Art'otel by Matthew Barker

Painfully pretentious for some, playfully prankish for others: the Potsdam branch of this artful boutique group is a shrine to the works of the German contemporary artist Katharina Sieverding and the interior designs of Jasper Morrison. The former are a collection of rather spooky photographs, the latter a white wall and exposed beam too far. The effect is like sleeping in an art gallery - doubtless the whole point. 115 rooms (eight suites).

Hotel Attractions: Decent seafood in the Aqua restaurant and there’s a bar with garden terrace. The fitness centre includes a solarium and sauna. Private motorboat for use on the Havel River.

Local Attractions: Close to the rococo Sanssouci palace, built by King Frederick the Great to get away from his wife and surrounded by French gardens, a Chinese tea house and terraced vineyard. The old Dutch Quarter is a charming maze of town houses, galleries and street vendors. Gleinicker Bridge was a popular spot for exchanging spies during the Cold War. Berlin is a 30 minute train journey away.