SANA Berlin Hotel – Stylish City-Break Hotel in Germany’s Capital

Germany’s capital is undeniably one of Europe’s most compelling cities. From the striking graffiti art on the remnants of the city’s famous Wall to the landmarks of the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin’s modern history is fascinating. Yet the German capital is so much more – a contemporary, multicultural metropolis that’s a hub for music, fashion, and cuisine.

So finding the right place to stay can really make a big difference in how you experience Berlin. It’s an intense, vast city, so you’ll want an urban oasis where you can recharge. If you’re looking for the style of a 5 star hotel, some of the most spacious suites in the city, or the independence of your own city apartment; and all for the price of a 4 star property, then SANA Berlin Hotel is for you.

Authentically Berlin

Berlin is the essential European city break destination. It promises an intoxicating diversity of culture, cuisine, and creativity. A city that feels free, uncontrived, and truly authentic. Many European capitals, through over-tourism, have become almost a pastiche of themselves. Yet Berlin has retained its unique personality and energy.

I was last in Berlin in ’93, a few years after the Wall came down. The city was alive with optimism and energy – the skyline a forest of construction cranes, building for the newly reunified Berlin that was set to become Germany’s capital once more.

SANA Berlin

Now, almost 30 years later the modern legacy of that reunification is clear to see. Amongst the unique mix of Berlin architecture, from neoclassical and imperial buildings; to the striking and austere GDR structures, there is now lots of contemporary design.

New hotels have emerged across the city, including the business and family-friendly SANA Berlin Hotel. This property represents the hotel group’s expansion in Europe. SANA Berlin is a 4-star superior property, that is part of the Excellence brand, 4-star hotels which promise the finesse and service of a 5-star.

That was certainly my experience at Sana Berlin. The sweeping, double-height lobby was beautifully decorated with flowers and the team genuinely welcoming.

Check-in was swift, efficient and contactless. Reception were a delight– and now in the age of Covid-19, and the need to wear masks, a warm and authentic welcome is more compelling than ever.

The Hotel

Found in a tranquil, leafy neighbourhood in the centre of the western part of Berlin, right by a metro station, SANA Berlin is a contemporary hotel is about 10 minutes’ walk to the iconic Kaiser Wilhelm memorial church, the on-trend Bikini Berlin mall with rooftop bar, as well as Berlin’s zoo and aquarium.

Expect a stylish Lobby Bar & Restaurant, which opens out onto an urban oasis outdoor garden, as well as a newly renovated spa & fitness centre with indoor pool. Accommodation choices meet the needs for city-break visitors, families and business travellers, with a choice of guest rooms, spacious suites (with complementary tablets) as well as 1-and 2-bedroom apartments in the Residences wing. All have services like free Wi-Fi, and 24hr room service.

All 208 rooms have contemporary styling, elegant bathrooms and fab grooming amenities by Aromatherapy Associates, one of my favourites!

There are business meeting rooms too, some with private outdoor terraces, allowing guests to mix business with pleasure.

Private Apartment

My recent city break in Berlin was the first international trip I have made since Covid-19 and it made for an exciting and motivating experience to be travelling again.

SANA Berlin Hotel proved to be a great choice for this first trip, as we were able to stay in one of the hotel’s private residences, known as ´Suite Home’ apartments – contemporary styled spaces that offer guests the opportunity to create a safe and private ‘bubble’ for themselves and their families, whilst still having access to all the facilities of the hotel. There are studios, 1-bed and 2-bedroom apartments.

Suite Home

Our 2-bedroom apartment had an open plan living dining area – perfect for preparing snacks when taking a break from sightseeing or before heading out for the bars and clubs. The apartments are partially well-equipped and very clean. It was the ideal option, a comfortable and elegant base from which to explore the city.

We used a combination of Uber cars and Berlin’s comprehensive public transport to get around. There are metro stops right by the hotel – Spichernstraße (U9/U3) and Augsburger Straße (U3) – so it’s easy to get across to the city to unmissable attractions like Museum Island, East Side Gallery, and the cool summer pop up bars by the river.

Chances are with so much to experience in Berlin from alternative street markets, pop-up concept stores to world-class museums you’ll not be in the hotel that much during a city break. Yet allow some downtime to enjoy your suite or apartment or to sip a cocktail at the lobby bar.

Guest Dining

Table Service Breakfast

Breakfast is offered in the lobby bar and garden. New protocols are in place to make this a safe and very enjoyable start to the day. The classic buffet has been replaced with a creative table service – a choice of three types of breakfast, from ´sweet’, ‘savoury’ and ‘vegetarian’ – each impeccably prepared and served to the table upon tiered plates, much like an afternoon tea – innovative and attractive approach.  You can of course tailor your breakfast and mix things up.

A la carte Lunch & Dinner

The Lobby Restaurant is open for a la carte dining for lunch and dinner, although the chances are you will be tempted by the culinary operations of Berlin, from tasty street from like the ubiquitous Currywurst, to exotic Turkish cuisine and of course European fine-dining.

Information

Berlin is an unforgettable destination, from quirky alternative style galleries and markets to high end fashion stores and gourmet restaurants. The city has a rawness and authenticity that is compelling, so it’s great to have a safe, clean and stylish base to which to return at the end of the day. That’s what I really like about SANA Berlin Hotel, it was an elegant, calm retreat amongst the organised chaos of the city.