The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin – Review

Berlin in the 1920s was one of the most creatively charged cities in Europe, a capital of effervescent social energy at the cutting edge of expressionist cinema. The Ritz-Carlton Berlin distils the glamour of this golden era throughout its 303 rooms and suites, cinematic themed bar, destination restaurant POTS and 400 sqm wellness area complete with indoor pool. And each evening at 6 pm, as day turns to night, head to the lounge for complimentary champagne served in a coupe glass, what could be more fitting. The Luxury Editor recently checked into the most glamorous address in the city, so read on to find out more.

Background & Concept

Ever since I first stayed at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok and Phulay Bay Ritz-Carlton Reserve, I have become a devotee. There is something about the way the brand carries itself and the small details that flow throughout each property’s design, atmosphere and service that go beyond the expected, and The Ritz-Carlton Berlin is no exception.

The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin opened in January 2004 as part of the Beisheim Centre, one of the city’s most ambitious urban developments in post-reunification Germany. Built on land that straddled East and West Berlin, you can still see fragments of the Berlin Wall in the plaza outside. The hotel’s exterior takes homage from the New York Skyscrapers of the 1920’s, while inside, the golden age of German Cinema is celebrated through Art Deco design details, cinematic references and a sophisticated palette of champagne gold, chrome and silver. Arriving at the entance you are immediately greeted by a rather dapper Berlin Bear carrying a vintage suitcase, and the constant throng of luxury cars pulling up sets the tempo for what lies within.

Inside the scale is theatrical with a double-height entrance, guiding your eye up the sweeping marble staircase, which leads to the mezzanine second floor. To the left the concierge desk, and to the right the lobby reception. My bags had been taken by the doormen before I had even stepped inside, and a welcome glass of champagne in hand made the mundane business of checking in anything but…

Lounge

Curving around the central staircase and behind, the Lounge is the social heart of the hotel from morning to evening, serving afternoon tea from the in-house pâtisserie along with evening drinks. At precisely 6 pm each evening, a large mirrored art installation in the lounge transforms from a sun to a moon, accompanied by champagne poured into a pyramid of coupe glasses and a gramophone playing a rendition of Puttin’ on the Ritz.

Location

Potsdamer Platz sits at the geographical heart of Berlin; it’s a ten-minute walk to Brandenburg Gate, and you are directly adjacent to the eastern side of Berlin’s vast Tiergarten Park. There is shopping aplenty here; the vast Mall of Berlin is the block next to the hotel, and a brisk 15-minute walk takes you into the heart of Mitte’s shopping district. The Sony Centre also sits adjacent, its tensile roof a feat of futuristic engineering by day, and after dark, it transforms into something closer to a light installation.

Potsdamer Platz is also a major transport hub connecting the underground with overground train services, and from here you can reach Berlin Brandenburg Airport via frequent train connections in around 25 minutes.

Rooms & Suites

The hotel has 303 guest rooms and suites which are arranged across eleven categories ranging from 40 sqm Deluxe Rooms through to Carlton Club Suites at 105 sqm with lounge access and two signature suites – The Ritz-Carlton Suites at 205 sqm and The Ritz-Carlton Penthouse at 285 sqm.

I stayed in one of the hotel’s Deluxe Rooms. All room categories in the hotel are extremely spacious, with interiors that follow the property’s contemporary Art Deco / Mid Century styling. I loved the minibar console, designed to resemble a vintage suitcase inspired by the wardrobes of legendary screen divas, which features in all rooms. Marble bathrooms with twin sinks, heated floors, a separate bathtub and shower, and Dyptique amenities. Integrated charging points featured beside the bed and desk, along with a top of the range Nespresso machine and evening turn down, all come as standard.

POTS Restaurant

The hotel’s restaurant POTS takes its name from both Potsdamer Platz and the German culinary tradition of Eintopf (one-pot), focusing on simple, locally sourced ingredients. I had breakfast there both days; the à la carte menu is broader than you might expect, ranging from old classics to world flavours. The first morning, I had Eggs Benedict, and the second morning, I opted for Chana Masala with Greek yoghurt and Aloo Paratha. The breakfast also extends to a large buffet offering with hot options presented in sturdy brass pots on the open-plan kitchen pass, along with a vast selection of cold items, cheeses, breads and sweet treats.

If you want to start the morning on a high note, there is also a mimosa station, and if you’d prefer to end on a more virtuous one there is a ginger and turmeric shot station.

The Curtain

Each evening, the hotel plays host to The Curtain Club, entered through a sweep of deep green velvet curtains that part to reveal a back-lit bar with a drinks menu built around 1920s-inspired cocktails, along with live music running every Tuesday to Saturday.

The Ritz-Carlton Club

Club Room and Suite guests have access to The Ritz-Carlton Club, occupying the 10th and 11th floors. Titled as a ‘hotel within a hotel’, this private lounge offers personalised check-in and check-out, afternoon tea, and daily culinary presentations, along with offering additional exclusive guest experiences from bike rental to guided tours.

Wellness

I forgot to pack swimming trunks, so I couldn’t take full advantage of the wellness area. I will make sure I do next time. This 400 sqm urban retreat included a pool, sauna and steam room, along with a thermal circuit and fitness studio. Massage and cosmetic treatments are available on request, and for those who prefer outdoor activit the hotel offers e-bikes and a guided jogging programme through Tiergarten.

Final Thoughts

The Ritz-Carlton does something that few hotel brands manage: it makes luxury feel effortless and offers such attention to detail that a visit to a property feels like a homecoming, with Berlin being perhaps its most theatrical and culturally rich outpost. This property is included in our guide to the best hotels in Berlin.