T

ake Cologne, a city that prides itself on its cultural heritage and its modern art scene, and New York, a city that famously offers a head-spinning range of galleries. Now compress the spirit of these two cities into one design hotel, and you’ve got a sense of the inspiration behind The New Yorker. Situated, like any self-respecting up-and-coming gallery, in an industrial part of town slightly (though still walkably) removed from the city center, this hotel offers far more than the average art-centric boutique. Sure, the guest rooms are sleek and stylish, but the hotel was designed to host cutting-edge events, and its bar and public spaces are just as vital to the overall atmosphere.

Despite practically oozing creativity, the New Yorker doesn’t thumb its nose at commerce — on the contrary, it welcomes business guests with a refreshing fervor, providing fully customizable meeting spaces in the form of a library and a quirky, colorful lounge. These spaces are a world away from the stodgy conference rooms of most business-oriented hotels. And the guest rooms are chic without relying too much on stark graphic contrasts; with plush red rugs and elegant wooden furniture, the minimalism never feels less than vibrant.

Besides the breakfast buffet, snacks and drinks are available in the lounge and, weather permitting, out in the garden — if you’re lucky, someone will be barbecuing out there. In the loft space, a full kitchen complements the exclusive hang-out suite, complete with winter garden; the perfect place for an intimate get-together or retreat.