The brick exterior of the Hotel Wilmina in Berlin stands on infamous ground, though you would never guess it by its cushy furnishings and storybook-like exterior. The 44-room boutique oasis was constructed from the foundations of an old woman’s prison and courthouse. Initially built to hold female resistance fighters during World War I, Wilmina’s trellis-covered walls are both faceted and historic, a living memory of a painful period of Germany’s past now thoughtfully infused with modern luxuries.

There is an undeniable dreamlike quality of Hotel Wilmina. Its inner courtyard and garden are bedecked with gleaming lights that welcome visitors upon arrival. Vaulted stone ceilings throughout the building give the hotel an airy, ethereal feel, inviting guests to bask in the natural light and take refuge from the bustling city of Berlin—without having to venture very far from the city’s center. 

While Wilmina’s guest rooms offer privacy in addition to furniture made from natural materials and complimentary bath products from Frama, the hotel itself is centered around community spaces. The rooftop terrace offers views of the sprawling garden while the library boasts floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and cozy nooks to eat breakfast. Engage in some friendly competition in the billiard room, which is furnished with both board games and a pool table. 

Wilmina’s historic halls also include wellness amenities such as a sauna, a pool, a gym and massage room. After a workout, dip or day in the city, venture to the ground floor to satiate your appetite. Ensconced within Wilmina’s gardens is the Lovis bar and restaurant, helmed by Chef Sophia Rudolph. Lovis reinterprets traditional German dishes using seasonal produce to create an immersive, al fresco dining experience. 

Although the hotel’s architecture and design create a sense of serenity, Wilmina is located on the urban thoroughfare of Kantstrasse, a veritable gateway to the vibrancy of West Berlin and beyond. Multiple public transit stations are located within a ten-minute walk from the hotel.

A synthesis of historical architecture and cozy modernity, Hotel Wilmina in Berlin is both an attentive refuge and entry to the wonders of Berlin.