During the summer months this hostel gets all it's hot water from the solar panels that are fixed onto the roof of the building, in the Autumn/Winter months when it is not so sunny the system is also used - but only as a suppliment to the normal electricity supply. Die Fabrik is the first such energy conscious hostel in Berlin, perhaps in the world. Funding for the solar project was provided by the EU and partly by the German government.

There are two Jetpacks in Berlin, one in Charlottenburg near to Zoo station and the shopping boulevard of Ku'damm, and the other is out in the woods of Pucklerstrasse. Both come highly recommended, and it's hard to find anyone who has a bad thing to say about either hostels.

Located in the funky, grungy district of Friedrichshain, Schlafmeile is a little off the beaten track but perfect if you want to explore a part of Berlin that is never really experienced by most tourists. The hostel is far enough away from the major landmarks to be suffocated with the mundane checkbox ticking types, looking to splash through the city in a couple of hours and only see what is expected of them to see.

Not only is the hostel open 24hrs, but so is the hostel bar, located in a small cosy common room, complete with tranquil fish pond. But you don't have to stay in at the hostel to have a good time, Simon Dach Strasse, the central cocktail bar street in Friedrichshain is only minutes away. Don't miss out on checking out the funky sci-fi themed Astro Bar whilst you're there.

After strolling around the lively surrounding neighbourhoods of Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte, you can come and relax in the hostel backyard garden, meet fellow travellers in their adjacent self-catering kitchen or just hang around in the lounge - all located in the cosy garden house. In the summer feel free to BBQ up a treat in the garden, but make sure you're inside by 10pm - as to not disturb the neighbours.

Eastern Comfort is located in the eastern part of Berlin, just at the border between the districts of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, directly at the largest remaining piece of the Berlin Wall and just next to one of the most stunning old bridges crossing the river Spree. Probably not a good idea if you're liable to seasickness, although the boat is permenantly moored on a river that doesn't really get much action.

Self Catering Kitchen. No Lockout, no Curfew. Open 24 hours. Pool Table. Friendly international staff. And run by the same people who also run the Heart of Gold hostel.The Hostel is not only in the middle of Berlin's Nightlife area, but just a few meters away from the famous 'Tacheles'. Not that you even have to leave the building to go party, as there's a nightclub directly downstairs.

Open 24 hours, no curfew, no lockout, credit card accepted, pool table, open all year, centrally located, and with super friendly staff. The Heart of Gold is named after the spaceship in the novel Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, and is just as wacky and wonderful as its moniker suggests.

It kind of looks like a Circus big top from the outside, if you squint at it. At least the paintwork does. But there's no funny business inside. This has to be THE best hostel in all of Berlin, both in terms of value for money and services offered. They have their own street café and bar, called Goldman's, in the basement and serve a fantasticly scrumptious buffet breakfast every morning for a bargain price.

A pleasant bed & breakfast located in the outskirts of the city.