Die Fabrik

In 1995, a century-old telephone company was converted into a hostel, and Die Fabrik ("The Factory") was born. Its workspaces were gutted, and compact bedrooms and dorms were built where telephone operators once made their connections. Today, travelers from around the world connect in this very affordable, friendly and hip joint. We were won over by Die Fabrik's charm and convenient location off Schlesisches Tor in Kreuzberg.

Die Fabrik’s rooms—singles, doubles, triples and quads—are pleasantly simple, and many are decorated with original East German worker propaganda posters, found onsite during the renovation. (They're screwed into the walls. Don't even try it.) In the seven- and eight-bed dorms, the simple wooden tables and chairs and stark metal lockers are fit for a factory break room.

All rooms are situated around a calm courtyard. Not that they are common in hostels anyhow, but the Die Fabrik has made a point of keeping TV and telephones out of the rooms to keep things quiet and private.

Some private rooms have a sink, but all rooms share bathrooms, which are very clean (for hostel bathrooms).

The Die Fabrik is clean, comfortable and no-nonsense. The brick and concrete hallways and stairs keep the theme both romantic and industrial, and the hostel partners with local eateries to direct guests to meals at reasonable prices throughout the day.

Breakfast is not included Wi-Fi is free throughout. Note that the hostel does not have an elevator.