Provocateur Hotel

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? A glamorous lit awning and door flanked by red ropes mark Provocateur's entrance. Step inside and you instantly transport to 1920s Paris, with a drawing-room-style lobby outfitted with plush, jewel-toned velvet seating, tin ceilings, deep black walls, and moody lighting. The building’s original 1911 gold-clad elevator ferries you upstairs to the equally evocative rooms. A swanky fusion restaurant and a stylish, buzzy bar round out the thoroughly seductive vibe. What's the backstory? Amsterdam-based Israeli designer Saar Zafrir created the hotel’s sumptuous interiors, which snagged the 2018 German Design Award for best interior design. The hotel is part of the Frankfurt-based Gekko Group, a boutique hospitality company that operates hotels and restaurants in Germany and beyond. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? The hotel’s burlesque-style theme carries into its 58 rooms, replete with opulent chandeliers and rich red or royal blue velvet walls, furnishings, and draperies. But you’ll also find a whiff of Berlin debauchery—flip a switch next to the bed for “Provocateur Mode,” which dims the lights and reveals risqué video artwork by local photographer Kai Stuht. Categories range from Petite to Deluxe (opt for the latter to get a freestanding tub in the living area) and several have balconies. The two suites are worth the splurge: the open-plan Maison Suite has a nifty triangular ceiling punctuated by skylights, while the Terrace Suite's sprawling patio with city views can't be beat in warm weather. All rooms have Nespresso machines, minibars stocked with local products, smart TVs with screen-sharing technology, and a Marshall Bluetooth speaker. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wi-fi is fast and free. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Celebrated Berlin restaurateur The Duc Ngo created the menu at Golden Phoenix, whose Chinese-French fusion dishes—grilled foie gras with mango chutney and Sichuan pepper, Chinese truffle pasta, and a long list of dim sum—are beautifully presented in a lavish red-and-black dining room. Breakfast (not included in room rate) offers an a la carte menu of standard dishes. If the weather is agreeable, enjoy it al fresco on the garden terrace. And the service? Service is friendly and welcoming, and check-in and check-out are a breeze. What type of travelers will you find here? A stylish, well-heeled crowd frequents the bar and restaurant, so pack accordingly. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? East Berlin is better known for its hedonistic reputation, so opening an unabashedly sexy, sceney hotel on a sleepy West Berlin block is a bit of a gamble. The surroundings are unremarkable—there are some upscale restaurants and fancy boutiques on nearby Kurfürstendamm—so prepare to make the hotel the center of your nightlife experience unless you’re willing to travel. Any other hotel features worth noting? The acclaimed bar creates liqueurs and infusions for its burlesque-inspired cocktails. Evenings, it's in full swing, with stylish locals filling up stools around the U-shaped bar or lounging in the red velvet booths. Things can get a bit rowdy on weekends, when DJs spin and the party goes on until the wee hours. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? We love the outrageous design and buzzy bar, but if you're looking for trendy options for dining and drinking nearby, book elsewhere." - Jennifer Ceaser