. Rooms are modern and understated with flat-screen TVs and views of the Alps or marketplace. Guests, though, complain that the animated location can result in some room noise. For a more relaxed setting, try the Cortiina Hotel.

Euro Youth Hotel is a hostel-style property that caters to a young, party crowd. The two-pearl property is outside the immediate city center, but it's still within walking distance of most attractions and public transportation. Its 58 rooms range from dorms with shared bathrooms to private rooms with flat-screen TVs, and en-suite bathrooms. Features here include a breakfast buffet (included in some rates), discounted parking, walking tours, and a lively bar that has weekly events and a fun crowd. However, deposits for room keys, hairdryers, lockers, and other small items is a bit bothersome, and the hotel is not air-conditioned. Travelers might also want to check out Arthotel Munich, where all rooms have private baths and include breakfast -- for slightly higher rates.

This 97-room design hotel is a playful place in the midst of a drab corporate area. Its colorful and quirky design extends from the public spaces to the individually decorated rooms, which offer free Wi-Fi and iPod docks. There's a restaurant, bar, and lounge on-site, plus meeting rooms for business guests. A few tourist attractions are within easy walking distance, and there's a tram stop directly outside and an underground station a short walk away. Guests can also use the four-pearl hotel's free Mini Cooper or borrow a bike to get around. 

The upper-middle-range ARCOTEL Onyx is nestled on the avenue of Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s risqué quarter filled with sex shops and nightclubs -- though it has family-friendly shopping by day. It's within walking distance of several top attractions and well served by public transportation. Decor here is best described as funky and over-the-top eccentric at times, which might not suit all tastes. Its 215 rooms are modern and eclectically styled, equipped with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, and kettles. Although the hotel has a chic bar and a cafe that serves a pricey breakfast, it lacks a full restaurant and offers limited room service. A modest fitness room and wellness area with a sauna and steam room are nice perks. The Madison Hamburg is a good alternative for those who prefer to be away from Reeperbahn Avenue and want an on-site restaurant.

The 25hours Hotel By Levi's blends American style with sleek German design to create a hip haven near Frankfurt's central train station. The 76 colorful rooms offer trendy decor, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. The hotel’s stylish computer room and two meeting rooms make it a good choice for business travelers and there's also a rooftop terrace, a trendy restaurant/bar, and a music room. However, it's in a part of town that can feel seedy at night. The Dormero Hotel Frankfurt gets better reviews for its location.

The Michelberger Hotel is an artsy, mid-range option set in a former warehouse in the Friedrichshain neighborhood. The funky, book-filled lobby has a piano instead of a TV, handmade clothing for sale, and lots of low couches where its young guests hang out. The bar hosts DJs and live music. Most of the 119 rooms have spare, modern decor; some have cement floors, big windows, and open showers, while others have bunk beds and can accommodate larger groups. The big breakfast buffet (for a fee) includes vegan and gluten-free options, and locally sourced food and drinks can be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace. Those looking for a more traditional property in Fiedrichshain should consider the popular Holiday Inn Berlin City East Side. It’s tends to be cheaper and has a Starbucks on-site.

This upscale hotel, part of the Portuguese SANA chain, is in a convenient western Berlin location, within walking distance to dining and shopping options on popular Kurfürstendamm avenue. Its rooms are large and have an appealing modern minimalism with lauded views of the city. The hotel differentiates itself by its Portuguese flair and having a number of even larger apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes for long stays. Lack of adequate air-conditioning can be an issue throughout summer months, which is only partially alleviated by room windows that open to the city air. The small indoor pool is a bonus for the generally younger clientele, as is the free breakfast, served late through the day. The nearby Hotel Q! lacks the pool, but has more stylish rooms for cheaper rates.

The NH Berlin Kurfuerstendamm is a 167-room hotel near Ku'Damm, home of great shopping and dining. The brick property is sleek and modern with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of Berlin. Contemporary rooms are decorated in soothing, neutral tones and have flat-screen TVs along with electric kettles. Hotel perks include the 7th floor fitness and wellness area, offering a steamroom, sauna, heated lounge chairs, and a fitness center. Breakfast is served in a bright room on the second floor until late morning, though the price is steep. A stylish bar serves cocktails and light meals, and the lively outdoor patio is a great amenity during summer months. While the location and amenities are good, there is a fee for Wi-Fi (free in the lobby) and no full restaurant on-site.

The George Hotel is a four-pearl property flush with a Great-Britain-in-the-'60s design. Located outside the city center, the property has enough room for an Italian restaurant, a party-vibe bar, meeting rooms, and a rooftop lounge with views of Lake Alster. A luxurious spa and free Jaguars for rent add to its luxe perks and personality. Its 125 stylish rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free weights (there's no gym). Be aware that Wi-Fi is spotty and the sauna requires a fee. Travelers could also consider the Park Hyatt Hamburg, which has a pool and a gym, but rates can be higher.

The 163-room Hotel AMANO is an attractive mid-range hotel in a convenient, central location in Mitte. The standard rooms are small but modern, and larger apartment-style rooms are also available with living space, kitchenettes, and washing machines. The hotel has a well-reviewed hot and cold breakfast buffet for a fee and a dark, sultry bar on-site with musical entertainment. There’s no fitness center and some guests complain about the smoky smell in the common areas, but there is an inviting seasonal rooftop bar with city views. Guests may want to compare rates with NH Berlin Mitte, a stylish, contemporary hotel with a small fitness center and sauna. Wi-Fi is free. 

The five-pearl Hotel Atlantic Kempinski Hamburg is a historic property packed with grand European decor and luxurious amenities. The hotel is situated next to Alster Lake, providing lovely views in some of its elegant rooms and suites, which offer modern comforts like minibars and flat-screen TVs as well as large bathrooms. The impressive on-site restaurant serves German fare and seafood, while the bar is a popular spot and often features live piano music. An indoor pool, private movie rooms, a spa, and extensive event facilities attract a number of vacationing couples and German dignitaries. For something with more modern decor and extensive spa and restaurant services, travelers might want to consider the Grand Elysee Hotel Hamburg.  

Popular with young budget travelers, the two-pearl St. Christopher’s Inn Berlin is a youth hostel with a friendly atmosphere. Located close to Alexanderplatz and next to a U-Bahn station, the hostel has easy access to most attractions. A variety of room categories are available, ranging from dorm rooms with shared bathrooms all the way up to apartments with fully equipped kitchens. Rooms and dorms are clean but basic, and towels are not provided in dorms. The hip on-site bar offers discounts for guests. Freebies include continental breakfast (if booked through the hotel website) and Wi-Fi in all areas, but consistent noise and dirty bathrooms can put a damper on things. Although not a hostel, those on a budget may want to consider the nearby Best Western Grand City Hotel Berlin Mitte, which offers competitive rates.