Checking In: The Dean Hotel In Berlin

What’s the verdict? …

VIBE Design savvy stay in upmarket Charlottenburg, west Berlin.

NEED TO KNOW In addition to its hotels in Dublin, Cork and Galway, The Dean Berlin is part of the Irish brand’s global expansion. Look out for openings in Munich and Miami.

A double bedroom.

DECOR Housed in a 19th-century building, interior designer Rachael Gowdridge, who previously worked for Martin Brudnizki Studio, wanted to celebrate contrast at the hotel, especially “between history and modernity, rebellion and elegance, roughness and craft”. This translates as a layered interior scheme mixing architectural details, vintage furniture, colour, sculptural lighting and avant garde aesthetics. The open-plan hotel lobby and snug library alcove create a visually appealing first impression.

ROOMS There are 81 colour-drenched, comfortable rooms in various categories (Cosy, Double, Balcony, Suite). Mine had an unusual layout with tactile details – wall panelling, graphic carpet, timber flooring, Bauhaus-style headboard, a Paul Smith Anglepoise lamp and a ceiling light made from latex (apparently a nod to Berlin’s nightlife). Smart storage, moreish snacks and in-room bath amenities created in collaboration with cult fragrance house DS & Durga also ticked my boxes.

Benedict bakery.

DO Check out the hotel’s art collection by independent curator Thom Oosterhof, part of a global art programme launched by The Dean supporting local and emerging artists, exploring the relationship between art, place and community.

DINING Breakfast for residents is served in Benedict, already a popular destination restaurant prior to The Dean opening. Brunch and cocktails are a forte.