Hotel Adlon Kempinski

Hotel Adlon is a Berlin institution that lives up to its fame. Originally founded in 1907, the property was created partly as a hotel for state guests of Kaiser Wilhelm II, partly as Berlin’s answer to popular New York City hotels like Waldorf Astoria. It was mostly destroyed during the war years, reopening in 1997 with the help of the luxury Kempinski hotel brand. Rebuilt in the image of its predecessor, the property sits on the same spot with a grand facade accented by an iconic green-patinated roof. 

The hotel has hosted everyone from F.D.R. to Obama, Charlie Chaplin to Michael Jackson. (The King of Pop famously dangled his child from one of the hotel's balconies). State dignitaries or celebrities visiting Berlin stay at the Adlon practically by default, but the hotel attracts more than just a global who's who. It’s a hub for guests and tourists, socialites and locals, all of whom meet in the storied lobby -- “the living room of Berlin” -- for lunch, a drink, or afternoon tea. 

In 2017, the lobby was completely refurbished to the tune of six million euros. From small details — like ceilings with individually lit, gold-leafed coffers -- to large set pieces -- like a grand marble staircase and a five-foot long Murano glass chandelier -- no area has been untouched. It’s a lively space with a huge lounge area flanked on the outer edges by reception and concierge desks and the hotel’s popular lobby bar. Guests gather in armchairs and couches upholstered in silky embroidered fabrics or rich velvets, all surrounding the famed replica of the elephant fountain, originally a gift from a Maharaja.

Hotel Adlon is a destination and landmark unto itself, sitting at the corner of Pariser Platz along the famed boulevard Under den Linden. It also faces the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial abuts the back of the hotel, and just behind Brandenburg Gate is the city’s massive Tiergarten. But this hotel isn't just an iconic spot, it’s a central one, too. Friedrichstraße, home to upscale shops like Galeries Lafayette and the elegant architecture of Gendarmenmarkt, can be reached in under 10 minutes on foot, while Potsdamer Platz can be reached in less than 15. For guests who prefer to spare their feet, the Brandenburg Gate S-Bahn and U-Bahn stop is right outside, a one-minute walk. Transportation -- airport transfers, taxis -- can be arranged through the hotel, and valet parking is also offered.

• One-minute walk to Brandenburg Gate
• 10-minute walk to the Reichstag Building 
• 15-minute walk to Checkpoint Charlie
• Four minutes to Potsdamer Platz via public transit (13-minute walk)
• Six minutes to Berlin Central Station via public transit
• 15 minutes to Museum Island via public transit
• 16 minutes to Alexaderplatz via public transit 
• 20 minutes to Kaiser Willem Memorial Church via public transit
• 35 minutes to Berlin Tegal Airport via public transit
• 45 minutes to Berlin-Schönefeld via public transit

Continuing the look of public spaces, guest rooms are luxurious, traditional, and sophisticated. Their neutral color palette plays out across silky drapes, wood paneling, hardwood furnishings, and parquet floors. Amenities are just as luxe and include entertainment centers with flat-screen TVs, individual tablets, laptop safes, and free Wi-Fi as well as generously stocked minibars. There are bedside controls for the air-conditioning and lights, plus doorbells on each room -- a charming little detail. Entry-level rooms lack in-room coffee/tea service, but rooms at the Deluxe level and above have Nespresso machines. Bathrooms have hairdryers and Kempinski-branded individual toiletries. 

Upgrades, even to Deluxe Rooms, result in more space and more stylish decor, such as damask accent walls, while some suites offer views of Brandenburg Gate, separate bedroom and living areas, fireplaces, canopy beds, and other extravagant extras. That said, even entry-level Executive Rooms feel like something special. They’re spacious (377 square feet) with sitting areas, desks, and marbled bathrooms with two-sink vanities, separate tubs and rainfall showers, and separate toilet stalls. While Superior Deluxe units feature views of the city’s main boulevard, some rooms may just face internal courtyards, buildings, or side streets.

The Adlon presents super-deluxe versions of just about every feature you could expect from a luxury hotel. There are three restaurants (including a Michelin-starred restaurant), two bars (including the famed lobby bar), a small cafe, luxury shopping, a smoker’s lounge, and extensive wellness facilities, including a spa, pool, and gym. 

The lobby bar is the social hub of the hotel, and it serves everything from currywurst to sandwiches, afternoon tea to alcoholic drinks. Above the lobby, in the so-called bel étage, a daily (and pricey) breakfast buffet extends to cooking stations and even caviar. For little pick-me-ups, the hotel has a small, fairly reasonably priced cafe with a storefront that faces Unter den Linden; it's a good spot for coffee and desserts.

Restaurant Quarré serves up lunch and dinner six days a week at a lobby-level establishment with a terrace overlooking Brandenburg Gate. There’s also Sra Bua, a chic, Asian-inspired restaurant serving dinner five days a week and featuring a stylish bar (smoking is allowed) open until late on the weekends -- it’s popular among Berliners and hotel guests alike. Finally, there’s the intimate Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, a Michelin-starred restaurant with head chef Hendrik Otto. Small, charming, and with a traditional air, the restaurant overlooks Brandenburg Gate and is open for dinner four nights a week.

The hotel’s wellness facilities are just as extensive as its dining venues. They occupy a staggering 9,000 square feet of space. A Greek-columned pool area features cushioned loungers, a whirlpool tub, and a pool bar, while a fitness center is outfitted with modern cardio machines and equipment. (Rumor has it that President Obama worked out here every morning during his stay.) Neither is open 24 hours, but they are open into the evening. A separate elevator heads down to the pool and gym area, so guests don’t have to go through the lobby. There’s also extensive luxury spa facilities, including three private spa suites that can host up to six guests, each with its own sauna and whirlpool. A hair salon is also on site, but only opens for special events. 

For those in town on business or attending an event, the hotel has a host of meeting and event rooms, including two grand ballrooms, flexible meeting space, private dining rooms, and charming winter gardens. There’s also a business center, smoker’s lounge, and luxury shops off the lobby, though these are independently owned. Wi-Fi is free throughout and fairly speedy, but guests can upgrade to even faster speeds for an extra fee.

Service is exceptional, with several reception desks in the lobby attending to different guest needs, including a separate concierge desk and the Kempinski's signature “Ladies in Red” desk. And a top-shelf approach is extended to all tasks: Twenty-four hour room service includes the option of a $600+ breakfast spread. Valet parking will get your car returned with extras like mints and bottled water. If guests want it -- and have the money, of course -- their wish is Adlon’s command.