"What happens if you’re an architect searching for the holy grail of accommodation—the 'home away from home'? You create it yourself, natch. At least that’s what Britta and Matthew Griffin, the architects behind these self-contained apartments in Mitte, proceeded to do.

A once run-down apartment block now features 14 elegantly redesigned 'mini-lofts', each cradling ultra-modern furnishings, well-equipped kitchenettes and plushy beds. Guests are offered complete privacy and an escape from nagging hotel policies, and at 80-200 Euros per night, it’s a steal. This award-winning architectural feat is popular among independent-minded families at weekend. Meanwhile, Britta and Matthew were so pleased with the result that they, well, moved in themselves."