Journal

17 May Gekko X Lola James Harper

Posted at 15:52h Gekko Group 0 Comments

„Keep room for love“ – with this shoutout, Rami Mekdachi, founder of the brand Lola James Harper, expresses his interpretation of the Roomers brand. About himself and his work Rami states:

“Lola James Harper is a unique lifestyle brand and concept that translates the most cherished moments, places and friendships into pictures, fragrance, design, music and film. It’s a way of life, capturing and sharing life’s greatest memories from around the world, inspiring togetherness, slow life, playfulness, and trust in the present.”

His creation of the Roomers scented candle combines mellow nuances of Opoponax, the resin of the sweet myrrh tree, as well as vanilla and amber. Warmth, coziness and comfort are the points of all Roomer houses that Rami associates with these essences in the scented candle. The # 22 not only represents the collaboration of cooperation, but rather the being together, the experience of creating something creative together. At this level, the candle was developed as an amenity that could not better represent Roomers.

About the cooperation, the founders of both brands say:

“It was a sunny September morning in Paris. We met in our Lola James Harper living room + art gallery at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche. It was the first time we had to share and we began to talk about how we created our worlds with our friends. An appointment that should have been one hour lasted much longer and we started to dream up ideas at our friends Da Rosa’s terrase in Saint Germain. What touches me when Micky talks about his hotels is his love for gathering people in a place that is well designed and for people who enjoy being in a cozy and energetic place. Because he is versatile he creates different homes and places for different people. I didn’t have the chance to meet his lifetime friend Alex but he spoke of him so warmly that I could believe what a great guy he is. “

– Rami Mekdachi, Founder Lola James Harper

‘’We are happy that we found the right partner in Rami for our collaborative scent since it’s very important for us to create emotions and a full brand experience for our guests. A fragrance which perfectly describes our personality and values. Inspired by our ambiance and design at Roomers, Rami has created his interpretation of it and been spot on – we were impressed by his working process on the scent. Lola James Harper shares the same spirit and mind that we live by – a love for life and the passion to share it’’

– Micky Rosen & Alex Urseanu, Founder Gekko Group

→ LOLA JAMES HARPER

16 Jan Banksy in Baden-Baden

Posted at 19:07h Roomers Baden-Baden 0 Comments

After having repeatedly been the location of renowned exhibitions in the past, Baden-Baden is once again proving itself to be a location for international art. The Museum Frieder Burda presents the world’s most prominent work of 2018 between the 5th of February and the 3rd of March 2019 “Love is in the Bin” by street art artist Banksy.

In autumn 2018, the framed picture “Girl with Balloon” of the British artist from 2006 was auctioned at Sotheby’s London for 1.2 million euros. After the contract was signed, an automatism in the framed work started, shredding the picture halfway and putting the auction on the international stage. Although the motive of this action of Banksy is not completely cleared up, the interest increased. We are very pleased that this absolute rarity is now being shown to the public in Baden-Baden for the first time. Embedded in a comprehensive symposium, the Museum Frieder Burda plans to bring the exhibition into an overall context with the artist.

For those who do not come from Baden-Baden, the Roomers offers the special package “Shred Love”.

→ MUSEUM FRIEDER BURDA

→ SHRED LOVE PACKAGE

14 Nov Alpha Industries X Roomers

Posted at 17:33h Gekko Group, Roomers Baden-Baden, Roomers Frankfurt, Roomers Munich 0 Comments

An individually designed edition of the Harley-Davidson XG750A Street Rod is the new milestone of Micky Rosen, Alex Urseanu and the owners of Alpha Industries Europe Rainer Knapp and Norbert Schneider. Only 20 of the bikes are produced – the edition is as limited as a few before. The cooperation is another highlight for the four entrepreneurs, who are driven by the same spirit: the lightness of being, the constant pursuit of the extraordinary, and in doing so, overcoming new boundaries. Fittingly, the four won artist and model Toni Mahfud over, who will present the jewel to the outside. Among others, Toni already modeled for Dolce & Gabbana, Moncler, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein and G-Star. He embodies the same spirit that unites Alpha Industries and Roomers, making him the perfect “Friend of the Brand” for the limited edition Harley-Davidson. He was photographed by the well-known, internationally working fashion and beauty photographer Lina Tesch.

