Here's some exciting news from Berlin: After two years of restoration, autumn 2014 will see the return of Hotel Zoo, which was built in 1891 as a private residence for an affluent family and converted to a hotel in 1911. Fun fact: For two decades, the hotel hosted VIPs (think Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren) during the annual Berlin International Film Festival.
We hear the new Hotel Zoo will evoke "the old-time glamour" of 1920’s Berlin Bohème. The townhouse hotel will use the original home's brick walls, high ceiling and large windows. The property's 145 rooms and suites will all be individually designed. The crowning rooftop gives sweeping views across the city, with the hotel’s original sign hinting at its cinematic past.
Design Details
As one of a handful of buildings that remained untouched during WWII, the team responsible for the re-design is intent on preserving its stately status. Under the direction of multi-disciplinary designer and Hollywood art director Dayna Lee (from New York and Los Angeles-based Powerstrip Studio), the hotel is undergoing a complete transformation. Careful restoration has left the bones of the former townhouse intact, with its preserved façade and expansive interior proportions maintained.
The Hotel Zoo Berlin is located at 25 Kurfürstendamm. The site isn't up and running yet, but keep an eye on www.hotelzoo.de for more pre-opening info.