Luxury Hotel Turned Asylum Haven
Berlin's bustling cityscape has a new inhabitant - the formerly operational "Dormero" in Eislebener Straße, now serving as temporary lodgings for asylum seekers from Syria, Afghanistan, and Turkey. Sandwiched between Ranke- and Nürnberger Straße, this Wilhelminian-style hotel with 72 rooms and eight suites boasts a charming blend of classic elegance and modern appeal, capturing the essence of the city itself.
While the hotel's website advertises "Dormero Room - Smart Rate" for 130.50 euros, the reality is starkly different. Over 100 asylum seekers have already moved into the premises, with an additional 166 expected to join, according to the State Office for Refugees (LAF).
The LAF pays an average of 57 euros per person per day to accommodate these individuals, excluding meal expenses. This lucrative opportunity has attracted the attention of "Dormero Deutschland Betriebs GmbH," the hotel's Berlin-based proprietor, who have remained unavailable for comment, as of Tuesday.
The "Dormero" brand was established in 2007 by fashion designer Hans Rudolf Wöhrl and his son Marcus Maximilian Wöhrl. As the Senate faces pressure to accommodate an increasing number of asylum seekers, hotels like the one in Eislebener Straße have become prime targets for rental contracts. Currently, over 960 asylum seekers are housed in hostels and hotels across Berlin, with another 540 places sought by the LAF.
Social Senator Kiziltepe (SPD) voices concerns that the demand for additional housing may drive up prices, with hotel operators benefiting from guaranteed full occupancy and timely payments. Nonetheless, the hotel in Eislebener Straße charges 9,462 euros per day and 283,860 euros per month for housing 166 asylum seekers. This exorbitant sum has sparked a heated debate, branded as misappropriation of taxpayers' funds or unjust treatment of Berlin residents living on limited incomes and modest pensions.
Critics deem the asylum policy as unfeasible, with some advocating for limits on the entitlement to an asylum procedure in Germany. Though a relevant discussion, the focus remains on addressing the current housing crises in a cost-effective manner, ensuring that both asylum seekers and local residents are adequately catered to.
