Shares
Share on Pinterest
Share with your friends










Submit

To visit Berlin is to experience a city in the throes of reinvention, continually redefining itself, blending its history and heritage with innovation and creativity. The 3.5 million people who call Germany’s capital city their home hail from 185 nations, living together in freedom and with a tolerance unimaginable less than a century ago.

It isn’t possible to experience all of Berlin in one visit; the multifaceted city is best explored by mapping out key highlights and then focusing on personal interests. Though much of the Berlin Wall that once divided the city between east and west is long gone, and the signs of a once divided city difficult to discern, booking a hotel stay in a city so spread out can still be a challenge.

RELATED: The 8 best hotels outside of LA for celebrity sightings

When deciding where to stay, ask yourself: What do you hope to accomplish during your visit? What do you want to be in close proximity to your hotel? What is your comfort level with taking public transportation? All of these answers will impact your hotel selection. Whether you choose the east or west side of the city, here are six top-notch, full-service luxury hotels that more than meet the mark for well-traveled clientele.

CITY EAST

Hotel Adlon Kempinski

Photo courtesy of Hotel Adlon Kempinski

Hotel Adlon Kempinski

Is there any better way to start a stay in Berlin than gazing out your hotel room window at a view of the Brandenburg Gate? Located at Unter den Linden 77, the Hotel Adlon opened in 1907 and burned down shortly after WWII, only to rise from the ashes even grander and in the same ideal location. Choose from 304 guestrooms and 78 suites, each with a separate bathtub, shower and toilet. Make time between sightseeing to dine at one of its three onsite restaurants—the Michelin starred Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, Sra Bua for Asian-inspired cuisine and cocktails and brasserie-style Quarré with its terrace facing the iconic Gate. The Lobby Bar is the perfect place for afternoon tea or to sip champagne while listening to live piano music. Unwind in the extensive Adlon Spa by Resense, or visit the fitness center, indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, saunas and steam baths. Public transportation is just steps from the front door, with tourist attractions an easy taxi ride or walk in nice weather.

Photo courtesy of Rocco Forte Hotel

Photo courtesy of Rocco Forte Hotel

Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome

Also on the east side of the city at Behrenstraße 37, the Hotel de Rome is close to tourist attractions such as Museum Island, the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. A decidedly hip clientele frequents the hotel in part for its proximity to the Friedrichstraße neighborhood, home to boutiques, restaurants and an array of nightlife. Choose from 108 guestrooms and 37 suites, each with an individual contemporary design. The building was once the headquarters of the Dresdner Bank, with the executive offices now transformed into suites and the jewel vault now a 20-meter indoor swimming pool. The main banking hall is the grand ballroom. Dine on Italian cuisine at La Banca Restaurant and Bar, sip afternoon tea from The Opera Court or sip signature cocktails from the Rooftop Terrace. When seeking respite from sightseeing, enjoy the steam room, sauna, spa treatments or a workout in the fully-equipped gym.

Photo courtesy of Ritz Carlton Berlin

Photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Berlin

Ritz-Carlton Berlin

Steps from a remaining section of the Berlin Wall, the Ritz-Carlton Berlin at Potsdamer Platz 3 is part of the contemporary Beisheim Center complex, adjacent to the Sony Center and Tiergarten, Berlin’s largest park. The hotel is a great choice, especially those visiting with young children, who have their own check-in experience and pedal cars available to “tour” the lobby level. Choose from 225guestrooms, 40 suites, 37 club rooms or the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Apartment. Brasserie Desbrosses, reconstructed in part from an 1875 French brasserie, offers all-day dining with locally-sourced cuisine. The Tea Lounge serves cocktails, snacks and an extensive afternoon tea. The Curtain Club and Fragrances bars serve up not-to-be-missed experiences, with signature drinks you won’t find elsewhere in the city. Unwind in the pool, whirlpool and sauna or work off meals in an extensive fitness area.

ALSO: Say ja to Orbitz Rewards—you’ll earn free hotels faster!

CITY WEST

Photo courtesy of Kempinski Hotel Bristol

Photo courtesy of Kempinski Hotel Bristol

Kempinski Hotel Bristol

Located on the preeminent shopping street in Berlin, the Kempinski Hotel Bristol at Kurfürstendamm 27 has hosted guests since 1952. Request one of the modern Tower rooms for a visit during summer; the traditional rooms in the main hotel lack air conditioning. Whichever of the 246 guestrooms and 55 suites you choose from, grab lunch on the terrace at Reinhard’s im Kempinski’s if weather permits—a great place to people watch. The 45-seat gourmet Kempinski Grill, the Venetian-style Bristol Bar, and the clubby Gobelin Hall just off the lobby provide plenty of places to regroup from shopping or a visit to the nearby zoo. There is an indoor heated pool, sauna and steam room, along with a room dedicated to massage and other treatments.

Hotel Zoo

Photo courtesy of Hotel Zoo

Hotel Zoo

Nearby at Kurfürstendamm 25, Hotel Zoo is the trendy place to see and be seen, tucked in between the shops and restaurants on this major thoroughfare. The property was built in 1891 by Alfred Messel, architect of the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. It first opened as a hotel in 1911, then reopened in 2014 after a two-year extensive renovation. Each of the 130 guestrooms and 14 suites are different and give the feeling of staying in a private town home rather than a hotel. Next to the lobby is a winter garden where guests congregate by the fireplace. Dining at the famed Grace restaurant is considered an event, and its Grace Bar is considered one of the “in” spots for drinking in the western part of the city. The rooftop terrace has a bar and lounge affording guests a 270-degree view of the cityscape. When not rubbing elbows with famous locals and visitors, spend time in the hotel gym or the Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Spa.

Photo courtesy of Waldorf Astoria

Photo courtesy of Waldorf Astoria

Waldorf Astoria Berlin

Ideally located at Hardenbergstraße 28, steps from several public transportation stations and the Berlin Zoo, and Berlin Tegel airport less than 6 miles away, the Waldorf Astoria attracts both business and leisure travelers. There are 152 rooms—59 of them with panoramic views, and 80 unique suites. More than 900 works of art are on display throughout the hotel, showcasing the artistic development of the city. The hotel’s contemporary vibe is evident throughout. Dining is an event at Les Solistes restaurant, headed by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, and thehotel also offers all-day Mediterranean fare at ROCA, cocktails at the Lang Bar and tea and drinks along with a snack menu at Peacock Alley. The Guerlain Spa encompasses treatment rooms, a Vichy shower and hydrotherapy bathtub, indoor pool, steam room, sauna, whirlpool, fitness center, boutique and a rooftop sun terrace.

Whether it’s City East or City West, Berlin’s finest hotels allow visitors a point from which to explore both new and historic treasures in an ever-changing European center.

Orbitz, app, iPhone, travel, deals

Save

Save

Save

Tagged: Europe, Germany, Hotels

Note: Orbitz compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *