Just marvellous! The old town hall is an example of the Renaissance architecture in downtown Leipzig. The two-story building dates from 1556

Have you ever been to Leipzig? No? Then let’s go! My last visit to the Saxon metropolis felt like forever ago. I was all the more enthusiastic when I visited Leipzig last year for the annual Bach Festival, which unfortunately had to be canceled this summer due to the corona* virus. Leipzig is cultural, green and diverse.

“I praise my Leipzig! It’s a little Paris and educates its people,” said Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who studied law in Leipzig for almost three years, which the Goethe monument on the Naschmarkt in front of the Old Trade Exchange reminds of

“Why look so far afield? Look, the good is so close by” once already knew Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany’s great poet and thinker. As a law student, he only spent three years here, but Leipzig inspired him to write the great tragedy “Faust”. Goethe’s favorite bar was “Auerbachs Keller”, where “Leipziger Allerlei” is still served today according to the original recipe. The legendary cellar restaurant is also a popular destination for large tour groups. I prefer restaurants where you can meet people that actually come from Leipzig.

My fav restaurant in Leipzig? The “Weinwirtschaft” at the Thomaskirchhof

For example, the “Weinwirtschaft” at the Thomaskirchhof. I order a delicious tarte flambée with rocket and mozzarella (16 euros) and enjoy the view of the Romanesque-neo-Gothic St. Thomas Church. It is famous for the St. Thomas’ Choir and its former cantor and composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Concert tip: the world-class choir rehearses Bach motets on Fridays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 3 p.m. (admission: two euros).*

Elephants adorn the entrance portal of one of the most beautiful cafés in Leipzig: The Riquet coffee house was built in 1908 and, with the chosen stylistic elements, is a reminder of the company’s long history of trading with Asia and the Orient

Leipzig’s coffee house culture is legendary. Make sure to try the “Leipziger Lerchen” – a shortcrust pastry filled with strawberry jam or marzipan – in the “Kandler” café. Once invented as a substitute for lark-pie after the hunting of songbirds was banned in 1876. My favorite is the traditional “Riquet” coffee house with an entrance portal flanked by monumental stone elephants. Under heavy Wilhelminian style beams and golden Art Déco chandeliers, a nice waitress serves me the best ice chocolate with freshly whipped cream (4.30 euros). By the way, the service is extremely attentive and friendly everywhere in Leipzig. A boon if you are used to the gruff tone in Berlin.

The Katharinenstraße, a beautiful example of the carefully renovated old town

It is the carefully renovated old town that enchants you with its lush Art Nouveau facades, the classicist sandstone architecture and the city palace in the finest baroque style. Culture and shopping can be optimally combined here, because many of the sightseeing highlights such as the Old Town Hall and the Stock Exchange are in the immediate vicinity of shopping streets such as Grimmaische Strasse or the elegant Mädler-Passage. Its builder, the suitcase manufacturer Anton Mädler, wanted to bring the Milanese elegance of the “Galleria Vittorio Emanuele” to Leipzig in 1912. I stroll on through the Specks Hof passage, admire the three glass-roofed inner courtyards and marvel at the Barthels-, Webers- and Jäger-courtyards, which are decorated with stucco and bay windows and which can be reached via Hainstrasse.

The Webershof can be reached via Hainstrasse

The best panoramic view of Leipzig is from the roof terrace of the 142 meter high city tower on Augustusplatz (entrance fee three euros). Classical fans should not miss a visit to the Leipzig Opera House and the Gewandhaus, whose famous conductors were once Felix Mendelsohn Bartholdy and Kurt Masur. You can also enjoy a wonderful view from the Völkerschlachtdenkmal, the “Völki”, which at 91 meters is one of the highest monuments in Europe.

Johann Sebastian Bach – here infront of the Thomanerkirche – was organist, conductor, composer and choir director in Leipzig for 27 years

If you want to relax now, you can rent a boat at the city harbor and paddle down the Karl-Heine-Canal: Moor in the Café “Kanal 28” and enjoy the allotment garden atmosphere right by the water. The White Elster, Elsterflutgraben and Elstermühlgraben can also be explored by boat.

