by A red neon sign, glowing through the freezing fog, is the sleaze-tinged welcome any visitor to Berlin should look for when looking for a louche (and if you’re not looking for louche, what are you doing in Berlin?) place to take refuge from. The elements.
The Chateau Royal sign adorning the grand period buildings just off Unter den Linden is a beacon that leads you into an expertly crafted world that channels the glamor of Wilhelminian (mid-19th century) Berlin.the century) and the 1920s, the two eras from which the hotel’s listed buildings date.
Opening in late 2022, the hotel has some serious Berlin pedigree: It’s run by the group behind the legendary Grill Royal, one of those star-studded spots that a dirty-art crowd would love to scoff at, but would also love to scoff at. be invited. David Chipperfield Architects oversaw the additions to the new building.
The group has also taken over Cafe Einstein in the same building as the hotel and teamed up with Icelandic chef Victoria Eliasdóttir, who runs the on-site dottir restaurant, to create what they accurately describe as a grand classic hotel with a contemporary feel.
Style
Throughout the hotel, materials typically found in Berlin’s most historic buildings have been used, creating a beautiful local atmosphere and referencing a decadent and luxurious era.
Designers Irina Kromayer, Etienne Descloux and Katariina Minits drew inspiration from Berlin’s metro stations with their use of colorful brick and glazed tiles, while warm orange, green and brown stained glass elements reference other interiors from the era of West Berlin.
The rooms have parquet floors and warm oak storage and room dividers. Bath areas have a sensual 1970s elegance thanks to dark green Art Nouveau tiles and dark red marble toilets.
Much of the furniture was specially designed for the hotel and made in and around Berlin, as well as Portugal, which, according to Kromayer, fits with the earlier Berlin interiors referenced, which were “infused with craftsmanship.” “.
Meanwhile, additional decorative pieces and objects were sourced from vintage markets across Europe, adding individual touches and design depth to each guest room.
Broader artistic influences include Bauhaus paintings, Expressionism, and New Objectivity. Indeed, Berlin remains a city of artists to this day, and the hotel’s art curation is another of its trademarks, with more than 100 contemporary works of art on display throughout the hotel, as well as in every room. You could be sleeping under an Anri Sala, an Anne Imhof or a Daniel Richter.
Local designer gem
This is Berlin, so art and design are everywhere. Conveniently though, you don’t have to leave the hotel to pick up some gems.
Vegan and organic toiletries are available to purchase from reception – large bottles of apothecary style shampoo or body lotion would make a fab gift or souvenir for €49. Branded t-shirts, sweaters and caps are also up for grabs.
Good to know
Don’t miss the fantastic Icelandic-inspired breakfast available to order à la carte. It’s rich in fish, rye bread and vegetables and will set you up in healthy style for a day at the galleries.
A strong cocktail in the evening from the bar will do the same (less healthy) thing for a night of clubbing, although it would be a shame to miss out on a restful night in the dark, quiet comfort of your room. Also, although it has a great location for transportation and shopping, the area surrounding the hotel is a bit deserted late at night.
How to book
There are 93 rooms, including 26 suites and one apartment, with rates starting at €195 per night.
Château Royal, Mittelstrasse 41-44, 10117 Berlin; chateauroyalberlin.com
@chateauroyalberlin
