Your stay — 12Monkeys
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The Property — 12Monkeys
A converted high-rise in the Friedrichshain district, 12Monkeys feels like a backpacker hostel that grew up without losing its edge. The lobby is all bare concrete, mismatched furniture and a bar that stays busy late, with a rooftop terrace offering one of the best views over the Berlin skyline. It suits budget-conscious travellers who prioritise location, social atmosphere and a good party over plush amenities.
Chronicles of Berlin
Berlin began as a pair of fishing villages in the 13th century, grew into the Prussian capital, then became a byword for Cold War division with the Wall built in 1961. Its reunification in 1990 kicked off two decades of experimental urban renewal, leaving a city of raw spaces, repurposed industrial buildings and a fierce creative scene. Today, Berlin wears its history in the scars on its buildings and its street art, and its identity remains one of tolerance, art and relentless reinvention.
Best Time to Visit
Full Berlin guide →Best months
May, June and September — warm enough for terraces and river swims, but without the tourist crush of July and August.
Peak / festival surge
July and August. Schools are out, the city fills with visitors for festivals like the Berlin International Beer Festival (early August) and the Christopher Street Day parade (late July). Hotel prices spike by 30-50%, and advance booking is essential.
Budget shoulder season
April and October. Spring and autumn bring mild weather, cheaper rooms and shorter queues at museums. October is particularly good for cultural events like the Festival of Lights.
Weather & packing
Berlin's climate is continental, so July is warm but can have sudden downpours. Pack layers: a light jacket and a compact umbrella are essential even in summer.
Live City Briefing — Berlin
- U-Bahn line U5 now runs directly to the Hauptbahnhof, cutting travel time from Friedrichshain to the central station to about 20 minutes.
- The east-side gallery near the hotel is undergoing periodic restoration of its murals; check ahead for scaffolding on your section.
- Tegel Airport closed in 2020; all flights now use BER, reachable via the FEX train from Berlin Ostbahnhof (15-minute walk from 12Monkeys).
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to 12Monkeys, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor facing the courtyard (rear of building) to get quieter sleep and decent light. These floors are high enough to avoid street-level smell but low enough for fast stair access if the lift is slow.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor directly above the bar/restaurant (on the street side) due to music and smoke break chatter until midnight. Also avoid rooms facing the main road (if street side) – Berlin traffic is noisy, especially delivery trucks at 5am.
Best views
No proper view – street side gives roofs and a bit of Kreuzberg skyline; courtyard side is other tenement backs. Request 2nd or 3rd floor back for the least depressing outlook.
Quietest floors
Floors 2–3 (courtyard side) are the quietest. The building is old, so above 3rd floor you'll hear more creaking from neighbouring apartments.
🔊 Noise notes
Bar in the lobby gets lively until 23:00. Berlin street noise is omnipresent – double glazing helps but doesn't block motorbikes. Delivery gate on the side alley opens 06:00.
Insider tips
1) Check in at 13:30 to skip the front-desk queue – staff are stretched at 15:00-17:00. 2) Ask for a room key code for the side gate to avoid ringing the bell for re-entry after 23:00.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — 12Monkeys
Free Wi-Fi throughout, speeds around 30 Mbps down; no login, just accept terms on connection
One small lift serves all 6 floors; no stairs-only sections
No complimentary newspapers or digital newsstand; lobby TV shows German news
Check-in from 15:00 to 22:00; bag drop from 12:00 if room not ready; late check-out until 14:00 costs €20
Free storage for same-day luggage behind the front desk; no long-term storage
Step-free access through main entrance; lift fits standard wheelchair; no accessibility features in bathrooms
No on-site parking; nearest public car park is Q-Park Schönhauser Allee (€20 per night); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 5% of net accommodation cost per person, per night; payable on site
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment via credit card 48 hours before arrival; €100 card hold for incidentals at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Trinitatis Kirchengemeinde Berlin (760 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: Trinitatiskirche (763 m · ~10 min walk)
- Synagogue: Synagoge Pestalozzistraße (785 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: St. Thomas von Aquin (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Kant Center — 607 m · ~8 min walk
Margarete-und-Arthur-Eloesser-Park — 906 m · ~11 min walk
Polyrama — 667 m · ~8 min walk
Zaubertheater Igor Jedlin — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Klein Lummerland — 353 m · ~4 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 368 m · ~5 min walk
Insel Apotheke — 257 m · ~3 min walk
The Market — 220 m · ~3 min walk
Adenauerplatz — 619 m · ~8 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs for the best rates; avoid airport and tourist bureau exchange desks — poor rates and high fees.
Cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless/mobile pay are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and transport; some small cafes and stalls may be cash-only.
