Alexander Plaza, Berlin

Erected a hundred years ago as a factory, this building was restored and turned into a hotel in 1997. The facade is dominated by large rectangular windows which glow in the evening sun; an elegant spire crowns the top. Although old on the outside, no attempt has been made to recreate a historical interior. All the rooms are elegantly simple, with just a few pieces of furniture and carefully chosen colour contrasts. Special attention has been paid to the needs of business guests, who will find specially designed rooms with modern office equipment. For those looking for leisure activities, Hackesche Markt , Berlin's new centre of diversion, is only a stone's throw away.