Is this the coolest hotel in Europe?

By Emmet Purcell

At JOE we’re not just about hotels transformed from old prisons or made entirely of cheese (that one doesn’t exist, put away your Google) – occasionally we enjoy gawping at luxurious, outrageously impressive spots.

The recently-opened Soho House Berlin Private Members Club and Boutique Hotel (or SHBPMCBH, as it should never be called) is already the coolest site in the whole city, and may have the chops to throw down against the world’s trendiest stays too.

The latest ultra-hip addition to the Soho House empire (situated in London and New York), the Berlin hotspot is quickly becoming the ideal destination for celebrities, trendsetters and artists alike, following a 2-year, €40m renovation project. Boasting a deluxe screening room, heated rooftop swimming pool and large, fully equipped gym, the Soho House is a world away from its humbler, though no less distant roots.

The hotel gym retains the early-20th century charm.

Situated in the old East German section of Berlin, the Bauhaus-inspired Soho House structure at the Torstraße 1 address was originally a department store in 1928, before being seized by the “war-time government” (ahem) and thereafter by the post-war Communist regime. The second floor and private event space, “The Politburo”, stands as another stark reminder of the building’s past, as it was originally the central offices of the first and only President of the East German state, Wilhelm Pieck.

Nowadays Torstraße 1 is a lap of luxury in the fashionable borough of Mitte. Rooms comes in six sizes, ranging from Tiny rooms (€100) to Extra Large (€400), with the largest containing free standing baths, dining tables, seating areas and 118 sqm of living space. On the Lower Ground Floor visitors can unwind at the Cowshed Relax, a beauty salon that includes private treatments rooms, sauna and a steam room. Alternatively a fully equipped, lushly decorated 30-seater cinema (the main image above) is also situated on this floor, should you wish to kick back and relax in a more atmospheric setting.

The "Extra Large" rooms live up their name.

As daylight fades, we recommend moving up the Club Bar and Rooftop. Featuring a heated pool, tiled with green Pyrolave volcanic stone and indoor bar and kitchen, it provides the perfect setting to have a dip and practise some celeb-spying. In all, the hotel area comprises 40 rooms, with a 25% discount on rates for Soho House Berlin members (€900 yearly).

The hotel itself opened to much fanfare recently, with British artist Damien Hirst even hosting an early pre-launch party in May. It went so well Hirst even started sticking up his own bloody prints around the place, with an original Hirst shark piece in the reception area.

If you'd like to sample the delights of the Soho House Berlin or you feel your eyes deserve a treat, you can visit the hotel website at http://www.sohohouseberlin.com/.