sly Berlin

The sly Berlin is striking even for its sheer size. Behind the rather unassuming façade on Petersburger Straße lies a whole new world comprising four refurbished old factory buildings, Berlin-style courtyards and a constant succession of new rooms and passageways. The hotel has 150 rooms, yet this layout gives it a pleasantly intimate feel. The public areas are particularly beautiful: dark wood, natural stone, black ceramic tiles, midnight blue and moss green, complemented by old arched windows and excellent lighting. Giorgio Gullotta is responsible for the architecture and interior design; his design was honoured with the German Design Award in 2025. The highlight is the large glass greenhouse in the middle of the courtyard, which houses the restaurant and bar. Almost 300 square metres of glass, lush plants, an open-plan kitchen and large silver light fittings create a truly extraordinary space that constantly changes with the daylight. The rooms are also beautifully appointed: oak parquet flooring, natural stone, Kvadrat fabrics and light fittings by Louis Poulsen and Fritz Hansen, some with a terrace or balcony. At the very top is the panoramic sauna with views over Berlin. For Friedrichshain, the sly is an unusually spacious hotel – and, above all, thanks to its architecture and the many wonderful spaces it offers, it’s a place well worth noting.