As a major European capital, you’d expect Berlin to have top standout hotels which indeed it does. But what it also has in abundance is solid quality, reasonably priced hotels with popular amenities. Besides all of this if you want off season, you’ll find lower prices even at the five star hotels compared with Rome, Paris or London. We tried out a hotel in each category, staying for a few nights at each, and here’s what we found. The standout hotel is the Waldorf Astoria Berlin and the other, IHG’s Crowne Plaza Berlin City Centre. This is part 2 in a 3 part series on Berlin.For Part 1, what’s happening in Berlin, click here. Part three will be Berlin Fashion.
Waldorf Astoria Berlin
First, the Waldorf Astoria modeled after the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The visit and stay had special significance for me as in one of my first jobs, at Hilton International Hotels’ corporate office, I had the rare fortune to have my office on the 19th floor of the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Business lunches were sometimes at the hotel’s iconic Peacock Alley, martini lunches for the executives at the Bull and Bear, and sometimes, on my own dime, seeing a cabaret show at the Empire Room with the likes of Tina Turner and many others. When I walked into the lobby of the Waldorf Astoria in Berlin and saw the black marble veined with gold, the grandfather clock and Art Deco style albeit like the Peacock Alley in New York I experienced, it was a special moment.
Besides the elegance and Art Déco décor that I love creatively interpreted for today by a Paris agency, what impressed me everywhere was the incredible quality, attention to detail and workmanship that went into everything. No shortcuts here. Some of the basic details: the hotel has 232 rooms and suites spread out over 31 floors in a larger 1180 foot high building.
The Waldorf Astoria Berlin in the heart of West Berlin, near the Zoological Garden, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial church and the famed Kurfurstendamm shopping boulevard. It’s also super convenient to all forms of public transportation which is the best way to get around, as tourism attractions are spread out all over the city (and it’s free with a tourist card). No surprise, since its opening in 2013 it has hosted all matters of celebrities some of whom have immortalized themselves on the “signature wall” at the hotel entrance with their engraved signatures.
Like its New York relative in its heyday, it’s known for its 2800 square foot Presidential Suite that takes up the entire 31st floor and has a 360 degree view over the capital. It has everything you can imagine, from grand piano and open fireplace to porcelain from the Royal Porcelain Manufactory Berlin and a personal butler service as an option. As I mentioned earlier, guest rooms are furnished with outstanding quality – from the fine wood cabinetry and even their hinges, to marble walls and baths, floor to ceiling windows, and lighting that’s both practical and adds a glamorous touch.
A favorite feature was the Waldorf Astoria Berlin’s own branded spa which has continuously been recognized as Germany’s best hotel spa by the World Travel Awards. Features include treatment rooms with products by German brand BABOR, a cloud shaped swimming pool, sauna, steam, fitness center and sun terrace.
I knew about the famous Waldorf salad but I also discovered that eggs benedict and the red velvet cake were created by the Waldorf in New York. They’re served at the hotel’s ROCA brasserie restaurant which features a special champagne and eggs brunch on weekends and of course the cake (delicious).
In the food and beverage department I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible breakfast which is served until 11:30 (more like a brunch) or 12:30 on weekends. Besides an a la carte menu, there’s an expansive brunch with standouts including the bread section with dozens of selections and a warm apple strudel served dally (champagne too of course). Also, a word about coffee and hotels. What I’ve been finding lately is that in breakfasts these days many hotels have DIY coffee machines which is a pet peeve. Not here. Every coffee is custom made. They’ll even make you one “to go”.Breakfast is included in the room rate.
Tea anyone?There’s high tea in the library lounge on the 15th floor on weekends and in a welcome feature, you can enjoy their collection of magazines and books including first editions.
In another ode to history, there’s the Lang Bar named after the legendary film director, Berlin’s own Fritz Lang. It’s inspired by the style of the 1920’s. It even has its own signature spritz, the Astoria Spritz, along with changing live music acts. Fast forward to today’s “must haves” is the Serenity rooftop terrace on the 6th floor with DJ, loungy cushions and great people watching.
The average room rate at the Waldorf Astoria Berlin , including breakfast, is EUR 349 per room per night in the Deluxe category.
And how could I not mention the excellent service, highly professional and friendly.
Crowne Plaza Berlin City Centre
For the popular priced option we stayed at the four star Crowne Plaza Berlin City Centre Ku’damm by IHG. Located in the heart of Berlin at the famous Kurfürstendamm and near the iconic Berlin Zoo, it’s also accessible to numerous transit options.
Its 423 guest rooms are comfortably furnished, well equipped, and had important features we want on a long holiday: the fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, spa with two saunas (Mr. W said they were excellent), and optional spa treatments Use of the facilities is free. An unexpected but welcome amenity in what is a biking city was the offering of rental bikes, There’s also an underground garage.
They do a very good breakfast with a large variety of options and good quality. In the afternoon, unwind with a refreshing sundowner and antipasti at the Aperitivo Bar.
As evening falls, the Kemmons Bar offers a creative variety of food and beverage. The starting price for a guest room at the Crown Plaza Berlin City Centre is 140 Euros per night which includes a full breakfast.
