Berlin has long been at the cutting edge of wacky art, but this place takes the biscuit. You can drink spritzers under a giant horse's head, or chill beside a psychedelic rainbow of wall. Clamber into an oversized bed designed to make you feel like Alice in Wonderland after "drinking me" (room 107); or sleep in a pseudo aircraft cabin in room 309, whose tilting mattress makes you think you're coming in to land. Artists of every ilk have left their mark - provocative female nudes, neon glows, comic graffiti, even shoes - on the walls, and a portion of your stay goes to their royalties. There are playful references to artists and writers: we liked 'Tribute to Edward Hopper' (room 208) and Camus-inspired 'Light and shadow' (510). But all have German bathroom technology and triple-glazed windows (several look onto a railway).
Built around a typical Berlin interior courtyard, the 4-storey neoclassical palais housed the legendary actors' club Die Möwe in GDR days, then a bohemian Künstlerheim (artists' retreat) post-Wall, before being gutted and rebuilt in the 1990s. Nowadays expect friendly young staff, stairwells inscribed with philosophical quotations, and cost-price drinks from the vending machine. A vaulted restaurant next door serves breakfast (and other meals). Turn right - across the Spree - and you're at the Reichstag in 5 minutes, or the Brandenburg Gate in 10.
Highs
- A prime location: you can walk to all the main sites, you're near the river Spree to catch a boat to Museum Island if you prefer
- We loved the rooms, which are quirky and humorous without being uncomfortable (all have excellent mattresses)
- There are rates to suit all pockets, from shared-bathroom singles to 2-room suites
- You can reach the hotel in 30 minutes by train from Brandenburg airport, so if you're coming for a weekend you can minimise travel time
Lows
- The arty rooms vary hugely, and are very much a matter of taste
- The rear wing rooms look directly - and I mean directly - onto the Friedrichstrasse station railway line; the windows do their Teutonic best, but some rumbling is inevitable
- No food is served on-site, but there's a restaurant next door and more close by
- Not all rooms have an ensuite bathroom, some share a shower room down the hall
Best time to go
Berlin is a year round destination. Summers are similar to the UK, perhaps a little warmer and more humid. Winters can be bitingly cold, but as long as you are wrapped up well, a crisp, clear January day would be perfect to explore the city without the crowds. It can get busy during fairs or events (such as the Film Festival in January and the ITB in March) and the Christmas markets (late November to end December).
Our top tips
You couldn't be better placed for Berlin’s main attractions, almost all of which are within a 10-15 minute walk – or you can catch a boat to Museum Island and walk back. Alternatively hire a "call-a-bike" (there's usually one parked nearby), hail a cycle rickshaw, or jump on a passing octocycle (which is exactly what it sounds).
In summer, sit by the River Spree and take a dip in one of the bankside 'pools' (some of these operate in winter too… heated, thankfully).
In summer, sit by the River Spree and take a dip in one of the bankside 'pools' (some of these operate in winter too… heated, thankfully).
Location
Arte Luise Kunsthotel is located on Luisenstrasse in the central district of Mitte, just off the river Spree in the former eastern part of Berlin.
By Air:
Fly into Berlin Brandenburg (19km SE of city centre).
From the Airport
It's a 30-minute regional train (R7 or R14) or 45-minute S-bahn journey direct to Friedrichstrasse, a few minutes walk from the hotel.
By Car:
Some street parking is available near the hotel, and generally traffic in Berlin flows better than in most cities, but as a tourist there would be little point in having a car here. If you want a car to explore the wider area, see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be provided when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to Berlin and getting around
Airports:
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt 19.0 km BER
Other:
- Beach 200.0 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape