Hotel Review: Hotel AMO by Amano, Berlin

Hotel AMO is in ever-busy Mitte, close to the junction of Friedrichstrasse and Oranienburger Strasse. Oranienberger Tor U-Bahn station is right beside the hotel and Oranienburger Strasse S-Bahn station is just around the corner. It's an easy walk south to the River Spree and then east via Monbijoupark to the powerhouse museums of Museumsinsel. Sammlung Boros is a massive wartime bunker that now houses a collection of contemporary art from 1990 onwards; guided tours include the history of the building.

By plane: direct flights to Berlin Brandenburg from London (1 hour 40 minutes), Manchester (1 hour 55 minutes) and Edinburgh (2 hours 5 minutes). It's a 45-minute drive to the hotel. Book flights to Berlin.

The hotel rises to five storeys and is entered through a passage off Friedrichstrasse with steps or a lift taking guests to a reception and lounge area on the lower ground floor. With its black ceiling, dark green chairs, wood-effect floor and low lighting, you could be in an upmarket nightclub.

Facilities are minimal; most guests are usually out and about. The hotel doesn't seem to have a lot of staff, which can mean waiting at times, but they are helpful with plenty of suggestions of what to do. 'We promise you'll never be bored' goes the hotel blurb, and it's true.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Free Wi-Fi

There are four room categories, starting with the honestly-named Economy, with Comfort and Superior offering a king-sized bed. The high-spec interiors feature furnishings in various shades of blue with classy brass lights. Double beds come with two single duvets and the white-tiled bathrooms have a shower and industrial lighting.

Room types: Economy Room, Standard Room, Comfort Room, Superior Room

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Anyah toiletries, hairdryer, smart TV, free Wi-Fi

Next to the hotel entrance, JOSEPH is a buzzy candle-lit restaurant specialising in Israeli cuisine including enjoyable veggie dishes - it's popular so be sure to reserve a table. Breakfast is served in the dark and windowless downstairs lounge, an unexceptional buffet including fruit salad and cold meats and cheeses.

Joseph Restaurant: casual restaurant, Israeli cuisine. Open daily, from 6pm. Mains from €16.50.