Waldorf Astoria Berlin – Review

Few hotel brands have shaped luxury hospitality quite like Waldorf Astoria, a name synonymous with luxury for over a century, and one so pioneering in its approach that the original Waldorf Astoria in New York developed many guest experiences that in today’s world are now taken as standard. Its Berlin outpost towers above West Berlin, a building of stacked construction, almost Tetris-like in its formation, while inside, contemporary interiors draw on the brand’s Art Deco heritage. With 232 guest rooms and suites, Italian-New York inspired restaurant ROCA, an award-winning spa and Afternoon Tea library, this has to be the capital’s most compelling address for the discerning traveller. The Luxury Editor recently checked in, so read on to discover more.

Background & Concept

I have had the pleasure of staying in many Waldorf Astoria properties over the years, from my hometown of Edinburgh (now a Curio Collection property), along with Bangkok and Rome. Each time the experience just gets better and better, and Berlin is no exception, and if anything, it raises the bar even higher.

The original Waldorf Astoria opened in New York in 1893, following a merger between two rival cousins’ hotels, which sat side by side. Conrad Hilton, who once stayed in it, wrote on a postcard that it was “the greatest of them all” and went on to purchase the property in 1946. Since then, the brand has grown into a portfolio of select luxury properties at iconic addresses in top destinations around the world. Berlin has been in the brand’s sights since 1979, when it was originally envisioned as a gateway hotel for visitors flying into Tegel Airport. German unification delayed the plan, and 35 years later, in 2013, the brand’s vision was finally realised.

Waldorf Astoria Berlin calls Zoofenster Tower home, and at 118 meters high the building has become something of a landmark in West Berlin through its unique design. Its wide stone base gives way to a narrower midsection before its main tower rises up in a periscope-like fashion, offering the most cinematic views over the city as far as the eye can see. Arriving off Hardenbergstraße, you are immediately greeted by a golden Berlin Bear standing proudly outside before you enter through the double-height revolving door, taking you into the lobby.

Inside communal interiors draw on the Art Deco format of the first Waldorf Astoria, but with a modern twist, think high-sheen metals and polished Potoro marble columns and a back wall of mirrored metal screens. In the centre of the lobby, Peacock Alley (a hallmark of all Waldorf Astoria globally, named after the passage that connected the original Waldorf and Astoria hotel together in New York), look up to the end and you will see a glass and metal Grandfather Clock, which was made by master clockmaker Matthias Naeschke.

The lobby is also home to Europe’s largest spiral staircase, spanning two floors, and doesn’t fail to impress with its futuristic, fluid-helix-like structure, which feels more sculputral that architectural. And as you enter, turn your attention to the right-hand ‘Signature Wall’, a roll call of the rich and famous who have spent the night here and glancing at the names, you know you are in good company.

A fun little fact I learnt, all the autographs are in raised gold engraving, a process the hotel uses to preserve the signatures on the wall, except for one: Aerosmith, who ignored protocol entirely and wrote directly on the stone work, completely on brand for the band!

Location

Located in West Berlin’s upmarket Charlottenburg district, the Waldorf Astoria Hilton boasts the Berlin Zoological Garden, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and countless upmarket designer boutiques on Kurfürstendamm, Berlin’s answer to the Champs-Élysées, as neighbours. The area is well-connected through Zoologischer Garten train station and underground services, and you can be at Berlin Brandenburg Airport within an hour.

Rooms & Suites

The hotel’s 228 rooms and suites are set across 31 floors. Deluxe Rooms on floors 3 – 15 start at a generous 42 sqm and are available in twin or double configuration, while Deluxe Rooms with View on the upper floors maximise the views across to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and Zoo. Junior Suites range from 60 – 80 sqm, and their upper floor positioning further enhance those vistas. All rooms and suites feature top-to-toe marble bathrooms, Nespresso machines, minibar and Aesop amenities as standard.

Tower Suites

King Tower Suites and Premier King Tower Suites from floors 22 onwards offer further comfort and privacy with a residential format, including loggia balconies, living areas and kitchenettes. The Astor Suite on the 30th floor commands 180-degree views, while the Presidential Suite on the 31st floor has a full 360-degree view across its 280 sqm floor plan, with suites in the tower accessible only by a private lift.

The views from these tower suites are truly impressive, and on a clear day, like the day I was there, you can see across the whole of Berlin.

