Inclusive by Design
The interior of the new Tribe Hotel at the main railway station brings like-minded people together
Just a short walk from the main railway station, Tribe Düsseldorf has opened its doors in a heritage building steeped in local history: where the legendary "Bhagwan Disco" thrived during the 1980s and 1990s, the Australian hotel group now welcomes guests with 146 thoughtfully designed rooms, a restaurant, an all-day bar, and a multipurpose lounge featuring co-working spaces and four conference rooms – all brought to life through bold, colour-driven design by London-based Feix&Merlin Architects.
Since its founding in Australia in 2017, Tribe has championed the philosophy of "more for less" – delivering bold design at accessible prices for travelers seeking stylish, modern accommodations. The Düsseldorf location, the group's 20th property worldwide and only the second in Germany, stays true to this vision by offering guests exactly what matters: nothing more, nothing less. Feix&Merlin Architects, an openly inclusive LGBTQ+ design studio, embraced this ethos by creating a space rooted in a powerful symbol of inclusion: the plus sign in square brackets. This concept permeates the entire hotel – the floor plan and ground patterns echo the symbol's brackets, while the reception desk becomes the central plus sign, anchoring the space both literally and conceptually. In the guest rooms, the symbol evolves into a custom monogram pattern adorning the curtains, crafted through an innovative graphic technique that weaves in photographic art by Isabella Melis, an emerging artist from Bonn. Shot exclusively within one of the hotel rooms, her images celebrate human diversity across cultures, embodying inclusivity through portraiture. The works appear throughout the hotel as framed prints in the rooms and striking visual statements in the elevators.
Channelling the spirit of its disco-era predecessor, the hotel's beating heart is a versatile social hub – part reception, part café, part evening hotspot. Beyond this central gathering space, guests and visitors can find quiet retreats, convenient tech plug-ins, and dedicated coworking zones in adjacent areas. Tribe Table Cali, the on-site restaurant, welcomes up to 60 diners with California-inspired cuisine served at lunch and dinner – open to hotel guests and the public alike. And yes, all guests enjoy complimentary access to the hotel's fitness centre.
Photos:
Tribe Hotels
(Featured in CUBE Düsseldorf 02|25)