In addition to the bike, there is a limited edition of 20 “Injector Roomers” leather biker jackets, which are only available in conjunction with the purchase of the Street Rod. Roomers x Alpha Industries patches on the arms and chest, a gray lining, the well-known “Remove Before Flight Tags” for Alpha Industries from both brands and a numbering including the logos on the wind flap determine the design of the jacket. In addition, a small edition of matching hoodies and T-shirts are produced, which are free to purchase.

→ ALPHA INDUSTRIES

→ HARLEY-DAVIDSON

08 Oct Gekko Group X Aqua Monaco

Posted at 16:47h Gekko Group 0 Comments

A meeting of true connoisseurs and style poets. We both share the same passion for the culinary art and philosophy, for perfect drinks in special places and for living in the moment. The result is an exceptional tonic water – Gekko Monaco – created together with the bar managers of Gekko Group.

All ingredients are 100 % natural, vegan and certified organic. The only exception is the cinchona bark that is typical for tonic water and which is gathered wild from Bolivian forests. Innovative recipes are the specialty of both enterprises. No surprise then that after lengthy testing, ingredients such as turmeric, mint, orange and pepper have emerged as features that make Gekko Monaco tonic water something special. No place here for artificial aromas and preservatives. Aqua Monaco describes the tonic water “super balanced” and “smooth oriental”.

And there’s another untypically tonic water feature: Gekko Monaco can be used as a stand-alone product, it can be enjoyed without gin or any other spirit. Alex Urseanu and Micky Rosen are already looking ahead: the drink is the first step we‘ve taken and even now we can feel the energy that will lead to a lot more ideas becoming reality. It’s a really big deal”.

→ AQUA MONACO

07 Oct Double Awards for Provocateur Bar

Posted at 18:55h Gekko Group, Provocateur 0 Comments

At the Mixology Bar Awards gala ceremony held in Berlin on Sunday 7th of October the coveted black glass trophies were awarded in 16 categories. The Provocateur scored a double hit as Hotel Bar of the Year and Bar Team of the Year awarded to its team. This puts the Provocateur Bar up with the best from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Our entire team is incredibly proud!

The Provocateur Bar follows the concept of the award-winning Roomers Bar in Frankfurt. It’s the hotel’s heart and soul and symbolises a unique bar culture. The burlesque atmosphere of the interior is reflected in the bar menu, which was also shortlisted. The 12 signature cocktails were created by bar manager Tarek Nix and his team and take their inspiration from celebrities from the 1920’s and from the history of the hotel. An individually matched food pairing gives drink a finishing touch.

→ MIXOLOGY
→ PROVOCATEUR BERLIN

14 Aug A SECOND ROOMERS FOR FRANKFURT

Posted at 19:33h Gekko Group 0 Comments

With the first Roomers in Frankfurt, we made a lasting impact on Germany’s hotel industry. Now we look forward to a second Roomers hotel in our hometown, the Roomers ParkView! With 136 rooms and suites, it is expected to open in Frankfurt’s Westend at the end of 2020, overlooking the Grüneburgpark and Frankfurt’s skyline. The hotel will focus on suites and a special food & beverage concept will, as usual, be the focus of Roomers ParkView. The 19th-floor bar will overlook the skyline, and the 18th floor will be home to an exclusive Roomers Spa. As in Roomers in Baden-Baden, we were able to win the Milanese star designer and our longtime friend Piero Lissoni for the interior design.

The total project comprises two buildings, the hotel tower will comprise 19 floors and another tower 26 floors. This is where high-class apartments are built, which also can take advantage of Roomer’s service. Project developer and landlord is a joint venture of RFR Group and Hines. With Aby Rosen and Michael Fuchs, Alex and Micky are already working together successfully in the first Roomers. The project developers and we were accompanied in the negotiations by the law firms HauckSchuchardt and Hogan Lovells.

