STAYTION Mannheim

Mere feet from the city’s central train hub — all puns entirely intended — stands STAYTION Mannheim, the hotel where “music meets industry.” The experience within largely holds true to that motto, repurposing all sorts of pipes and careworn wood and caged bulbs towards a designer’s ode to the textures and patinas of modernity. Colorful and contemporary in equal measure, STAYTION roughs up Mannheim’s smooth edges just enough for the modern boutique flavor to take hold.

The 43 rooms, distributed across 6 themed floors — mostly musical — keep that textural energy going with hardwood flooring, subway tiling in the bathrooms, and vibrantly toned accent walls. Well-chosen curios — snare-drum nightstands, old-fashioned radiators — add custom character, while the building’s angles allow for unusual exposures, a definite plus in terms of light and views. Snag a pre-loaded iPod from reception on your way in to set the desired mood; doubtless it will resonate with the headboard murals and wall quotes.

There’s a rooftop terrace if you feel like leveling up those cityscape views, but the real action is downstairs in the bar and lounge, an open-kitchen number balancing Eurasian sushi fusion with an excellent selection of craft beers. Rich, piquant, and crowd-pleasing in aesthetic, the cuisine works just as well to balance a contemplative cocktail as it does to fuel a rollicking night on the town.