it’s been a terribly hectic few weeks, as you might have guessed from the lower frequency of posting around here. not that i’m complaining – life may be busy, but it’s still treating me well. after working on my book like a maniac (it’s almost finished, i can hardly believe it!), i could really use the inspirational trip to berlin from last week. i went to visit the fashion trade fairs as i do every season, and this time i stayed at the brand new 25 HOURS HOTEL BIKINI BERLIN.

last time i experienced the 25 hours chain was IN ZURICH, and i really liked that location a lot. like, a lot a lot. the new hotel in berlin is very different in many ways, but at the same time it felt very familiar. i think they do a good job of translating the fun and carefree essence of the brand to each specific locale. all the modern comforts you’ve come to expect in a hotel are there – fast and free wifi, really nice bathroom amenities, a cozy lobby and beautifully designed, spacious rooms.

on top of that, 25 hours bikini berlin has a great bakery in the lobby with amazing coffee provided by FIVE ELEPHANT, giant hammocks and free newspapers. its restaurant on the top floor, NENI, boasts a spectacular view on both berlin city and the neighboring zoo (i could hear monkeys scream from my room, too!). and let me tell you about the food – it is SO VERY GOOD. i love their home made falafel, red beet and carrot salad and sweet potato fries so much, i dream about it all day long. the interior is pretty amazing as well, as they built a kind of greenhouse inside of the space.

bonus to the story? the hotel is located directly next to berlin’s newest shopping mall BIKINI BERLIN, which is home to restaurants, a movie theater and great shops such as a mykita flagship and a gestalten space. literally the only downside i can think of regarding this hotel, is that rooms near to the rooftop monkey bar tend to be able to hear the noise from the party until late at night – but if you simply ask for a room on the opposite end of the building, that shouldn’t be a problem.

photos by stephanie duval