#hotelfriends opened its doors several years ago in a former supermarket space on Worringer Platz – positioning itself at the heart of downtown Düsseldorf, just steps away from the train station and the vibrant Ackerstraße. This neighborhood, with its galleries, studios, and thriving food scene, has become a magnet for young, creative minds seeking something fresh and authentic.

The moment you step into this boutique hotel, you're transported back to school – specifically, a whimsical take on the 1970s and 80s. The expansive 700 m² lobby plays with nostalgic touchstones: a schoolyard, assembly hall, and gymnasium. The reception desk doubles as the "principal's office," adorned with vintage school bags. The staff area is called the "caretaker's room," breakfast becomes "recess snack," and a 24-hour kiosk invites you to grab treats and settle into the "map room" – a cozy corner wallpapered with vintage school maps. Sports fans can watch the latest events on the flat screen in the "gymnasium," complete with gym mats and vaulting horse.

But venture upstairs, and the narrative shifts. Each of the 40+ guest rooms is a distinct story – no two alike. Sherlock Holmes shares the building with Coco Chanel. One room transports you to the Hamptons on a "class trip"; another celebrates vinyl with a dedicated music listening room. This is the philosophy of #hotelfriends: curated eclecticism, where thoughtfully curated contradictions create character. In the city, it's precisely these intentional style collisions that keep life interesting and boredom at bay.

The ground floor lobby also houses an imaginatively styled bar called "Class Reunion," where guests and visitors connect in casual comfort. Whether you're gathered around the central skylight, tucked into a quieter private corner, or perched at the counter, the atmosphere invites connection. The space is equally versatile for workshops, intimate conferences, product launches, and creative photo shoots.

www.hotelfriends.de

Photography Credits:

#hotelfriends

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf, Issue 04|22)