Header: Viktor Kery
A building with a deep past is at the entrance to Heidelberg’s charming historic center. It was the city’s first grand hotel, originally opened as the ‘Hotel Strieder’ in the mid-19th century. Today, it begins a new life as the Hilton Heidelberg. Following a complete refurbishment of its 244 guestrooms and suites, lobby, restaurant, bar, and event spaces, the hotel has been entirely reimagined by the design firm Studio Lux Berlin.
Design drawn from the landscape
The creative team at Studio Lux Berlin, led by designers Joern Siebke and Adina Muncan-Siebke, looked to the hotel’s surroundings for inspiration. The design concept comes directly from the building’s heritage and the stunning natural beauty of Heidelberg. The city’s location, tucked between the Neckar river and steep wooded hills topped by its famous romantic castle, provided a rich palette for the designers. The aim was to give the hotel an unmistakable identity tied directly to its unique German setting.
An atmosphere of refined craft
Inside, the material choices create a feeling of timeless quality and sophisticated living. Guests will notice warm metals, smooth lacquered surfaces, and classic molding details. The walls themselves become works of art with featured surfaces of hand-painted wallcoverings and hand-crafted liquid metal panels. To bring the outside in, the design incorporates patterns inspired by nature and plenty of greenery throughout the public spaces, giving a strong sense of being connected to the outdoors.
A residential retreat in every room
This connection to nature continues into the guest room corridors and rooms themselves. The carpets feature patterns that call to mind the play of light through the leafy canopy of a forest. The rooms are designed to feel like a private residence, using dark woods, plush signature headboards, and comfortable chaise lounges. Generous tables and an eclectic mix of furniture give each space a distinct and comfy character, inviting guests to settle in and relax.
Spaces for gathering and celebration
The public areas are thoughtfully named to honor the building’s history. Schrieder’s Bar and Schrieder’s Restaurant pay respect to the hotel’s original founder. The restaurant, which offers a contemporary take on traditional German food, is in an elegant courtyard with a glass ceiling. The bar acknowledges Heidelberg’s celebrated status as a UNESCO ‘City of Literature’ by offering the Mark Twain cocktail, inspired by the American author’s stay in the city. For events, the hotel offers seven flexible meeting spaces and a large ballroom that can host up to 300 guests.
The project’s exceptional design quality has not gone unnoticed. For their work in transforming the historic property, Studio Lux Berlin and their design team earned a LIV Hospitality Design Award for Winner in Interior Design Renovation.
Project info
Company/Firm: Studio Lux Berlin
Lead Designer: Joern Siebke, Adina Muncan-Siebke
Other Designer(s): Alejandro Baumueller, Djordje Milanovic
Interior Designer: Studio Lux Berlin
Hospitality: HILTON
Construction Company: Baierl + Demmelhuber Innenausbau Swiss AG
Photo Credit: Viktor Kery
Location: Heidelberg Germany
Project Year: 2023
Developer: INVESCO
