It boasts some of the coolest cities around, with creative street art, quirky flotation spas, unique brutalist architecture and risque nightlife. But it’s also home to chocolate-box villages, fairytale castles, Hansel and Gretel forests, classy seaside resorts and majestic mountain ranges. Germany’s Christmas markets and Alpine snowscapes make it a go-to winter break. Yet with warm (but not uncomfortably hot) temperatures, abundant alfresco culinary culture, sandy beaches and lake-swimming opportunities, it’s also a superb alternative summer holiday destination for travellers. And with convenient air and rail transport links, making a trip here is stress-free.
Berlin
Das Stue
Flawlessly combining a warm and sophisticated interior design overlook with a contemporary hospitality concept, Das Stue can be found on the south-western edge of the large and lovely Tiergarten. The magnificent main building was designed in the 1930s by renowned architect Johann Emil Schaudt and boasts sweeping staircases combined with innovative light displays. Food lovers will really be in their element here, as Michelin starred cuisine is just waiting to be enjoyed in the Cinco restaurant, which offers a number of imaginative high-end Spanish-Mediterranean fusion dishes. The onsite facilities are simply magnificent, while most of the large guestrooms and lavish suites provide enchanting views of the Tiergarten from their huge balconies and picture windows.
The Ritz Carlton Berlin
Set on Potsdamer Platz, this sumptuous hotel has long been popular among business travellers and lovers of luxury. Guests will find a number of stirring attractions located within easy walking distance, such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Museum, while the whole plaza is surrounded by sections of the original Berlin Wall. The hotel interiors combine old European elegance with touches of modern New York City style and guests are invited to make use of the exclusive Club lounge as well as the wellness spa and a wide range of other facilities. Each of the 303 guestrooms and 40 suites are created in the same elegantly luxurious style and most come complete with enchanting views of Potsdamer Platz or Tiergarten Park.
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
This elegant hotel has welcomed a number of high profile guests over the years including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Michael Jackson. This hotel overlooks the Brandenburg Gate and boasts a number of facilities that are fir for royalty such as the magnificent spa that covers two floors. The grand lobby is especially impressive and boasts a huge Murano chandelier as well as an iconic elephant fountain. There are 80 different suites to choose from in total and although they vary in terms of size and amenities, you can be sure that each suite will be extremely comfortable.
The Westin Grand
Everything about this hotel is set to impress, from the huge staircase in the lobby lit with tiny golden lights and an enormous overhead chandelier to the first rate service. The Westin Grand can be found in the heart of the historic Friedrich City district and special tours are available upon request. There are several different styles of rooms and suites to choose from and those who are seeking pure luxury and relaxation are sure to love the Spa Suite, which provides impressive city views as well as an enormous living room and a bathroom complete with a bath tub spa.
Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel
This elegant establishment started life in the 19th century and a prestigious bank and has managed to retain much of its original luxury and sophistication. Guests are sure to appreciate the glamorous location right on Unter den Linden’s historic Bebelplatz, which is home to the State Opera, St. Hedwig’s Cathedral and a wealth of other attractions. While each of the 145 guestrooms and 37 suites are comfortable and stylish, guests who are looking for something truly special should make sure they reserve the magnificent Renaissance Room. This huge suite once served as the meeting room for the bank’s most prominent members and boasts oak panelling complete with a hidden bookcase door. The colourful Bebel Suite is another popular option as it boasts a wraparound terrace and a library containing more than a thousand books.
Waldorf Astoria Berlin
Set in the upmarket City West district, this classic hotel combines excellent service with a very convenient location. The classic Art Deco is blended with contemporary touches and guests can be sure they will receive a warm welcome from the ever attentive staff. The fifth floor is home to German’s only Guerlain Spa, which covers more than a thousand square metres and provides an impressive array of relaxation and beauty treatments for guests to choose from. Each of the 232 guestrooms and suites boasts huge picture windows that perfectly showcase the enchanting views of the Berlin Zoological Garden.
Grand Hyatt Berlin
Set on Potsdamer Platz, this elegant hotel boasts the distinction of being the first ever Grand Hyatt to have been established in Europe. Guests will find all the sophisticated touches they would expect from this legendary hotel brand, including a club room set with a roaring fireplace and grand piano. The rooftop spa and pool provide guests with the opportunity to unwind in style while soaking up stunning city views, while the largest suites here come complete with their very own marble spa tub as well as a wide range of other modern amenities.
Hotel Zoo Berlin, a Member of Design Hotel
Unwinding on the rooftop terrace while sipping a cool cocktail is a popular activity among both hotel guests and residents of Berlin. There are plenty of imaginative and inspiring touches throughout the hotel that just beg to be admired such as the seventy foot long jade carpeted catwalk and the iconic Living Room with its huge fireplace and wing chairs. Luxury lovers who truly want to splurge should secure one of the two Penthouse Suites that can be found on the sixth floor, where they will be treated to a double-sided fireplace and a large array of beauty products in the elegant bathroom.
Munich
Sofitel Hotel Munich Bayerpost
With more than four hundred spacious and colourful rooms to choose from, the Sofitel Hotel Munich Bayerpost provides guests with plenty of choice. This modern establishment is conveniently located close to the Oktoberfest’s Theresienwiese station as well as a whole host of historic attractions. Guests will want to make sure that they secure one of the 57 modern suites that are especially spacious and come with a wide range of modern conveniences. Taking the time to choose the perfect sleeping companion from the pillow menu is a real treat, while guests are also treated to huge picture windows and very comfortable living areas that will make them real right at home.
The Charles Hotel
Located within easy walking distance of the museum quarter, this charming hotel is perhaps best known for its iconic spa. Many guests also choose this establishment because of the very generous buffet-style breakfasts, which incorporate some of the best loved dishes and foods from around the world. Nature lovers are sure to enjoy the rooms that overlook the Old Botanical Gardens, while those who insist on nothing but the best will want to make sure that they secure the Monforte Presidential Suite. Those who are travelling with their entire entourage can secure the three connecting suites so that they take over the entire floor. The Charles Hotel is also renowned for its excellent business facilities, while the large indoor swimming pool is the perfect place to unwind in style.
Mandarin Oriental
