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
As you would expect from a Mandarin Oriental, guests who check into this are treated to nothing but the best. Without a doubt, guests will want to make sure that they secure one of the 25 spacious suites. Each suite combines classic elegance with modern convenience, although the thing that elevates these accommodation options above the rest is their wrap around balconies. The corner suites are by far the most spacious and luxurious and guests will be treated to views out over the historic city centre while they catch up on a little work or simply sit and sip a cocktail or two while the sun sets over the city. The China Moon Rooftop Terrace is the perfect place to swim or dine in style as guests are treated to a range of excellent dishes and drinks as well as an unforgettable 360-degree view of Munich’s cityscape.
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
Part of the legendary and very luxurious Kempinski hotel range, this sumptuous hotel does not disappoint. This historic hotel originally opened its doors in 1858 and was once one of the city’s most modern establishments as it boasted gas lighting and hot water. Although times and expectations from guests have moved on significantly, this hotel is still committed to being at the top of its class. The hotel is located at the Maximilianstrasse and there are 67 large and very luxurious suites for guests to choose from. Unwinding on the huge balcony and taking in the views of the cityscape is a great way to unwind, while the indoor swimming pool is an elegant place to splash around.
Bayerischer Hof
While the building dates back to 1841, the décor and facilities of the Bayerischer Hof are both modern and very comfortable. Guests can take their pick from some of the most exclusive and elegant suites in the whole city and it is a good idea to book far in advance in order to secure the simply stunning Presidential, Rooftop Panorama. This huge suite feels more like a miniature palace and comes complete with frescoed ceilings, a butler service and a stunning and very large living area complete with an adjoining balcony.
Dusseldorf
Capella Breidenbacher Hof
Set in the heart of Dusseldorf’s downtown district, the Capella Breidenbacher Hof has established a strong reputation for being one of the best hotels in the whole of Europe. This elegant establishment boasts just 79 rooms and 16 spacious suites for guests to choose from, which helps to create an intimate yet very refined atmosphere. Lovers of fine dining can enjoy an excellent range of traditional German dishes at the onside restaurant, while the indoor swimming pool is the perfect place to unwind.
InterContinental Dusseldorf
With the historic old town just 400 meters away and boasting a location on one of the city’s most prominent shopping streets, the InterContinental Dusseldorf offers guests a fantastic location. In addition to a large and lovely room, guests over the age of 18 are treated to full access to the Holmes Place Health & Fitness Club, which can be found right next door. Bar 59 is the perfect place to unwind in the evening, while the Vintage wine room is a classy establishment where guests can sample wine from all over the world.
Hyatt Regency Dusseldorf
There are plenty of opportunities to unwind beside the water at the Hyatt Regency Dusseldorf as this modern establishment is located right beside the waiting water of the Media Harbour. This establishment is also famous for being the home of the Rive Spa & Fitness, where guests have the opportunity to unwind in their own personal whirlpool. The hotel boasts 303 guest rooms in total and it is a good idea to choose one of the suites that provides stunning views of the harbour. Guests are also treated to views of the Rhine River and old town from the hotel’s large terrace.
Steigenberger Parkhotel Duesseldorf
Situated just steps from the city’s shopping and entertainment district, this iconic luxury hotel is ideal for people who like to stay in style. While the area is famous for its excellent nightlife scene, the Steigenberger Parkhotel Duesseldorf also features three impressive restaurants right on the site. Spending time in the Finish sauna is a real treat for people who have spent all day seeing the sites, while there is no better way to unwind than by securing a spot on the terrace in the evening and taking in the views right across the city.
Hamburg
The Fontenay
Boasting a stunning lakeside location, the Fontenay is likely to appeal to people who have a flair for the flamboyant. This elegant and uber luxurious hotel showcases plenty of dramatic features that really makes it stand out from the crowd. Guests will want to ensure that they choose one of the suites that looks out over Lake Alster and the spacious balconies that adjoin these suites are the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the city. The Fonteray Spa is the ideal place to relax in style and guests will be able to make full use of the infinity pool, while this leading hotel is also famous for its excellent dining opportunities.
Barceló Hamburg
Set right in the heart of Hamburg, this hotel is perfect for business travellers who like to surround themselves with luxury. In addition to just under two hundred spacious and very comfortable guest-rooms, there are six function rooms to make use of, each of which features a wide range of modern communications equipment. The picturesque Binnenalster Lake can be found just a hundred metres from Barceló Hamburg and guests who secure one of the lake facing rooms on the upper floors will be treated to stunning views of the city. However, it is worth venturing out to enjoy a meal in the hotel’s celebrated 1700 restaurant.
SIDE Hotel
The somewhat stark contemporary exterior of this luxurious hotel is enlivened by splashes of bright and bold colour throughout. Many of Hamburg’s top attractions can be reached on foot within ten minutes or less from the SIDE, while guests can unwind after seeing the sites in the colourful and chic colourful SPA inSIDE. While each of the guest rooms is very comfortable, the best rooms can be found on the tenth and eleventh floors. These ‘flying’ suites are set with impressive limed oak floors and the views of the city are superb. Guests will want to allow time to gather at the hotel’s sky lounge at the end of the day so that they can sit and sip a cool cocktail or two while watching the sun slowly set over the city.
Louis C. Jacob
People who value style are sure to have a memorable stay at Louis C. Jacob. This elegant hotel can be found just four miles from the city centre and is nestled right on the edge of the Elbe. Food lovers will not want to miss the chance to dine in style in one of the hotel’s two Michelin-starred restaurants. This is a great place to enjoy velvet lobster soup seasoned with champagne while taking in unforgettable views across the Elbe from the decadent Lime Tree Terrace. Even breakfast is a lavish affair here and guests are treated to a rich and extensive buffet each morning.
Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
Gracing the western side of the Inner Alster Lake, the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten provides guests with a historical and romantic atmosphere. This renowned establishment originally opened its doors in 1897 and guests are greeted warmly as they pass through the dramatic and spacious lobby with its colourful skylight. The entire hotel has been built on a grand scale with marble columns and antique furnishings throughout. By far the best option for luxury lovers is the Penthouse Suite, which comes complete with a private hot tub as well as a spacious balcony and a kitchenette. There are several onsite dining options for guests to choose from, although the double-Michelin-starred Haerlin, with its gourmet cuisine and lakeside views, should not be missed.
Reichshof Hamburg
Boasting a convenient location in the heart of the city, the Reichshof Hamburg treats guests to plenty of luxury and lavishness. Showcasing plenty of Art Deco nostalgia, the dark woods and cream furnishings are liberated by splashes of colour such as period lamps and silk throws. Guests who are seeking plenty of space will love the extra-large suites. There are also two on site saunas for guests to pick from and a special quiet zone that has been designed for pure relaxation. Whisky lovers will be in their element in the classy Bar 1910, which also features a pool table and an extensive cocktail list, while the business areas is available to use to catch up on a little work.
Sofitel Hamburg Alter Wall
This elegant eight-storey hotel makes takes full advantage of its lakeside setting with large picture windows throughout. The glass and steel design draws in plenty of light and creates the illusion of extra space. Guests are treated to huge marble bathrooms and Hermès bathroom products as well as a wide range of other modern conveniences. The Ticino Restaurant serves a large selection of tasty Mediterranean dishes, which can be enjoyed on the spacious canal side terrace. The Sofitel Hamburg Alter Wall also comes complete with a traditional hammam and a fully loaded spa that offers a good range of luxurious treatments.
