Hotel ÜberFluss Bremen, Germany

Hotel ÜberFluss combines the most elegant of contemporary and modern design with a reverence for its still visible medieval foundations. The building’s asymmetrical, slate coloured façade begins to reflect the subdued quirkiness of its interiors, which were designed by Amsterdam’s celebrated design firm, Concrete Architectural Associates. The exterior reflects the style of its neighbouring historic patricians’ houses, transforming it into a contemporary and individualised frame. Upon entering the building, the hotel’s aesthetic philosophy is immediately apparent. ÜberFluss has a colour palette that strays from its black, white or metallic mainly to delve into various shades of light wood, and occasionally to reach as far as a deep red or vibrant yellow. The sleek black of the reception desk’s ornate legs are balanced by the mirrored surface of the central block that supports it and the curvaceous white seating area to its side. The industrial-inspired lamps that shine brightly as spotlights create a soothing warm glow that immediately relaxes any visitor as they enter the space.

The 51 rooms vary enormously: some offer beautiful views of the river Weser, others feature an open bath and shower with a view of the room. Such traditional, softer elements as Chesterfield couches are set off with furniture by Charles Eames and Tom Dixon. Wall sized photomurals of subdued scenes are interspersed with heavily detailed carpets and complex, contemporary seating and lighting, all in varying shades of black and white. Guests who occupy the suites have the additional luxury of a whirlpool, steam bath and Finnish sauna that flow into the open space.

Hotel ÜberFluss has extensive exercise facilities that include a pool where guests can swim while looking at a photomural that gazes over the sea. The building’s medieval foundations are visible in the spa below the sauna’s under-lit, tiled bench.

Its elegant but laid back FreudenHaus restaurant, set with black Eames Bucket Chairs paired with metallic lamps and tables, is enlivened by bold reds and yellows. For business meetings or festivities the airy, glass windowed space on the first floor can accommodate up to sixty people, whereas the penthouse provides facilities for up to forty people. It also features two roof terraces, a cosy bar and a lounge - all three of which maintain the hotel’s elegant and subdued design scheme.

Architects: Kastens und Siemann Architekten BDA
Interior designers: Concrete Architectural Associates, Amsterdam

COSMO HOTEL BERLIN MITTE

Berlin is a city where life is as interesting and surprising, as it is comfortable and relaxing. The new Cosmo Hotel reflects just that dynamism. Cosmo is simultaneously a perfect sanctuary and starting point for those lifestyle-addicts and cosmopolitans who visit the German capital to drink of its rich cultural life, read its history from the diversity of its architecture, but at the end of the day want a comfortable and invigorating place to take a load off. The hotel is ideally situated between Alexanderplatz and Potsdamer Platz and just around the corner from the Friedrichstraße retail hub as well as the historic Unter den Linden.

Cosmo’s 84 guestrooms are beautiful expressions of warmth, with a cool edge of sophistication. Each, lined with either smooth parquet flooring or elegant carpeting, is sculpted by the crisp angles of the exquisitely designed furniture and adornments that highlight the welcomingly lit spaces. Shades of chocolate melting into slate, cream and robust mustards vary between each room, constructing an overall sensation of comfort and conviviality, that, when contrasted with the brilliant, floor to ceiling illumination and cool, sharp lines of the furniture, translate pure sophistication. Hallways leading to the guestrooms are spattered with indirect beams of light and each room number is projected from above – a stylish digital-doormat. Guests are led down the dim halls by glowing backlit panels at each end that illuminate graceful natural silhouettes.

Light and darkness, transparency and opacity, smooth curves juxtaposed with sharp edges – these are the nuts and bolts of the Cosmo Hotel. Spaces are partitioned with cool glass and shifting lights intended to ignite guests’ curiosity. Numerous, individualised lounge spaces are scattered throughout the hotel, welcoming guests in to partake in various luxuries with backlit glass doors and windows that open into dim hallways: guests can wander into relaxation chambers, smoking lounges, reading rooms and even a few places to enjoy a cocktail. Cosmo as well offers plentiful meeting points and office space for those guests who wish to use the hotel as a hub from which to conduct their business affairs. The exquisite restaurant and bar, also in shades of chocolate, slate and cream that are tinged with bright blues, yellows and oranges, offers an opportunity for guests to entertain their own guests if need be, or just to simply relax and enjoy the impeccable service and superb design.

