The Weinmeister

The Scene

It’s virtually impossible to get any closer to Berlin’s heart than The Weinmeister’s Mitte address. The area is awash with bars, restaurants, and Berlin’s nonstop nightlife---all within a short walk of The Weinmeister. (The Hackescher Markt ticks all these boxes and then some.) More interestingly, wander around the streets and you’ll find great galleries and small shops that only call Berlin home. Satisfy your inner tourist with a 10 minute walk to Museuminsel (Museum Island) or a rapid ride on the efficient public transport to sights farther away.

The Concept

Deliberate contrasts fill The Weinmeister: graffiti is staged, furniture is almost comically large, and a swank atmosphere permeates this former East Berlin building. In fact, its self-titled nickname is “the golden cage” thanks to its sparkling façade. The clientele is a who’s who of the Berlin social scene; Berlin photographer Henrik Pfeifer has 88 unique portraits of actors, artists, and models hanging in every room, offering a preview of who you just might see in The Weinmeister during your stay. They’re proud of their guests whom they count as friends; the always-lively Schwarz bar downstairs is named for German actress Jessica Schwarz (whose family also brews a special liqueur for The Weinmeister) and the Hurts Chamber is decked out with memorabilia, lyrics, and portraits of the British band Hurts who also frequent the hotel. Want to hit the town? Mother-daughter team Anna and Sarah Arndt get you tanned (they’re the only spray-tanners in Berlin, by the by), relaxed (with Carita Paris products), and perfectly manicured (with Chanel nail polish, no less) from the in-house spa on the 6th floor (7th for US denizens). Hide out with the elite on the invitation-only rooftop with views to the Berlin TV Tower ( Frensehturm).

The Look

The Weinmeister takes a decidedly masculine bent in its design that appeals across gender to your inner hipster. Neutral colors and warm wood floors frame the enormous bed that dominates every room. Stopping just short of downright ridiculous, the beckoning sleigh bed deliciously divide the room as well as provide hanging storage and an imaginative place to sleep. The design may be stripped down, but amenities that count aren’t. iMacs are favored over a traditional TV---a welcome change as far as we’re concerned and certainly appealing to the modern traveler. For those cold nights, the floor is heated and for those warm days you’ve got AC. Remember the special Hurts Chamber? If you’ve got that room, make sure you also check the iMac---Hurts has loaded it up with their favorite music and movies.

In Short

The Weinmeister thrives as a 24/7 hub of activity, attracting a constant stream of Berliners and travelers alike to its chic and welcoming halls. At the Weinmeister, Berlin comes to you.