Germany’s Magic Cities

Cool Design, Hip Elegance and Gracious Living Define New Design Hotels in Germany’s Magic Cities
The cities belonging to Germany’s Magic Cities association, including Berlin, Cologne, Dresden, Duesseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover, Leipzig, Munich and Stuttgart are buzzing centers full of art, architecture, history and culture. When staying in these modern cities, you should do it with style. Discover some of the newest additions of cool design hotels that these cities offer to accommodate their appetizing culture and nightlife.

Berlin: Opening in May 2010, in Berlin the "Soho House" concept is being implemented for the first time in Germany. Stylish clubhouses of this kind can already be found in London and New York. In the former "House of Unity" at the foot of Prenzlauer Berg, the hotel will open with 50 bedrooms. The luxurious wellness area, modern conference rooms and hotel with spacious apartments on the third and fourth floor will be open to all visitors. There will also be an exclusive area for club members only. Another highlight is planned on the second floor. This is where the office of the former State President of the GDR, Wilhelm Pieck, is being restored to its original condition.  www.sohohouse.com

Cologne: Cologne, one hour from Frankfurt on the Rhine River, has been enriched by the addition of a new four-star superior hotel. Art’otel Cologne opened in the middle of March in a prime location on the banks of the Rhine. Alongside the trapezoidal design and the colorful windows, the chief attraction of the hotel is the art-inspired interior decoration with a permanent exhibition of the works of the Korean artist SEO, a former master student of Georg Baselitz. The hotel has 218 cutting-edge designed rooms with a special twist: The glass walls partitioning the bath or shower rooms are colorfully painted with some of the best of SEO's designs.  www.artotelcologne.com

Duesseldorf: Located next to Cologne, Duesseldorf lives up to its artistic reputation (Academy of Arts) with its own new design hotels. The Stage47 hotel features a completely new, unique design. All 27 suites and rooms are named after famous artists. Their portraits adorn the walls of the individual rooms creating a special atmosphere. www.stage47.de/index-uk.html British elegance combined with unpretentious comfort offer the Sir&Lady Astor hotels. Lovingly arranged details and charming decorations as well as discreet, attentive service give guests a feeling of a homecoming.  www.sir-astor.de

Dresden: Dresden, the royal metropolis on the River Elbe in the eastern state of Saxony is restored in old splendor to one of the most beautiful Baroque cities in Europe. Dresden offers beautiful architecture, world-class art and a variety of luxurious hotels. A perfect example for the modern reinvention in the classic tradition is the QF Hotel, perfectly located near the Church of Our Lady in the heart of Dresden. The hotel, known since 1804 under the name "Hotel Stadt Berlin" as one of the best hotels in the city, reopened two years ago. The 96 rooms are elegantly designed, combining comfort and luxury with a clean and modern design.  www.qf-hotel.de

Frankfurt: The financial metropolis in the middle of Germany is not only the major airport hub, but also a fascinating city where great history meets modernity, world class contemporary art museums and galleries are placed alongside such cultural giants such as Goethe. Frankfurt’s hotel scene therefore is diverse and vibrant. A new highlight is the Roomers design hotel in the city-center. This luxury hotel combines classic lines and innovative design in its 117 rooms according to the hotel motto "lush understatement."  www.roomers.eu

Hamburg: The design hotels in the port-city of Hamburg combine themed interiors and creative living spaces with comforts and conveniences of the highest standard. Hamburg is also where you'll find Germany's highest-rated boutique hotel. The Side Hotel distils wellness, lifestyle, luxury and design with aplomb. This award-winning, five-star establishment is characterized by a minimalist interior of dark wood and beige elements illuminated by some superb lighting concepts. MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "news.germany.travel" claiming to be www.side-hamburg.de
The George Hamburg holds an entirely different appeal as a four-star hotel with British charm. Delightful rooms furnished in warm colors from cocoa to champagne, an elegant library and an English Garden are all part of its homage to British style.  www.thegeorge-hotel.de

Hannover: Hannover in Germany’s north has a long history as royal seat of the English kings and queens, but also as a modern city that hosts many world-renown conventions. A special place to overnight is the Sheraton Pelikan Hotel. Located in the former Pelikan factory, one of the most famous brands of fountain pens, the architects integrated the architecture of the old production facilities into the hotel design to create a distinctive loft atmosphere. www.sheratonpelikanhannover.com

Leipzig: Leipzig, one of the most exciting cities in eastern Germany invites visitors to stay in style in the newly redesigned Pentahotel. Formerly a Renaissance Hotel, the house was given a complete makeover in 2009 by Italian star designer Matteo Thun and is celebrating its relaunch with a grand opening in April. The 356 new stylish and comfy rooms with 32" flat screen TV, free pay TV, WLAN, iPod or game consoles like Nintendo Wii, cater for the needs of the modern and tech-savvy traveler.  www.pentahotels.com

Munich: Munich in southern Bavaria is known for its royal splendor. The new Louis hotel that opened in September 2009 fits right in. The name Louis is intended as a playful reference to the appreciation of beauty as professed by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the fairy-tale king. Located in the heart of Munich, globetrotters feel at home in the 72 rooms of the Louis Hotel. Carefully selected details and handcrafted furnishings from nut and oak wood, natural stone and elegant tiling that are reminiscent of the Parisian Metro make the rooms an unforgettable experience.  www.louis-hotel.com

Stuttgart: Home to the iconic car brands of Mercedes and Porsche, Stuttgart in Germany’s southwest now offers a very special experience for motorsports enthusiast. The V8 hotel in the Meilenwerk opened last fall and offers everything for high octane car lovers. Individually designed rooms, unique old-timers and car-models make this hotel a great experience. Designed in Bauhaus-style it combines function and comfort. www.v8hotel.de