Picture / © HaP Frankfurt GmbH & CO. KG und RFR

31 Jul HEAD Bikes

Posted at 16:28h Gekko Group 0 Comments

The fact that the Black Forest with its mountainous landscape is particularly suitable for biking makes outdoor fans especially happy. One more reason to get a cooperation partner for outdoor equipment in Roomers Baden-Baden on board! From now on, two e-bikes and four mountain bikes from HEAD are available for all the Roomers guests to use for free. For 25 years, the sporting goods producer has been enthusiastically combining technology and trends in biking. We wish you all the fun on the next Black Forest tour!

→ ROOMERS BADEN-BADEN
→ HEAD BIKES

27 Jul Comfort Zone

Posted at 10:15h Roomers Baden-Baden, Roomers Munich 0 Comments

At Roomers Spa in Baden-Baden as well as in Roomers Spa by Shan Rahimkhan in Munich we’re proud to be partners of Comfort Zone. Here you can find a line of the most modern skin care products, which all are produced sustainably in Italy. The development of this professional skincare focuses on research, but also on quality. All of its ingredients are of natural source and are combined with high-tech molecules in such a way that every use is not only effective, but also extremely pleasant. That’s why Comfort Zone products are very popular in the spa area and had even won an award.

→ ROOMERS SPA / BADEN-BADEN
→ ROOMERS SPA / MUNICH

26 Jul UND GRETEL and the Black Forest

Posted at 18:30h Roomers Baden-Baden 0 Comments

Two experts. One Guideline. UND GRETEL.

We’re so proud to present our new beauty partner at Roomers Spa in Baden-Baden! Make-up, free of synthetics with natural ingredients at the highest level of perfection in application, effectiveness, and durability: This is the spirit Christina Roth and Stephanie Dettmann followed when they founded their Berlin label for professional and long-lasting organic cosmetics. On the high-quality and elegantly designed items of UND GRETEL, their focus on sustainability and natural ingredients is displayed and not their outdated image of compromise. The founders, who deliberately limit their product ranges, describe them as the “little black one” in the wardrobe: essential. After all, that’s what matters with the right product.

→ ROOMERS SPA / BADEN-BADEN

25 Jul Dr. Barbara Sturm

Posted at 09:50h Roomers Baden-Baden 0 Comments

We are so so happy to announce our new Spa partner in Roomers Baden-Baden: Dr. Barbara Sturm.The Düsseldorf native, Dr. Barbara Sturm is one of the most successful derma care physicians worldwide. Her success comes from her treatment methods and the own-body remedies. Her expertise in numerous aesthetic but non-operative treatments, has led her to become the leading expert and to create a skin care line called The Molecular Cosmetics. The extract from the purslane plant is unique in the cosmetic field: The enzyme telomerase, known as the fountain-of-youth enzyme, is activated in the cells by the plant substance and thus contributes to the fact that key cells increase their viability. This, combined with other highly innovative natural and research ingredients, make Dr. Barbara Sturm’s skin care products internationally unique.

→ ROOMERS SPA / BADEN-BADEN

27 May Roomers Spa by Shan Rahimkhan

Posted at 14:28h Gekko Group, Roomers Munich 0 Comments

Germany’s first spa by Shan Rahimkhan! Roomers in Munich is enriched by one more attraction: The Roomers Spa by Shan Rahimkhan is opened with more than 600 sqm, a large Jacuzzi with cinema screen, intimate seating niches, sauna, hammam, a bar and five treatment rooms. In addition to the “True Beauty Lounge” by Shan, hotel and day spa guests can look forward to beauty treatments with products from Shan’s product series. Another highlight on offer: Hydrafacial treatments.

Shan Rahimkhan opened in 2005 at Berlin’s Gendarmenmarkt on 800 sqm his eponymous concept store with Casa, Coiffeur and Café, today’s Shan’s Bistro. In 2010, the own haircare line “Shan Rahimkhan True” was added. Only two years later Shan opened the second location on Kurfürstendamm. “Shan’s True Beauty” with fast hair, make-up and nail service “to go”. Since May 2018, the first spa by Shan Rahimkhan is now in Roomers Munich.

→ ROOMERS SPA / MUNICH
→ SHAN RAHIMKHAN

27 Feb Share

Posted at 13:30h Gerbermühle 0 Comments

Under the motto “Share”, a Wine & Dine Charity evening took place at Gerbermühle in aid of children suffering from cancer. Frankfurt e.V.

