Wilmina Hotel
A Retreat in Charlottenburg
Little birds flit into the ivy draping the facade.
Their cheerful chirping mingling with the distant hum of the city beyond. They dart out again, diving into a sea of green where waves of white blossoms rise and fall beneath our window.
Red brick walls, weathered by decades of history, frame a series of serene courtyards and lush gardens.
Sunlight dances playfully through delicate ash leaves, casting fleeting patterns of light and shadow.
In Wilmina the bustling metropolis around us falls into oblivion.
Architects Almut and Armand Grüntuch-Ernst have masterfully transformed a former women’s prison from 1896 into the city’s most enchanting oasis.
The hotel feels like a wellness escape, yet it sits at the heart of Berlin - a hidden world within the city and our favorite secret haven.
Wilmina’s World
Wilmina’s charm extends beyond the hotel walls, encompassing its own bakery.
Hotelguests are greeted each morning with lovingly prepared breakfasts featuring buttery Croissants and Franzbrötchen.
Wilmina Brot
On Kantstraße „Wilmina Brot“ offers sourdough loaves crafted from traditional recipes, for purchase out of the small shop with a handful of cozy seating options.
Lotta
On the other side of the block, Café Lotta is another cherished part of the Wilmina family. Here, fresh waffles, roasted sandwiches, salads, soups, tea, and coffee are served throughout the day.
A sunlit garden behind the café provides a small slice of paradise, perfect for a leisurely (or second) breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Lovis
Nestled in the first courtyard, once known as the “Lock Yard”, lies the Lovis restaurant.
From Tuesday to Saturday, it opens its doors to guests and visitors alike, offering dinner in the verdant haven.
Lovis Bar
Adjacent to the restaurant, the Lovis Bar is a true gem.
Its cocktail menu is organized like a coordinate system guiding through flavor profiles that range from sweet to dry, light to bold.
Creations such as “White Blossom–Apple–Smoke” or “Rowanberry-Spruce–Lemon” reflect the subtle art of surprise and experimentation.
For traditionalists, staples like gin and tonic or Aperol Spritz are also on offer, but crafted with exceptional ingredients rather than familiar labels.
All this unfolds in the bar’s artful surroundings, where a vaulted ceiling is painted by Laurent Ajina.
From Prison to Urban Oasis
In 2022, Almut and Armand reimagined this historic building, which served as a courthouse and women’s prison until 1985.
Former prison cells were opened and merged into rooms of varying sizes. Windows were enlarged to flood the interiors with light and air.
Yet the building’s history remains palpable, while the original cell doors stand as reminders of its past.
Also the heavy gates between the courtyards reminds us of the feeling of isolation once imposed on its former inhabitants.
What’s most remarkable, however, is the absence of lingering gloom.
Instead, the architects have transformed this secluded space into a sanctuary of peace and comfort.
Rooms flow seamlessly into one another, often blending with the green outdoor spaces beyond.
Under the pitched roof sits a cozy sauna.
On the rooftop terrace, the pool seems to spill into the skyline of Berlin.
The fireplace lounge offers tea, coffee, and fresh fruit, while ivy blankets much of the exterior walls like a soft, protective cloak.
At Wilmina, nature and architecture, history and modern design, city exploration and relaxation combine to create an extraordinary symbiosis - a place where every detail invites you to pause, reflect, and simply be.