COSMO Hotel Berlin Mitte was developed by GBI AG, a German real estate development company based in Munich. GBI AG specializes in the development of unique and modern hotels, residential, and commercial properties. The design concept of COSMO Hotel Berlin Mitte was created by the renowned architectural firm, GRAFT. GRAFT is known for its innovative and sustainable designs, often blending art, architecture, and technology. The hotel showcases a contemporary and urban design, featuring clean lines, minimalist furnishings, and a mix of industrial and natural materials. The interiors are characterized by a modern and sleek aesthetic, creating a stylish and comfortable atmosphere for guests. The developer and design team's focus on creating a unique and visually appealing space has positioned COSMO Hotel Berlin Mitte as a popular choice for visitors seeking a distinctive and modern hotel experience in Berlin.

SEHW Berlin
Duka Design Munich/Lighting Public:3Deluxe

Sofa Hotel Istanbul, Turkish

When renowned Turkish architect Sinan Kafadar built Istanbul’s Sofa Hotel, he had something bigger in mind than just an average boutique property. His creation is a mash-up of chic atmosphere, ultra-modern technology, extraordinary service and celebrated art gallery – a true gem of the local hotel scene, dressed in minimalist chic with hints of Ottoman flair.

Of course, The Sofa comes equipped with everything guests have come to expect of a modern luxury hotel: fitness room, pool, sauna, steam room and Turkish bath. In addition, there’s the Sanitas Spa and Wellness Center, where trained experts offer a broad range of facial and body therapies as well as creating personalised detoxification programmes featuring everything from yoga to massage. The hotel also features a Longtable Bar and two restaurants: Café Sofa, where guests can choose from a menu of gourmet international cuisine.

The Sofa’s 65 deluxe rooms and 17 suites come fully outfitted with high-speed wireless Internet, interactive satellite television, video on demand, CD and DVD player, bar setup, rainfall shower, bathtub, pillow menu and, naturally, specially-designed sofa. Their highlight, though, is a 24-hour Anything, Anytime button, which functions precisely as it sounds. Guests can be assured of receiving personalised, no-hold-barred service around the clock. The hotel’s piece de resistance, however, is its penthouse art gallery, Art*8, 300 square metres of indoor space and 350 square metres of outdoor space offering stunning city views.

Down below, the chic Nisantasi neighbourhood in which The Sofa Hotel stands offers galleries, boutiques and restaurants in abundance, so that guests can take advantage of the full vibrancy of Istanbul life. For those looking to host business or social events, the hotel offers 1,700 square metres of conference space divided into several rooms and open areas.

The Sofa Hotel & Residences in Istanbul, Turkey was developed by the well-known Turkish hospitality company, Galataport Istanbul. Galataport Istanbul specializes in the development of high-end hotels, residences, and mixed-use projects. The design of The Sofa Hotel & Residences was led by the renowned Turkish architectural firm, Autoban. Autoban is recognized for its unique and contemporary designs that often blend traditional Turkish aesthetics with modern elements. The hotel and residences exude a luxurious and sophisticated ambience, with a focus on comfort and style. The interiors are characterized by a combination of sleek furnishings, upscale materials, and elegant details. The design concept aims to create a harmonious fusion of modern design and Turkish cultural heritage. The developer's and design team's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to creating a refined and exclusive atmosphere make The Sofa Hotel & Residences a sought-after destination for travelers and residents seeking an exceptional hospitality experience in Istanbul.

Sinan Kafadar

Bentley Hotel Istanbul

The work of Milanese architect Piero Lissoni, the Bentley is a careful balance of orient and occident befitting its location in Istanbul – the bridge connecting Europe and Asia.

After three years of construction under the guidance of Lissoni and Nicoletta Canesi, the Bentley opened in Istanbul in 2003 as a temple of radiance and light in the centre of the city’s European section. Glass features heavily in Lissoni’s design and is meant to invite the visual stimulation from the streets outside into the interior of the hotel, which in contrast, is full of the clean lines and subtle colours typical for Italian design. First indications of the blend of oriental and western influences Lissoni was after, is found in the hotel’s lounge. Ottoman turquoise velvet fabrics cover chairs give a voluptuous twist to the clean-lined table, by Finnish architect Eero Saarinen, at which they’re placed.

The hotel’s 40 guestrooms and ten suites are a testament to minimalism and harmony: Floor to ceiling windows continue the theme of glass and light. Pale hues of blue, beige, green and grey in the rooms’ interiors set a transparent, light-flooded scene, where warm parquet flooring and light beige boucle carpets lend something of the traditional to this temple of cool. Custom-made furniture and tables are all made of olive stained oak. Those guests staying in the penthouse step out onto private terraces with panoramic views across the Bosphorus to the Golden Horn. Lissoni conceded to incorporating one single round element in the entire building: A glaringly white staircase wraps itself around an elliptical column that acts as the pure and understated backbone of the overwhelming elegance of this hotel.

Piero Lissoni
Nicoletta Canesi