Sixteen stories of candy-colored windows and a bright red roof jutting out over the harbor make the Colorium building one of the city’s most striking new architectural monuments. Inside is this slick 134-key hotel, operated by the Spanish chain Melia, which boasts seriously jaw-dropping views of the Rhine, the TV tower and surrounding contemporary architecture. The large, modern, light-filled rooms feature open bathrooms with rainforest showers, free minibars and shades that close over the floor-to-ceiling windows at the touch of a button. Spring for a suite, which occupy the higher floors, and you’ll get separate living and sleeping areas plus a bathtub. The aptly named top-floor bar and restaurant The View Skylounge is a hotspot for after-work drinks, especially among the fashionable crowd. There’s also a Finnish sauna and fully equipped gym.
Neighborhood: A former run-down commercial port area along the Rhine has seen an explosion of exciting new architecture by the likes of Frank Gehry and David Chipperfield. Swanky restaurants and bars line the harbor, catering to the nearby fashion, media and creative industries. The harbor links to the Rhine Promenade, a pedestrian thoroughfare that stretches up to the Old Town.
Nearby:
Rheinturm: For the best city views, an observation deck and rotating restaurant occupies the top level of Dusseldorf’s tallest building
K21 museum: For cutting-edge contemporary art from Germany and beyond
Curry: For a taste of Germany’s national dish, currywurst
Time Out tip: The View hosts a Wednesday afterwork event starting at 6pm and going into the wee hours, with drink specials and DJs; you can recover Thursday mornings during “Beats, Bacon & Bloody Mary,” beginning at 7am.