The Weinmeister - Berlin

In a market saturated with new openings, The Weinmeister in Mitte, the second hotel by Tom Tänzer and Elmo Hagendorf’s Chambers Hotels, opts for niche positioning. “We do not want to attract all people,” states Dirk Dreyer, General Manager. With only 88 guestrooms to fill, given the ongoing success of the nearby Lux11, Chambers Hotels’ other Berlin property, there is certainly a wealth of local knowledge to tap into the right audiences.

The interior design features moments of Alice in Wonderland whimsy scattered among finishes that are both luxurious and functional. The theatrical sense of fantasy is felt most strongly through the oversized scale of the bespoke furniture, designed by Ralf Gründer for German manufacturer Erides. Guestrooms, the largest of which is more than 41m2, have 2x2 metre beds, topped by 3x3 metre duvets and high wing-backed headboards. The ground floor lobby is about four metres high, with architects BBDA Braun & Braun making extensive use of glazing in this newbuild construction. In the ClubLounge, the Brobdingnagian dimensions of the furniture only become apparent when someone sits down and their feet pop up off the floor. Supporting pillars are wrapped, corset-style, in grey blanketing bound with industrial sized white rope. A maze-like arrangement of curving white walls adds to the feeling of privacy.

Materials include bamboo strip, seen in the flooring, wooden tabletops and bar counter, and felt, the use of which is inspired by the influential German artist Joseph Beuys. The furniture and the grid pattern of wall panels are all upholstered in pale beige, chocolate and pistachio coloured felt. Similarly, guestroom door numbers are padded in Alcantara®.

In the bathrooms, gnarled bark and sapwood planks of finished oak are used as  shelving. A felt upholstered panel backs the open chrome hanging racks in the guestrooms, and beneath sits a trunk opened with leather pulls. Like the adjacent sideboard and small towel-storage unit under the basin, the trunk is on castors. The ground floor Schwarz bar, named after German actress Jessica Schwarz, specialises in a 52% ABV schnapps. Meanwhile the strictly invitation-only rooftop terrace offers great views over Mitte towards the Fernsehturm, and has played host to a variety of high-profile events throughout the summer months. The property’s filigree glimmering façade has led to it being dubbed the ‘Golden Cage’ and the hotel is not a bad place in which to be trapped.

Rooms   88 guestrooms
Dining    ClubLounge
Drinking    Schwarz Bar
Leisure    BeautySpa
Facilities    Private rooftop terrace