Excursion destination Cospudener See: I take a taxi (approx. 25 euros from the city center) through the elegant villa suburb of Markkleeberg. After 15 minutes by car, I reach the wonderful, albeit artificial, reserve, which was once built on a former open-cast mine

Where dreary open-cast lignite mining once dominated the landscape (and the environment), Leipzig’s local recreation area with a unique lake landscape emerged 20 years ago, some of which lead through canals into the city. At the end of “Pier 1” lies the “Sole mio Seeterrassen” restaurant with a panoramic view of the water. The sea bream with grilled vegetables (20 euros) is delicious and the view of the marina, beach, surf school and excursion boat is picturesque. (Bus routes 65 and 79, May to September).

Chic shopping in the Mädler-Passage

And where is the charm of the unfinished? For example in Plagwitz and in Lindenau, west of Leipzig. North of Karl-Heine-Strasse, dusty shops are being cleared, cafes opened and community gardens weeded. Further south, an artist center with galleries has been established in a former cotton mill. The Südstadt with Karl-Liebknecht-Straße is a popular trendy district. There is a little GDR nostalgia over the “KarLi” and yet more multicultural in pubs, cafes and restaurants. Open-air theater and summer cinema take place on the site of the former VEB Feinkost. And with “Mrs. Hippie”, the iconic fashion label founded in 1993, offers colorful fashion made in Leipzig.

Leipzig by night: In the evening, the historic facades of the city center are staged

Back in the center I bypass the “Drallewatsch” (Saxon for “to go around the houses”), popular with tourists, with its restaurants and bars around the Barfußgässchen. Instead, I have a nightcap in the hotel bar of the “Motel One” (double room from 84 euros) and look at the Nikolaikirche. It is not only the largest church in Leipzig, it is the birthplace of the peaceful revolution at the time of the historic turning autumn of 1989. I toast to that.  BvH

The luxury Steigenberger Grand Hotel with a very good bar and the Brasserie Le Grand, where the guest can choose between menus and à la carte dishes, has resided in the former trade fair building of the craftsmen. The kitchen, under the direction of chef Sandy Bohm, is rightly award-winning: my beef tartare (19.90 euros) and the boullaibaise (14 euros) were excellent

The elegant Specks Hof Passage…

…decorated with stucco, wall paintings and bay windows

Baroque splendor in Leipzig’s city center

Alte Handelsbörse – the Old Stock Exchange – today a museum

…and the Old Town Hall – das Alte Rathaus…

With countless galleries, museums, important concert halls and historical architecture, Leipzig is a true Eldorado for art lovers

The illuminated Thomaskirche before the concert started

In Leipzig, Goethe collected the first ideas for his drama “Faust” and with his poetry also set a monument for the “Auerbachs Keller” – a locality where he liked to drink

I prefer the “Sole mio Seeterrassen” restaurant with a panoramic view of the water…

Tip: The sea bream with grilled vegetables (20 euros) is delicious

Tips for Leipzig

Overnight: Hotel Arcona Living Bach, double room from 100 euros; Innside Meliá from 91 euros

Food: “Café Barbakane” on the historic city fortifications in the Moritzbastei (minced meat pan with vegetables and potatoes 6.80 euros).

Getting there: For example, from Berlin 1 hour by train (2nd class from 60 euros)

Sightseeing: Hop-on, hop-off, 2-hour city tour through Leipzig, the important sights at ten stops, get on and off as you like (from 15 euros)

* The opening times, prices, etc. mentioned here may have been restricted or changed due to the measures currently required during the corona pandemic.

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Welcome to the Roomers Munich! The heart of the Roomers lobby is the round reception desk in green marble and mat brass

The Munich Oktoberfest started already, and thus the question as to where to best stay emerges. You still have no place to stay? Maybe there is still an available room in the trendy Roomers Hotel. Landsberger Straße is close to the main train station and Theresienwiese (where the Oktoberfest takes place). Opened in September 2017, the hotel is centrally located in Munich’s Westend district. An area that is gilded as a new in-quarter of the Bavarian metropolis. But that – as to my impression – seems to be something of the future.

