The welcome mat at Linnen, located at Eberswalder Strasse, starts immediately inside the front door. Instead of a reception desk, with a formal-looking concierge, guests literally walk straight into Linnen’s kitchen. With a trestle-style table, laden with food, it’s as welcoming entrée into this unique hotel. This is not the usual fare in design. The kitchen features an entire wall of recycled steel cabinets, used for storage and effect. And unlike traditional breakfast fare, Linnen’s offerings are reminiscent of the great breakfasts served at home.

While guests can enjoy light meals from the ground floor café, with its industrial aesthetic, they can also enjoy unwinding in one of Linnen’s handful of bespoke rooms. There’s the timber-lined apartment, complete with bird murals, or the three-room apartment that recalls pre-war Berlin in its faded glory. Other rooms include four-poster beds, as well as bespoke antique furniture. Linnen has just completed a new guest apartment adjacent to the café. Complete with self-contained office, this suite is ideal for those visiting Berlin on business. While Linnen has the designer touch, the fit-out was assembled by the owners, who have a flair for design.

There’s a lovely warmth and texture to the interior with many items discovered in second-hand stores and markets.

And for those wondering about the hotel’s name, Linnen there’s an antique armoire in the passage, filled with beautiful linen used for guests. Each room is different, with the intent of creating different experiences, not only for first-timers, but also those returning again and again. Not surprisingly, those intending to stay at Linnen need to make a booking well in advance. As unlike a traditional hotel, the Linnen experience is like staying at a friend’s house, but with considerably more privacy.

linnenberlin.com