Round up the bill or tip 5-10% in restaurants; in taxis, round up to the next euro; give €1-2 per bag to hotel porters, and leave housekeeping €1-2 per night.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Filter coffee or a simple espresso from a bakery or kiosk — around €2-3.
A slice of pizza, a döner kebab, or a bowl from an Asian noodle shop for about €5-8.
A main course in a modest Italian or Turkish restaurant: around €10-15.
Kebab shops and currywurst stands are everywhere; the areas around Kreuzberg and Neukölln have many cheap-eat options.
Aldi, Lidl, and Netto are the common budget supermarkets.
High-street chains like H&M, Zara, and C&A are typical; for second-hand bargains, check the Mauerpark flea market on Sundays.
A single trip ticket (€3.50) is fine for occasional use; a day pass (€9.90 for zones AB) is best value for multiple journeys. From BER airport, take the S-Bahn (€3.80 single ticket) or buy an ABC day pass (€13.30) for Airport + inner city.
Buy a day pass if making more than two trips. Eat at lunchtime specials (Mittagstisch) in restaurants for discounted meals. Fill your water bottle at public fountains — tap water is safe and free.
Good to know — Berlin
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.87 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
BerlinBoth ambulance and fire services use the same number (112). Police use 110. All calls are free. English speakers are often available. For non-emergencies, use local police stations or call 030 (Berlin area code).
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Berlin, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at 12Monkeys
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 368 m · ~5 min walk — pharmacy · Insel Apotheke — 257 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) → Sly Berlin Hotel (Friedrichshain)
💡 Most budget-friendly option; buy Berlin WelcomeCard for unlimited metro/bus/tram access for 48-72 hours; FEX arrives at Ostbahnhof station near hotel
Friedrichshain District → Sly Berlin Hotel area
💡 U5 runs directly through Friedrichshain; buy 7-day pass (€36.50) for unlimited local travel; nighttime network robust on weekends
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) → Sly Berlin Hotel (Friedrichshain)
💡 Book in advance via hotel concierge for guaranteed rates; avoid peak hours (7-9am, 5-7pm) for faster journeys
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) → Sly Berlin Hotel (Friedrichshain)
💡 Cheapest option; X7 connects to local tram lines; scenic route through Berlin; best for travelers without luggage
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at 12Monkeys?
Request a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor facing the courtyard (rear of building) to get quieter sleep and decent light. These floors are high enough to avoid street-level smell but low enough for fast stair access if the lift is slow.
Which rooms should I avoid at 12Monkeys?
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor directly above the bar/restaurant (on the street side) due to music and smoke break chatter until midnight. Also avoid rooms facing the main road (if street side) – Berlin traffic is noisy, especially delivery trucks at 5am.
Is 12Monkeys noisy?
Bar in the lobby gets lively until 23:00. Berlin street noise is omnipresent – double glazing helps but doesn't block motorbikes. Delivery gate on the side alley opens 06:00.
Which rooms have the best views at 12Monkeys?
No proper view – street side gives roofs and a bit of Kreuzberg skyline; courtyard side is other tenement backs. Request 2nd or 3rd floor back for the least depressing outlook.
What are insider tips for staying at 12Monkeys?
1) Check in at 13:30 to skip the front-desk queue – staff are stretched at 15:00-17:00. 2) Ask for a room key code for the side gate to avoid ringing the bell for re-entry after 23:00.
What time is check-in at 12Monkeys?
Check-in at 12Monkeys is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does 12Monkeys have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout, speeds around 30 Mbps down; no login, just accept terms on connection
Is there a city or tourist tax at 12Monkeys?
5% of net accommodation cost per person, per night; payable on site
Where can I eat cheaply near 12Monkeys?
A slice of pizza, a döner kebab, or a bowl from an Asian noodle shop for about €5-8.
What is the cheapest way to get around from 12Monkeys?
A single trip ticket (€3.50) is fine for occasional use; a day pass (€9.90 for zones AB) is best value for multiple journeys. From BER airport, take the S-Bahn (€3.80 single ticket) or buy an ABC day pass (€13.30) for Airport + inner city.
When is the best time to visit Berlin?
May, June and September — warm enough for terraces and river swims, but without the tourist crush of July and August.
Top Attractions in Berlin
💡 Register online at least 2 days in advance; same-day slots are rare. The dome is closed for cleaning 3 days a year, so check the website.
💡 Visit early in the morning (before 9am) to avoid crowds and grab coffee at one of the nearby cafés along the Spree. The wall is exposed to weather, so touch gently.
💡 Go on a Sunday for free guided tours in English at 3pm, but arrive early as groups are limited to 25.
💡 Bring a picnic and rent a bike from the station at the north entrance (€5/hour). The south end is quieter for sunbathing.
💡 Entry is €12, but free on the first Sunday of every month. Aim for 10am on weekdays to skip queues; skip the audio guide and use the free app.