The Roomers in Munich: the right address for design lovers

After six years of refurbishment, the successful hoteliers Micky Rosen and Alex Urseanu – the creators of the Gekko Group (including the Roomers Hotels in Baden-Baden, Frankfurt and the Provocateur in Berlin), took over the former office complex. In the 80s building with its rather unspectacular façade, the two entrepreneurs installed a design hotel consisting of 281 rooms and suites ranging in size from 25 to 155 square meters, as well as various banquet rooms for events.

My Deluxe Premium Suite at the Roomers Munich

The Entrée of the Roomers welcomes the guest with a round reception, with the Roomers bar at the back. The center of the lobby is flanked by two room-high fireplaces and various inviting seating arrangements. In general, the architects at Concrete-Design Amsterdam have created a true feast for the eyes with the Roomers, according to the motto: Adieu, purism! Hello, comfort! Modern yet warm materials such as dark wood, cognac-colored leather, green velvet, mat or polished brass and marble pillars of the interior concept. Mirror effects provide selective optical enhancements.

Let’s take a selfie …

But the first thing that comes to my mind is the friendly smile of one of the receptionists who must have inhaled the DNA of the Roomers. How else could you explain her commitment and warmth? Overall, I experience attentive and competent staff during my stay, which obviously fulfilled their job with fun and joy. Incidentally, the dress code of the employees provides an official business jacket, which combines jeans and sneakers, underscoring the unconventional, casual character of the hotel.

My luxurious bathroom … I love the glass lamp on the right in the photo!

My room of the category Deluxe Premium is located on the 2nd floor. My glimpse immediately falls on the extremely comfortable king-size bed on a pedestal and a freestanding bathtub positioned in front of it. Gorgeous! In the black marble bathroom, I like the XXL rain shower, where the care products of the label Dead Clean exude a tart scent. Big plus: The separate toilet; skillfully located behind a mirror wall. The interior concept of the lobby and the choice of materials are consistently continued here. As a contrast to the black wooden floor, the walls were half-height boarded up with white wooden panels. Above, black and white photographs by Roger Weber. In the brass shelves, I find next to a Nespresso machine and the minibar decorative art by ZooZoo & Friends and an iPad for the hotel navigation. Of course, the rooms of the Roomers are equipped with high-speed internet, a Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth sound system and air conditioning. However, my personal highlight is the lighting system: annoying tinkering with which light switch belongs to which lamp is no longer necessary. Here easy-to-understand symbols on a central keyboard control the light intensity.

Easy-to-understand symbols on a central keyboard control the light intensity

The Roomers in Munich receives culinary support through the Izakaya restaurant and its upscale Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine (more on this soon in a separate article on MyStylery). The outdoor area has just opened with 30 seats. At the Izakaya, too, the Concrete Amsterdam design team created an extraordinary atmosphere with a huge, floating fish made from light beech wood as an eye-catcher. The Roomers guest is offered a breakfast buffet of the extra class. From the extent and the diversity of the food there is hardly anything comparable: From quinoa salad, beetroot humus, filled vine leaves and baked cauliflower – in line with the Israeli cuisine – the standards such as fresh fruit and juices, cereals and yogurt in all variants, Cheese, salmon, salami … And of course Leberkäse, sausages and pretzels. Because after all, we are in Bavaria.

For breakfast I treat myself with waffles with maple syrup and fresh fruit

The bigger the choice, the harder it is to choose: Eggs Benedict or rather avocado toast? I opt for the fresh waffles and love the organic Earl Gray of the label Belmondo. So much, that the friendly waitress surprised me with a sachet of tea for home. Even my favorite colleague at the front desk hands me a small bag with provisions for the journey home. “For the train ride,” she says, smiling at me. I am touched and wonder again if all this can be true? It can.  BvH 

Info Roomers Munich:

The rooms vary in sizes from 25 to 155 square meters, the latter being accounted for by the Roomers Suite on the sixth floor. This is also equipped with a Jacuzzi on the private roof terrace and – if you’re lucky – the view of the Alps. A room in the Deluxe Premium category costs an average of 320, – Euro per night. The room rates start depending on the season from 220, – Euro.

