Located along Weinbergsweg Strasse and Rosa-Luxemburg-Strasse are two Berlin hostels that carry the same names (Circus). The Rosa-Luxemburg-Strasse "Circus" hostel, established in 1998, outgrew its original Mitte location and opened a second location in 2001.
The Circus's name stems from its street's former name, Am Cirkus. Circuses were held on this street in the early 20th century, but many were disbanded during WWII. Both hostels are run by the same staff--a lively, friendly bunch. But, then again, what would you expect at a circus?
Downstairs, backpackers sit with cups of coffee outside and bask in the sun, reading the paper, hanging out, and smoking. Inside, grunge rock plays at the reception, travelers look over guidebooks from the reference library, and sign-up sheets make it easy to take part in walking tours and special events.
The Circus offers singles, doubles, and triples, along with four- to eight-bed dorms at very low rates with a choice of private and shared facilities. The rooms are just a wee-bit snug but well put together, with wood floors, metal bunk beds, yellow-and-orange walls, and framed photos of Berlin. The shared showers are clean and have a six-to-one guest to shower ratio (which, hostel newbies, is pretty decent).
Which Circus should you stay in? Rosa Luxemburg Platz is closer to Alexanderplatz, while the newer location is situated between Hackescher Markt and Prenzlauerberg. But, both are worthy spectacles!
This hostel is the best one I`ve ever been. Breakfast till 1pm, people at the front desk are amazing, the bar downstairs rocks until late in the night, go there!