City Whispers

After an intense summer, we’re slowly retreating indoors. But before we finally settle in, let’s embark on an autumnal cultural journey through various metropolitan cities.

More than a hotel!

The Wilmina, awarded the German Sustainability Prize for Architecture 2023, boasts a multidisciplinary art and culture venue called the Amtsalon in the former court building. It regularly hosts pop-up events by art galleries. Of course, the hotel itself is an exciting place due to its special history as a former criminal court and prison. Thanks to its excellent location in Berlin-Charlottenburg with perfect public transport connections, you can conveniently explore both new and fondly remembered aspects of the capital city from here.

Exciting yet understated

In the heart of Dubrovnik’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find with Sixty Steps Studio a small and exquisite accommodation for two. Located on the third floor (sixty steps up!) of a building dating back to around 1600, this apartment was once part of a ballroom. The interior is an exciting yet understated mix of antique family heirlooms, Italian design icons from the 1960s and the owner’s personal designs, complemented by curated art ranging from contemporary Croatian to post-war works. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can listen to the exquisite classic vinyl collection played on a gramophone in intimate togetherness.

City, yes. Hotel, no.

The statthaus – Statt Hotel in the Gereonsviertel, a district of Cologne rich in tradition, offers six apartments and two maisonettes, each for 2-5 guests. It’s centrally located yet quiet, with Cologne Cathedral within sight and walking distance. The tower-like, listed building from 1860 was saved from decay by architect and host Kristin Reuther-Mercurio and has been accommodating guests from near and far in the Rhenish metropolis since 2021.

Minimalism in baroque surroundings

In the capital of Sicily, graphic designer, photographer and author Stefan Koppelkamm fulfilled with Atelier Palermo his dream of having his own studio. When he’s not staying there, Stefan gladly rents out his studio apartment with minimalist furnishings in a baroque palazzo. Up to six guests can then enjoy 150 square metres of space to work on creative projects in an inspiring environment.

Barcelona with a difference!

Barcelona with a difference! Located on the edge of the old town, the two operators of yök casa+cultura have been offering three apartments since 2014, explicitly committed to sustainability and responsible tourism at a time when these issues were still marginal. To this end, they have imposed a manifesto on themselves and made it available to their guests. Staying here allows you to experience the city away from the mainstream – and, at best, you participate in guided tours and events on the topics of design, Barcelona and sustainability to delve even deeper and more respectfully into the culture of Catalonia’s capital.

Casual atmosphere in Antwerp

For sightseeing trips in larger groups to the port city of Antwerp, known for art and fashion, the two holiday homes Zalig in Antwerpen in the old town are perfect. The townhouses at Leuwenstraat 9 and Lange Ridderstraat 77 accommodate ten respectively fourteen guests. The owners have combined the historical charm with elements of industrial style and bohemian chic to create a casual atmosphere inside.

Editing: Ulrich Stefan Knoll

Photographers: Lucas Carl / Unsplash (cover photo), Patricia Parinejad, Marko Genero, Aaron Zaccarelli, Patricia Banzcyk, Kathleen Cassiers, Stefan Koppelkamm, Carlos Barruz

For more accommodation, for example in Zurich, Vienna, Leipzig, Berlin, Potsdam, Paris, Lisbon or Porto, click here.