Small but nice: The rooftop bar of the Roomers with views over the rooftops of Munich

Comfortably hanging out in the Roomers lobby …

… with its elegant design …

… and provided selection of sweets

The Roomers Bar – known for its bartenders and creative drinks – also serves small snacks

In the “Crazy Library” are selected books, personally collected by the hotel owners

The bar at Izakaya restaurant…

… where you can dine excellently (more on MyStylery soon!) and also breakfast is served. And of the finest, by the way

Nice for lunch: The outdoor terrace of the restaurant with 30 seats

Cozy luxury on 28 square meters: My Deluxe Premium Suite …

… and a selfie in the black marble bathroom

A welcome from the hotel’s management: small gesture, great effect!

Need a break? Then go to the Roomers Spa by Shan Rahimkhan and let yourself be pampered. All about my wellness treatment soon on MyStylery!

Bye bye Roomers! I’ll be back – for sure …

Contact Roomers Munich:

roomers-munich.com

Here you find more travel tips!

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View to the Main Barn, where breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are served. And at the bar you can taste local beer. Cheers!

Life in the big city can sometimes be quite exhausting. And the longing for peace, green and rural life is growing: many metropolitan residents want only one thing on the weekend: Get out of the noisy din. Nick Jones, British hotel entrepreneur and founder of Soho Houses, recognized the needs of the troubled urban man years ago when he opened his first country hotel, the Babington House, in the east of London in 1998. Three years ago, another country retreat was added to the Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, a 90-minute drive northwest of London, in the romantic Cotswolds countryside. Here, the big city-battered experiences country life by joining, touching or just diving in.

The Soho Farmhouse has a lot to offer for the city tired vacationer. Here you can see the lake overlooking the outdoor pool and boathouse

I’m not the fan of British left-hand traffic and opt for the convenient arrival on the regional train GWR, which stops from London Paddington in an hour and twenty minutes at the station of the idyllic village Charlbury. From here, another 15 minutes by taxi through the hilly landscape of Oxfordshire, which even in January is lit up in green. In addition a bright blue sky – which is not natural for local weather conditions. Almost a shameless luck!

On the left the steam sauna with whirlpool, in the background boathouse and gym

Past the stately, (currently still visible) property of football star David Beckham and fashion-creating wife Victoria, I get to the hidden grounds of Soho Farmhouse. Nick Jones, visionary and inventor of private Soho House membership clubs, is opening his 22nd Soho House in Amsterdam this year. The self-made man operates outlets worldwide, for example in Berlin, Los Angeles or Istanbul. Many of them with an attached hotel, in which also non-members can check in. With the Soho Farmhouse, Jones created a resort in the country according to his ideas: the centerpiece is an 18th-century farmhouse that sits amid 50 acres of land. In between, cultured stream courses and small lakes with 40 cozy, wooded cabins situated in the landscape.

The 50-acre property with cultivated streams and small lakes, in between 40 very cozy, in the countryside sprinkled wooden huts

The so-called “cabins” are of different sizes, some with separate living room and several bedrooms. Wood-paneled walls, gnarled floors, inviting linen couches and cuddly velvet armchairs make each of the cabins comfortable. Including a large bathroom stocked with a rich selection of personal care products from their own brand “Cowshed”. Some cabins have a zinc outdoor bathtub, which can be used in this cold season. But you can warm up after by your own stove and pattering fire wonderfully. Or you can make a tea in your own kitchenette before the comfortable XXL bed, equipped with seven pillows, invites you to take a nap.

