Brilliant Apartments

Stylish but comfortable self-catering apartments in the vibrant Prenzlauer Berg district (sleeping 2-6)

Part of Berlin’s special appeal is its energetic, anything-goes vibe. And there is no better place to experience this than in the Prenzlauer Berg district, with its bohemian atmosphere and thriving café culture. In 2006, former cameraman and bundle of energy Simon Wirth bought a whole apartment block in a typical Altbau (late 19th-century block) on Oderberger Strasse - one of the area’s prettiest streets, choc-a-block with bars, restaurants and boutiques. Some of the apartments were tenanted, 9 were empty, and he's been gradually doing up those ones ever since.

Dispersed through the building, some face the road, others the inner courtyard, and your direct neighbour is likely to be a local; Simon also lives here with his wife and 3 children. A mix of studios, 1 bed and 2-4 bed apartments, there's something for everyone (couples, friends, families), and each is fully self-catering and stylishly furnished with a mixture of modern, vintage 70s and antique furniture. Red, yellow or perhaps moss-green sofas provide splashes of bright colour, and matching bulbous lamps or graphic art make them feel contemporary and cool.

The 10th Brilliant Apartment (Jade) is in a similar Altbau on nearby Rykestrasse, a slightly quieter and very beautiful street. From here it's a short stroll to Kollwitzplatz, where there's a great food and crafts market every Saturday.

Highs

• Unbeatable location in Prenzlauer Berg with good transport connections to the rest of the city
• Simon is extremely friendly and helpful, on-hand should you need him, and he provides a folder of insider tips for exploring Berlin
• Attractive apartments with funky individual design; all have glossy white kitchens and wood floors, some have balconies
• The lack of signage out front means you really feel like you live here - plus you get all the conveniences of home
• Excellent for families: great value for money; cots, extra beds, highchairs and babysitting available; kid friendly restaurants and activities close by

Lows

• While the apartments are immaculate, the building itself is a work in progress and the hallways and stairways look unfinished
• It's an old - and primarily residential - building, and noise carries, whether it’s children in the courtyard or a blaring radio. But double-glazed bedroom windows ensure a good night’s sleep
• Most apartments are in the rear part of the building and don’t have a view; the ones in the front are subject to street noise, and ongoing roadworks
• No lift (unless you're staying at Jade)