Friend and partner of the Gerbermühle Philippe Spasojevic, from the wine company Villa Hoechst, based in Eltville am Rhein, brought along three wineries and great wines for tasting. The winemakers Anne Dönnhoff, Markus Schneider and Friedrich Becker presented in large bottles up to 6 liters next to others a Riesling named Dellchen 2013 GG, the Steinsatz 2014 and a Chardonnay Mineral 2009. Correspondingly Jörg Ludwig and his team spoiled the guests with regional delicacies, quite to the theme of the evening inFamily Style, say to share, “just like at home, in bowls in the middle of the table “. The hosts Micky Rosen and Alex Urseanu are pleased about the successful evening and the nice donation that has come together.

→ GERBERMÜHLE

30 Jan Hoteliers of the Year 2018

Posted at 10:24h Gekko Group 0 Comments

We did it – Alex Urseanu and Micky Rosen are Hoteliers of the Year! During a big gala night in Berlin on Monday, 29th of January 2018, they were awarded with the most important prize in hotel industry. The jury chairman Rolf Westermann, editor-in-chief of the AHGZ -General Hotel and Gastronomy Newspaper, justifies the decision for the “Hoteliers of the Year 2018” as follows:

“Micky Rosen and Alex Urseanu have finally established themselves with their visionary hotels, bar and food concepts after 17 years of cooperation. In Frankfurt, the design hotel Roomers, the Gerbermühle, the restaurant moriki and other concepts have been running successfully for years. In 2016 and 2017, the Gekko Group achieved further milestones with the opening of two Roomers in Baden-Baden and in Munich as well as the Provocateur in Berlin. Rosen and Urseanu show how luxury can be interpreted in a modern way, without losing the lightness of being, combining hotel business with impressive bar concepts and innovative gastronomy, creating inspirational meeting spots as you can find them in the larger cities of the world.”

Since 1990, personalities who have made outstanding contributions to the hotel industry have been honored by the AHGZ and the dfv media group. Alex and Micky about their recipe for success: “We have it in our heads and put it into practice The joy of making people happy has led us to move on and to go to other cities. At the end, it’s all about life, love and passion — and the pleasure of sharing these together.” We are incredibly proud of this award and thank all Gekko Group teams, our families, friends and partners – they are all part of the story!

→ ABOUT MICKY & ALEX
→ ABOUT HOTELIER DES JAHRES

20 Nov German Design Awards 2018

Posted at 10:47h Gekko Group, Provocateur, Roomers Baden-Baden 0 Comments

Gekko Group has been awarded twice! Roomers in Baden-Baden and Provocateur in Berlin are proud winners of the German Design Award 2018 in the category Interior Architecture. The German Design Award, initiated in 2012, is one of the most recognized design competitions in the world and enjoys a high reputation far beyond the specialist circles. Its aim: to discover, present and excel in unique design trends. The German Design Award is awarded by the German Design and Design Authority. Its primarly mission: to represent German design. Founded in 1953 on the initiative of the German Bundestag as a foundation, the company supports the economy by consistently achieving brand value through design. This makes the Design Council one of the world’s leading competence centers for communication and brand management in the field of design. Apart from business associations and institutions, the exclusive network of the members of the foundation also includes the owners and brand managers of many well-known companies. There were over 5,000 submissions including 758 from abroad who applied for the German Design Awards 2018.

→ ROOMERS BADEN-BADEN
→ PROVOCATEUR

→ ABOUT GERMAN DESIGN AWARD

24 Oct Rolling Pin Awards 2018

Posted at 14:44h Gekko Group 0 Comments

Micky Rosen and Alex Urseanu were awarded as the “Gastronomes of the Year” by the renowned magazine Rolling Pin. In total there were 14 different categories. With more than 9800 votings, they are not only one of the most sought-after awards, but also the most recognized awards for the German gastronomy and hotel industry. The two Gekko visionaries are extremely proud of this recognition, which they also dedicate to their employees of the Gekko family.

