Berlin hotels/apartments

I stayed at the Adina Apartment Hotel in Hackescher Markt. I loved the area and the hotel. I stayed in a studio since I was by myself but they have 1-2 bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens, washer and dryer and so on. They do have hotels in other Berlin locations as well, but I really liked this location. The staff was friendly and courteous, and the rooms were very well prepared, large, clean and nice. Breakfast is available although given the kitchen facilities, I just ate in my room in the morning.

Also, the hotel is very convenient to the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and trams, and is an easy walk to the major museums. The DDR museum is only a few blocks away along and Museum Island is not much farther. There were many other sights within a short walking distance, such as the Berlin Dom, the TV Tower, and so on. There were also lots of very nice restaurants, grocery stores, and wine shops within walking distance. And public transportation was very convenient. There is an S-Bahn station just up the street with a line that runs straight to the airport (no transfers), and tram and metro stations galore. I really liked this area (I had no problem with noise) and would definitely stay here again.

One thing I like to do before booking something is to check out the area on Google Maps. For example, I keyed in "Hackescher Markt" and the entire area appears, so you can see the shops, sights, public transport and restaurants and so on that are in that particular area. You can try it with other areas, too. https://www.google.com/maps/search/hackescher+markt/@52.5253833,13.3988725,16z/data=!3m1!4b1

I found out about it on this forum as many others have stayed here. In fact, here is a very recent review of the Adina. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany-reviews/hotel-in-berlin-ff8537fe-e69f-4879-ab84-963e632e5ab6

In cold January you will find only rare places with bar noises because the people sit inside in winter.

Info: The mentioned Adina is near the main train axis through Berlin with 4 tracks, used by local S-Bahn, regional trains and also long-distance trains. So, having a room to the street side might be noisy. I have no information about the noise level of rooms with windows to the backyard - likely much better.

Hotel Lux Eleven is located in a side street and close to Alexanderplatz.
Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte is similar located close to Friedrichstrasse.
Consider also sidestreet or backyard rooms of Melia and Maritim proArte Hotel.
Or get distance from the ground in ParkInn at Alexanderplatz with rooms in floors 20+.

Both have direct connection (no transfer) by faster regional trains RE8 and RB23 than Hackescher Markt - if this matters.

Info: The mentioned Adina is near the main train axis through Berlin with 4 tracks, used by local S-Bahn, regional trains and also long-distance trains. So, having a room to the street side might be noisy. I have no information about the noise level of rooms with windows to the backyard - likely much better.

It's near but I never noticed the noise level at night (or during the day, for that matter) and my room was close to the street side. That said, you can always ask for a quieter room.

Thanks to you both! I will look into all the suggestions :-) Thanks to this forum, I already found a tour guide for our Berlin trip!

I also stayed at the Adina on the side that look out over the tracks and with the windows closed, I didn't even hear the trains at night.

I too liked the area for a first-timer. Easy ride from the airport on the S-Bahn. Both U-Bahn and S-Bahn located nearby and lots of restaurants and Museums. I literally walked all over Mitte.

I've also stayed at the Adina mentioned by Mardee.

I was upgraded to a one bedroom and all their one bedrooms face the front. With the windows open, you will hear train noise. With the windows closed, and I'm going to guess you will have the windows closed in January, it will be fine.

If you can make do with one room, I'd suggest requesting one on the back side of the hotel.

The location, however, is excellent. Walking distance to many things, access to numerous train lines, restaurants, markets, and shops. Having a kitchen and washer/dryer in the room gives you a choice to dine in if you prefer. The hotel supplies soap for the washing machine.

I've also stayed at the Adina near the main train station. It was fine but you had a longer walk to get to anything.

Berlin and noise are an own thing.

At my last home address close to Frankfurter Tor I was able on some days to hear the S-Bahn (likely from Ostbahnhof) which was more than half a mile away with many high enough buildings in between. No direct sight contact - just wind an clouds. It was remarkable that I did not hear the sound from Berghain which was the same direction - and that was loud when I bought things at 8 or 9 a. m. on saturday mornings at neighboring Metro market.