A red neon sign, shining through the freezing fog, is the welcome to any visitor to Berlin looking for somewhere louche (and if you’re not looking for louche, what are you doing in Berlin?) to shelter from him. the elements.
The Chateau Royal sign that graces the grand buildings right next to Unter den Linden is a sign that draws you into an expertly created world of Wilhemian Berlin glamor (in the mid-19th century).th century) and the 1920s, both eras from the hotel’s listed building date.
Opened in late 2022, the hotel has some serious Berlin pedigree: it’s run by the group behind the fabled Royal Grill – one of those star spots that a grungy art crowd might love. to laugh but they might also love to be invited to it. David Chipperfield Architects oversaw the new building additions.
The group took over the Einstein café 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 hotel. classic with a contemporary feel.
Style
Throughout the hotel, materials typically found in more historic buildings in Berlin have been used, creating a beautiful local atmosphere and referencing an ever-emotional era.
Designers Irina Kromayer, Etienne Descloux and Katariina Minits drew on Berlin subway stations with their use of colorful bricks and glazed tiles, while warm orange, green and brown stained glass elements refer to other period interiors in West Berlin.
The rooms have parquet floors and warm oak storage and room dividers. There’s a sultry sleekness in the seventies thanks to dark green Art Nouveau tiles and dark red marble sanitary ware.
Much of the furniture was designed especially for the hotel and was made in and around Berlin as well as in Portugal, which Kromayer says fits the earlier Berlin interior he referred to, which was “steeped in craftsmanship”.
Meanwhile additional pieces and decorative objects were sourced from vintage markets across Europe, adding individual touches and design depth to each guest room.
Wider 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 trademark, with over 100 contemporary artworks on display throughout the hotel, as well as in each guest room. You could be sleeping under Anri Sala, Anne Imhof or Daniel Richter.
A local design 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.
The vegan, organic toiletries are available to buy at reception – the large bottles of shampoo or body lotion would make a great gift or souvenir for 49 euros. Branded t-shirts, jumpers and caps are also available.
Good to know
Don’t miss the amazing Icelandic-inspired breakfast available to order a la carte. It’s heavy on fish, rye bread and vegetables and will set you up in wholesome style for a gallery day.
A stiff evening cocktail at the bar will do the same (less healthy) for a night of clubbing – although it would be a shame not to have a restful night in the dark, quiet comfort of your bedroom. Furthermore, although it is superbly located for transport and shopping, the area immediately surrounding the hotel is a bit deserted late at night.
How to book
There are 93 guest rooms including 26 suites and one apartment with rates starting from 195 euros per night.
Château Royal, Mittelstrasse 41-44, 10117 Berlin; chateauroyalberlin.com
@chateauroyalberlin