→ MORE INFO

27 Sep Behind the lenses

Posted at 11:24h Gekko Group, Provocateur, Roomers Baden-Baden, Roomers Munich 0 Comments

His photographic art can be found on all walls of the Roomers houses and at Provocateur he immediately staged a whole scene from the lascivious Paris of the 20s …

Kai Stuht’s philosophical ideas are reflected in his campaigns and artistic works. He started as a sports photographer, set new standards and thus changed the approaches of large fashion campaigns. He was always on the look-out, did not want to adapt, only in the development of his artistic work he found his fulfillment. He was not satisfied until he found his own very individual and artistic style.

He is something like the David Lynch of the European photographer scene. His dramatically staged picture worlds appeal to the subconscious, it is impossible to escape this magical pull. His light guide is unmatched; with the precision of a Hannibal Lecter, he is dissecting his motifs and reassembling them in new meanings. With great sensibility, the electorate unmasked the icons of the entertainment industry, layered by layer from their tank, and as a result, received this rare look at the man behind the public figure. That’s what makes it unique.

Stuht is completely unimpressed by the elitist codes of the feuilleton, he avoids the red carpets like the devil the holy water. In almost autistic retreat, the philosopher is among the German star photographers on the tapestry of his life.

→ KAI STUHT PHOTOGRAPHY

25 Sep Servus Munich!

Posted at 16:50h Gekko Group, Roomers Munich 0 Comments

Unique. Unlimited opportunities. A Member of Autograph Collection Hotels – exactly like nothing else. As the third hotel of its brand, Roomers in Munich takes the distinctive Gekko spirit into the Bavarian capital. Atmospheric interior combining design and warmth, a Roomers Spa by Shan Rahimkhan with infinity Jacuzzi and cinema screen, and Roomers Bar with the exclusive Red Room, a hideaway with daily changing beats. We are happy to introduce the restaurant IZAKAYA, a modern inspiration of a small traditional Japanese restaurant. The cuisine: Japanese influenced by South America.

→ ROOMERS MUNICH

27 Apr A lot of Schweinerei.

Posted at 10:38h Golden Phoenix 0 Comments

An interview with our friend and partner The Duc Ngo …

“The only thing left was Chinese,” Duc explains over small plates at Kuchi, the first restaurant he ever opened in 1999. Kuchi, which serves modern Japanese Izakaya, came onto the scene when there were no cool Asian restaurants in Berlin. Since Kuchi, he has gone on to lead Cantina, the ultra-hidden eatery inside Bar Tausend, as well as Moriki, a highly-acclaimed restaurant in Frankfurt. More recently, he opened a cozy and beautiful Vietnamese Brasserie called Madame Ngo, as an homage to his mother. Not long after came 893, a swanky, gangster-style Japanese restaurant off of Kantstrasse. So for Duc, the only thing left to explore at his new endeavor inside the Golden Phoenix was Chinese—the father, so-to-speak, of all East Asian cuisine. He smiles, “Chinese food is like French food. Very specific. Very complicated. A very long tradition. And it’s a challenge for me. But Chinese food is in my blood.”

Duc was born in Hanoi. His mother is Vietnamese and his father was Chinese. “I started my career early, in my mother’s kitchen. I watched my aunts and uncles cook and was always interested in food.” Early in his childhood, his family was forced to leave Hanoi and ended up in Hong Kong. There, they were then given two options for emigration—West Berlin or Chile. In the winter of 1979, Duc’s family arrived in West Berlin as part of a group of 200 refugees. He was just six years old.

For his restaurant at the Golden Phoenix, he tells us, “I will have some dishes from my childhood. I will take these feast dishes. That my aunts and uncles did. And do it better.” Duc explains that these feasts are celebrations for the ancestors. The whole family comes together on the day their relative died and everyone cooks, eats, and drinks. But before the family sits down, a portion of each dish, as well as tea and alcohol, are set out as offerings. Then one is allowed to ask their ancestor for luck in life. “And you burn some paper money,” he explains, “Things the ancestors can use in their other lives. There’s a whole street in Hanoi where you can buy stuff to burn—suits, hats, cars. Whole houses to burn!”

