Sinful, opulent West Berlin hotel with bold colors and Roaring 20:s vibe
Provocateur / Berlin / Germany
There is a risk when you create a very clear design aesthetic or a theme for a hotel. It can easily go a couple of steps too far and become gimmicky instead of clever and interesting. So to take on the challenge of creating a design hotel with a sexy, sinful streak with a connection to the Roaring 20:s sounds like a crazy idea. But you know what!? It totally works.
Provocateur is located in the western parts of the German capital, in Charlottenburg in a calm residential area. But as soon as you enter, you realize this place is anything but calm. The first thing that hits you are the dark, rich colors that set the scene. Add some gold, brass, black and combine that with velvet curtains and opulent chandeliers and the mix is complete. The design scheme is a fusion of turn of the century Paris and modern day Berlin. A mix that is closer related than what one would first think.
There are a total of 58 rooms at the Provocateur and they come in different shapes and sizes. Our room was large and had the comfiest bed ever, with fabric wall paper and a matching bed. All in the richest of red colors.
The Charlottenburg area has a lot to offer. Classic shopping street Kurfürstendamm runs like an artery through the area and you’ll find plenty of great shopping, book stores, cafes and restaurant.
On the outside the Provocateur looks like any generic Berlin Art Noveau residential building…
…but as soon as you see the entrance you realize this is anything but generic.
Massive patterned carpets, dark colors, brass lamps and heavy, velvet curtains sets a very clear scene.
I love these old, classic elevators, and how the stairs snake their way around it.
Our room was red, red and red with fabric wallpaper and a massive bed that was the star of the room.
Velvet curtains with golden tassels, marble bedside table and velvet headboard and fitted carpet. What’s not to love?
Above our bed was the largest modern crystal chandelier I’ve ever seen. Very over the top in the best possible way.
Even the corridors where dark and sultry.
The bar is super popular among locals so the energy is always really great (I managed to snap this photo early in the evening before the crowds had rolled in). Love the Harry Potter-esque free floating candles above the bar.
And just like the bar, the restaurant “Golden Phoenix” also draws in the locals so if you want to eat here, make sure you reserve a table before you arrive.
The hotel color scheme is not all about different shades of red. In the lobby area (and some of the rooms) a rich petrol blue is the theme color.
We came during the Autumn and a must if you do is to go for a walk through the Tiergarten. A massive city park where you almost forget you are in the middle of the German capital.
You can almost feel the scent of Autumn in this photo.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…you are looking for a hotel for a sexy, romantic getaway. This is a place you come to eat, drink and have fun with someone you fancy.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is that they have created a design theme that really works. The combo of Parisian flair and Berlin decadence really works together. And I love hotels that dare to go dark. Dark and colorful.
What not to miss when staying here is…
…to go out for breakfast/brunch. The Berliners love their brunch and there are so many great places to go for your fix. One place I really liked close to the hotel is called Benedict. Located a short walk from Provocateur, perfect distance to build up an appetite so you can go crazy with all the goodies on their menu.
If you like this hotel you might also like…
Le Pigalle, Paris, France
Sir Albert, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Duke, Den Bosch, Netherlands