My Room During My Stay

During my stay, I was hosted in a King Deluxe with dual aspect views. The room is finished in walnut panelling throughout, with a playful Art Deco pattern underfoot and a centrepiece king bed with a lacquered back panel.

Between the bedroom and entrance, a small hallway houses a twin wardrobe on the left and to the right a minibar console presented in a series of pull-out drawers housing wine glasses, cups, a minibar fridge and a range of snacks to purchase. On its marble top, a Nespresso machine and a wooden box complete with teas, coffee pods, milk and sugar.

The bathroom has a practical Jack and Jill configuration, offering access from both the bedroom and the entrance hallway. Finished in Calacatta marble with a separate bath tub, walk-in rainfall shower and toilet with an additional door for privacy.

The views from the rooms are worth the stay alone and become even more magical as the sun starts setting. I was mesmerised by the Mercedes building, which glinted in different shades of gold and rainbow as each minute passed until the sun finally dropped behind the horizon.

I was also treated to a little taster of the Afternoon Tea offering, which you can experience in the Library. It sat on my room’s dining table as an unexpected welcome treat. Another little fact about Waldorf Astoria is that they were pioneers of the in-room dining concept, which is why each room in a Waldorf Astoria hotel features a dining table.

ROCA

ROCA, is the hotel’s signature restaurant, occupying the ground floor’s triangular wedge of the hotel, a layout which offers every diner an interesting view out to the street. The concept is Italian Soul, New York Style, meaning Mediterranean freshness, with New York confidence. Pasta and Antipasta sit alongside prime cuts of steak and burgers, along with classic New York cold deli-style serves.

The restaurant wasn’t too busy the night I visited, so I could pick my seat. I opted for one of the booths that make up a pentagon in the centre of the restaurant. My server was very friendly (a trait I noticed across all staff members in the hotel), guiding me first to the wine and then to the food. I opted for the Caprese to start with, a whole burrata, almost egg-like in viscosity when I cut into its centre, set on thick slices of heritage tomato and topped with fresh rocket and a balsamic dressing.

For mains, I had every intention of ordering a steak sandwich from the Waldorf Classics section, but I was told if I liked beef I couldn’t leave without trying a steak – so I changed course and opted for the Fillet Steak instead, and he was right, cooked medium rare and topped with red pepper corns, it cut like butter.

By the time I finished mains, I was comfortably full, but was then shown to the selection of fresh desserts in the chiller, with a couple of glasses of wine in me by this point, temptation got the better of me. I picked a slice of the New York Brownie, a thick slice of brownie base made even richer with its cheesecake layer, which was a wonderful way to end a very relaxing dinner.

Times Square

The following morning, I made my way to the breakfast restaurant ‘Times Square’ on the first floor. Straddling both a very comprehensive à la carte and an equally comprehensive buffet room, you are spoilt for choice. The buffet choice is expansive, set out in its own room, a whole honeycomb greets you as you enter, while packed counters display everything from smoked salmon and charcuterie to cheeses and sweet options, it was hard to know where to start. And if you want to add some additional sparkle to your morning, be sure to visit the bubbly station.

I bonded quickly with my server as he sang the praises of the buffet room, and his open enthusiasm really brightened up my morning. I opted for the Shaksuka for my hot-ordered item, which he wholeheartedly endorsed, and it didn’t disappoint.

The Library

I didn’t get a chance to see the Library as there was an event on the evening I was staying. Located in the tower with those excellent city views, over 800 art books line the shelves, and at weekends, it plays host to an Afternoon Tea experience too.

Waldorf Astoria Spa

The spa occupies over 1000 sqm and follows a 360 degree holistic wellness philosophy, throughout its five treatment rooms, cloud-shaped swimming pool, steamroom, hydrotherapy experience and 24 fitness centre. Signature treatments include the Waldorf Astoria Berlin Signature Muscle Recovery and Berlin Chic Massage with products by BABOR. Unique for a hotel wellness centre, it is not in the basement but rather the fifth floor, meaning it has plenty of light and also a sun terrace.

Final Thoughts

For visitors to Berlin seeking a luxury hotel that combines international prestige with genuine character, the Waldorf Astoria Berlin firmly earns its place among one of the city’s best addresses to stay at. The hotel is included in our guide to the best luxury hotels in Berlin.