At the Golden Phoenix, Duc brings together traditional French techniques with the complex, ancient flavor combinations of Chinese cooking. “Always a balance, salty, sweet, bitter, and sour. This is very refined in Chinese cuisine. They have deep spices. Star Anise. Cinnamon. Dried mushrooms. Deep dark flavors. Black vinegars. Fermented vinegars. Soy sauce, of course. The Golden Phoenix looks very French. Paris meets Shanghai. So we have created some very sexy things to serve here.” What might that be? He jokes, “A lot of Schweinerei.”

→ GOLDEN PHOENIX

27 Mar Berlin here we are!

Posted at 10:18h Provocateur 0 Comments

Hello Berlin! Here we are! Provocateur is the burlesque brother of Roomers and can be found at Berlin’s most beautiful west. A „Member of Design Hotels™“ with a playful sensuality, a tribute to Paris of the 1920s and bridges between Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf. 58 rooms, a bar and a event location in the basement as well as the Golden Phoenix restaurant operated by our partner and friend The Duc Ngo (among others: 893, Madame Ngo, moriki) offers a perfect surrounding to explore the city and is a new favourite spot for locals.

→ PROVOCATEUR

27 Dec Saskia Diez

Posted at 11:46h Roomers Baden-Baden, Roomers Frankfurt, Roomers Munich 0 Comments

We are proud of having Saskia Diez for our exclusive jewelry collection for Roomers. Saskia Diez is a jewelry designer based in Munich and shapes unique materials in refreshingly modern ways. By confronting everyday materials with traditional fine jewelry, she connects her pieces from today with ideas from tomorrow. Thanks for that lovely new collection, Saskia!

→ SASKIA DIEZ

09 Oct Black Forest calling

Posted at 14:03h Roomers Baden-Baden 0 Comments

Finally: The new Roomers opens in Baden-Baden, close to the famous Festspielhaus and in the middle of the Black Forest. The first design hotel in town is also Germany’s first hotel designed by Piero Lissoni from Milano. 130 rooms and suites, a wellness area with spa and gym, a Roomers Bar and Rooftop Bar with infintiy pool, a pan-asian restaurant moriki and an event space for up to 200 guests. Roomers in Baden-Baden is a member of Autograph Collection Hotels.

→ ROOMERS BADEN-BADEN

27 Jul Malin+Goetz

Posted at 11:00h Bristol Hotel, The Pure 0 Comments

Freshly arrived at The Pure and Bristol Hotel: The madly great care products from Malin+Goetz! The two New Yorkers Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz have been creating high-quality and effective skincare products that are easy to apply with an equally simple and effective design. They develop all their recipes themselves and produce their products in the vicinity of New York. The locality of their production companies and their loyalty to them is not only important to them, but a corporate philosophy. This proximity to production enables them not only to control and secure their quality, but also to promote local businesses. The carefully selected ingredients of the Malin+Goetz products are fully committed to skin tolerance and bring a pleasant natural fragrance that quickly volatilizes and clears the way for a scent of your own choice.

In 2004, they opened their first shop in New York’s Chelsea district, which, while fully modern, still resembled the neighborhood’s traditional pharmacies. After 3 years, the demand for Malin+Goetz products overcame the opportunities of the small shop and they began to expand. Today, the two lead 8 stores in London, New York, Los Angeles and Santa Monica, serving consumers and businesses around the world with their skin-friendly care products.

→ THE PURE
→ BRISTOL HOTEL

06 Oct HOTELBAR DES JAHRES

Posted at 16:07h Roomers Frankfurt 0 Comments

Great news from the Mixology Awards: Legendary Roomers Bar in Frankfurt is “HOTELBAR OF THE YEAR 2017”!

The best of the best of german-speaking bar’s scene gathered for the grand gala of Mixology Bar Awards in Berlin last night. Among the top 5 nominees for the “Bar of the year” the Roomers Bar competed against Monkey Bar 25hours Berlin, Curtain Club at the Ritz Carlton Berlin, Bar am Steinplatz Berlin and Widder Bar Zurich. For the first time Roomers Bar brought the award to Frankfurt! After the team was awarded to the “Bar team of the year” in 2010, we are now very proud again and want to thank all colleagues, guests and supporters!

Keep on rockin’ and spread the Roomers …

→ ROOMERS BAR / FRANKFURT