art'otel berlin mitte

Overlooking a canal in a sleepy corner of Mitte, the attractive art’otel berlin mitte offers a mélange of old and new under one four-star roof. This architecturally intriguing outpost of the German-owned art'otel mini-chain is popular with a diverse crowd, including artists (natch), musicians and business travelers.

And, true to its name, the hotel is adorned head to toe with all things artistic, from clever design elements to the more than 400 works by German artist Georg Baselitz that hang in its gallery-like spaces and 109 guest rooms.

Now that many major chain hotels have jumped on the art hotel bandwagon, the art’otel mitte’s singles and doubles don’t have quite the “wow factor” that they had when the hotel opened in early 2000. Still, they are airy and sleek, with clean lines, leather armchairs and, of course, Baselitz prints.

The color of the wall-to-wall carpeting and leather furniture varies on each floor: 

Ninety-five “art’rooms” are equipped with all the standard amenities, including a minibar, safe, TV and telephone. Five “art’room xls” offer all of the above plus a coffee/tea and espresso machine and some extra space. The hotel also has 14 ultra-luxe (and rather pricey) art’suites.

Bonus: All rooms and suites have air conditioning, which is something of a rarity on the Berlin budget hotel scene.

The sizeable private bathrooms, some with bathtubs, boast architectural sinks. All bathrooms offer toiletries and a hairdryer.

The art’otel mitte’s guest rooms are housed in a modern building, which is also home to a gallery-like space devoted to Georg Baselitz’s bold abstract paintings. Guests pass through the glass-lined lobby and a small, outdoor patio to reach the adjoining Ermerlerhaus, a stunning, canalside 16th-century mansion with original rococo details.

The first floor of the Ermerlerhaus is devoted to a breakfast room and bar with sleek brown leather chairs and a glorious, intricate ceiling of gold stucco work and glass. Also ask for a sneak peek at the frescoed conference rooms hiding one story up—or, if there is a conference or wedding occupying them, at least take a look at the curvaceous, gilded staircase.

Although the art'otel isn't immediately in the thick of things, a nearby U-bahn station is well-connected to major sights, or guests can rent bicycles at the reception desk and head into the city via a network of beautiful bike paths along the canal. The hotel is also convenient to a historic boat harbor and a busy pick-up point for city boat tours.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Breakfast is available for an additional charge, and the hotel’s Upside Down Bar & Restaurant offers room service from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.