A hidden gem in the center of Cologne’s old town, The Qvest marries neo-Gothic architecture with a museum-worthy collection of modern design, art, and photography.
A former historic city archive located on a quiet square in the shadow of the Basilica of St. Gereon, The Qvest in Cologne continues to be an important chronicle, albeit of a modern nature this time.
The hotel links history and modernity by combining neo-Gothic architecture with a curated collection of furniture, contemporary art, and photography.
Thanks to the owner of Qvest magazine, Michael Kaune, whose love of modern design manifests itself not just in the pages of this niche art, design, and culture publication but also in his contemporary photography gallery, the hotel is a mid-century and Bauhaus lover’s dream.
With a large part of the hotel furnished with Kaune’s personal collection of furniture and photographs, the spaces form a veritable design museum.
Savvy guests can even take home a “souvenir” from an exclusive shop selling the hotel’s carefully curated furniture and design objects.
Qvest even offers a small library of art, design, and fashion literature in every room, in lieu of television sets.
ARCHITECTURE
After two years of extensive renovation spearheaded by visionary Michael Kaune, the neo-gothic 1897 property that once housed the archive of Cologne is now a showcase of modern design.
INTERIOR DESIGN. MICHAEL KAUNE
Taking advantage of the space and scale of the historic building, Michael Kaune installed Vernor Panton’s playful “Living Tower” and statement stool in one of the rooms.
The bathrooms are furnished with Parisian Metro tiles with quirky details, such as the “Grasshopper” floor lamp by Greta Grossman.
In the lobby, guests are greeted by a striking vintage brass and Belgian bluestone front desk.
Thanks to Kaune’s zeal for modern art and design, all 34 rooms and suites at The Qvest are furnished with high-end vintage and original mid-century design pieces.
Starting at 12 square meters, each guestroom is cut differently and furnished individually. The Historic Suite boasts an impressive five-meter-high ceiling and dark-oiled oak-wood parquet floors,
while the 120-square-meter Salon Suite features Gothic windows in the living room, original stuccoes, and plays host to a grand piano and a handsome bar.
The rooms showcase original photographs by Roxanne Lowit, Marina Gadonneix, George Holz, and many others—a true reflection of Kaune’s passion for contemporary art.
Salon Suite has approx. 120sqm living space. The separate living room with historical gothic windows and original stuccoes has two inviting wing-doors.
The daylight flooded Salon is equipped with a bar, a grand piano and spacious chaise lounge. Both rooms are furnished with dark oiled oak-wood parquet floors.
One of the last hand-painted fir beam from the 14th century was placed in this room, the generous king-size bed is right below.
A tailored wooden screen hides the bathroom with bath tub, equipped with Parisian Metro tiles.
The historical Suites have approx. 35sqm living space, an impressive five meter high ceiling and dark oiled oak-wood parquet floors. Generous queen-size box spring beds and
original furniture from the 50th and 60th invite you to linger in the ancient ambience. A tailored wooden screen hides the bathroom with bath tub, equipped with Parisian Metro tiles.
Double Rooms L have approx. 30sqm living space with bathrooms and shower or bath tub. All rooms are equipped with high quality carpets and unique vintage furniture.
The rooms feature 1 double or twin bed, various views, complimentary WiFi, shower or bathtub.
Room No. 1 has approx. 25sqm living space, divided in an open
bedroom and a bathroom with a design washbasin from Agape.
Double Rooms M have approx. 21 sqm living space and bathrooms with shower or bath tub.
Each rooms has its own character: equipped with high quality carpets or light oak-wood parquet floors and original vintage furniture.
The rooms feature 21 sqm, 1 double or 1 twin bed, various views, complimentary WiFi, shower or bathtub.
Double Rooms S have approx. 15sqm living space and bathrooms with a shower. An absolutely cozy atmosphere by light oak-wood
parquet floors and luxury design furniture. The rooms feature 1 queen bed, various views and a shower.
Single Rooms have approx. 12 sqm living space and bathrooms with a shower. An absolutely cozy atmosphere by light oak-wood parquet floors and luxury design furniture.
The rooms feature 1 single or 1 queen bed, various views, complimentary WiFi and a shower.
THE QVEST
Gereonskloster 12Cologne 50670Germany