Art Hotel Luise

Press Reviews

Conde Nast Traveler (US), September 2010
"The Arte Luise Kunst­hotel, once a decrepit 19th–century pile, emerged from its chrysalis as a winged “art hotel,” each room an individual oeuvre: Pre–select your artist - you’ll be sleeping with him."

Conde Nast Traveller (UK), February 2009
"Kunsthotel means 'art hotel' and this bohemian hideaway, close to the Reichstag, is a virtual gallery. Every room is decorated by a different artist, and the wooden 'Stairway of the Philosopher' is sublime."

New York Times
"Berlin is worth a visit for this art hotel experience alone"

Lonely Planet
"There's absolutely nothing precious or pretentious about this place, which was born in the swirling post-Wall days as a home for young artists to live and work cheaply. It took blood, sweat and many years to turn it into a trippy, modern hotel where you'll enjoy most of the usual amenities but with zero sterility factor. Picking your favourite room is likely to be the biggest challenge. Some have a surreal bent, like 'Mammel's Dream' (no 107) where you can sleep in a bed built for giants; others are inspired by science fiction like 'Future Comforts' (no 431) with its rocket-shaped shower. Minimalists might like the black-and-white 'Innocence' (no 212). All artists receive royalties each time their room is rented. Perks: free wi-fi and a communal kitchen. Downside: the railway tracks running right past the hotel."

The Economist
"This “art hotel” opened in 1999 in a former East German artists’ club next to a railway (avoid the rooms on this side). Every room is an installation, with paintings, sculptures and off-beat touches from young European artists. Some verge on the silly (in “Mammal’s Traum”, a giant four-poster bed dwarfs guests); others are over-bearing (Elvira Bach’s mural of a woman in different stages of undress may prove too much for some). But each is a treasure chest of creativity. We particularly like “Three Stations of Meditation”, with its Japanese sliding screens and music installation. On the third floor, prices drop dramatically for rooms with communal bathrooms: try “Luisol”, with its soothing UV light display that glows in the dark. Staff are friendly to a fault, though it helps to have a few words of German. Be prepared for the steep staircase; without lifts, a climb to the upper floors can be quite a hike."

Fodors
"This hotel's name, which means 'home for artists,' suggests a bohemian commune, but all the residents are paying guests. The Künstlerheim is one of Berlin's most original boutique hotels, with each fantastically creative room in the 1825 house or new wing -- facing the Reichstag -- styled by a different artist. Memorable furnishings range from a suspended bed and airplane seats to a gigantic sleigh bed and a freestanding, podlike shower with multiple nozzles. The hotel is a stretch from the Friedrichstrasse train station, but a convenient bus line stops outside the hotel."

Frommers
"Clients from the arts, media, and even the political or business world are drawn to this unusual hostelry. Each room comes as a total surprise, and, of course, you're treated to some of each artist's work, which runs the gamut from Andy Warhol-like pop to classicism. Some units evoke modern minimalism, whereas others are much more quirky."

The Coolhunter
"Themed hotels are becoming something of a phenomenon. The latest is Berlin's Hotel Küenstlerheim Luise. Described as the kind of place where you can get a good night's rest inside a work of art, the hotel features 50 rooms designed by well known local artists, who, it appears, have a reoccurring interest in fairy tales (think butterflies and oversized beds). The hotel is located in a trendy part of town, walking distance from the Reichstag building, Spree river, Friedrichstraße, Unter den Linden, and the Brandenburg Gate."

Guest Reviews

Reviews are only from people who have stayed there and booked through i-escape.

• “Distinctive, clean and well kept hotel. Excellent location and very helpful staff. Great value for money!”
  Richard, United Kingdom (12.02.12)

• “Great location, close to all the main hubs on a quiet street. Very good service from the staff, giving us tourist advice and helping with bookings. Apart from creaky floorboards (it is an old building) the rooms are surprisingly quiet. The art and concept is striking, although I found our room (211) a little unsettling in content. A shame they do not provide breakfast, but you can eat at the restaurant next door for 11 euros. We chose not to, instead opting to book breakfast one morning at the Reichstag restaurant which was well worth it - especially as queues to view the dome are 3 days long at the moment.”
  Stacey, New Zealand (21.11.11)

• “Room was rather small and uninteresting for the description. Breakfast was good, and good value. Staff mostly friendly. Good location.”
  Jeffrey, United States (28.08.11)

• “We were very happy with our stay at the Art Hotel Luise. The staff is very friendly and pleasant atmosphere.
  The area is not very busy but there are good restaurants 5 minutes walk away.
  The only downside: the train near the hotel may disturb those who are light sleepers.”
  Roethlisberger, Switzerland (11.08.11)

• “The hotel is unique and fun and lovely. We were on the third floor, with a shared bath, which was exceedingly clean and we never saw another person using the toilet or shower, although we were told the hotel was quite full. The reception staff were excellent. They were warm, helpful, accommodating and spoke English well. We even arranged to hire one to babysit our six year old one night, so we could take the older children to see a film. The beds were surprisingly comfortable. The decor was charming. We took the bus from the airport and it was a very easy trip, dropping us just a half block from the hotel. The hotel is also very close to the Friedrichstrasse station, which was incredibly convenient. You can walk to great restaurants and many sites. We absolutely loved our stay. Thank you so much!
  We loved brunch at Zimt und Zucker on the river about a block away. Walk to all central Mitte sites. Great location for us!”
  Sandra, United States (21.11.10)

• “We liked everything about Art Hotel Luise in Berlin - really good recommendation and not in Rough Guide for some reason.”
  sophie, United Kingdom (30.08.10)

• “Great location, helpful staff, bike hire, excellent value and very funky. We will definitely be going back!”
  Jessica, United Kingdom (09.05.10)