Me on a stylish retro bike by the brand Foffa

In the afternoon I explore the surroundings with its picturesque landscape. In good weather, rowboats invite you to take a round on the lake. A personal butler, who is called “Farmhand” here, asks me if he can book me a massage appointment in the “Cowshed Spa”. He could also reserve a small round of golf, a riding or tennis lesson or trapshooting. I opt for yoga at the gym and then swim a few laps in the heated outdoor pool. For accompanying children there is an adventure playground and hourly child care. The ponies and chickens are just another attraction for city kids, so that the farmhouse enjoys great popularity even among young families – with the associated noise level. If you like it a little quieter, I recommend a stay during the week.

Tip Soho Farmhouse: Avoid weekends!

In summer, the indoor pool opens up and, together with the outdoor pool, creates a great swimming and splashing paradise

It is the small details that make the Soho Farmhouse so special: Infront of the door of each cottage, the guest will find his personal bicycle for the duration of the stay. Right next to it some gumboots, because it usually rains pitchforks here. Of course, in the right shoe size, which was previously requested by email. Every morning fresh milk in glass bottles is stored on the veranda. And on request, the breakfast comes to bed – by a mobile cooking bus, the so-called “float”.

19 mint-colored electric vintage cars – former milk trucks – serve as a shuttle and means of transport

Those who prefer to eat in the restaurant can do so either in the “Main Barn”, serving Soho House classics like wood-fired pizzas, giant burgers or grilled chicken. At lunchtime I like to sit in the bright “Pen Yen” restaurant overlooking the outdoor pool and terrace. There are delicious sashimi and sushi variations here. In the evening, the sleeker “Fancy Farm” restaurant offers additional seats. A nightcap in the “Mill Room” is always a good idea. I look into the crackling fire of the large, open fireplace, try a whiskey from the area and think: It could stay that way.  BvH

One of 40 so-called cabins, equipped with one or more bedrooms, living room, kitchenette or large country kitchen

In front of the rustic wooden huts, Wellington boots are ready for the guest. And logs for the cabin-own stove

A peek in my kitchenette. The larger cabins offer fully equipped country kitchens. But even here I can prepare small meals, tea or coffee

So comfortable: My XXL bed with seven pillows …

…from here I can enjoy the view outside and into the stove

Cowshed care products in a range of styles and different scents are available to guests during their stay

A bath in the outdoor tub? That was to me, frankly, too cold in this season!

Chilling out on your own veranda: It’s no coincidence that the cushions harmonize in color with the door frames

Ready for terrain exploration with my chic retro bike …

…which is even provided with my name

Passing endless pastures and vegetable fields…

…and visiting the ponies in the stable. Excursions can also be made with the carriages

Forgot the scarf or hat? Does not matter. “The Store” offers cuddly and relaxing stuff for the country style. Because even here (as in all Soho Houses) the dress code is casual. If you want to adapt the farmhouse style for your own four walls, you can buy crockery, bathrobes, pillows, lamps and even furniture in the Farmhouse shop. Here the deli…

…where one can also be snacked

The boathouse has an indoor pool and a spa area

Next to it the Japanese restaurant Pen Yen…

…where I order sushi and sashimi variations. A portion of Edamame must not be missing!

In warm temperatures, meals are also served on the outdoor terrace

This cabin has a steam sauna and a whirlpool

With the sunset…

…it is time for an aperitif at the Mill Room bar

Later we will have dinner in the Main Barn…

…where the separate restaurant Fancy Farm invites you to fine dining

…before you get tired after a lot of idleness, but happily fall into a cuddly bed

How to get to Soho Farmhouse:

Arrival in London Heathrow: Take the Heathrow Express (£ 25) to London Paddington (taking 15 minutes). Hourly regional trains of the Great Western Railway (GWR) to Charlbury (16 £), travel time 80 minutes. It takes 15 minutes by taxi and 25 pounds to the Soho Farmhouse. A taxi ride from Heathrow to the Soho Farmhouse costs around £ 130. The Soho Farmhouse also has a helicopter landing pad. Room rates in Soho Farmhouse from about 400 Euro per night.

London Paddington: From here there are hourly regional trains of the Great Western Railway (GWR) to Charlbury

Contact Soho Farmhouse:

sohofarmhouse.com

More Mystylery-hotel tips about the Soho Houses you can find here.

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