Patrick Hellmann Schlosshotel

Originally the home of a wealthy adviser to Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1914, Schlosshotel Im Grunewald has catered to the rich and powerful for over a century. It was renovated in the 1990s by Karl Lagerfeld, who gave it renewed extravagance while honoring its Imperial roots. A grand vaulted entrance leads into a foyer with checkered marble floors and separate reception rooms that are surprisingly understated, all the better for well-heeled guests who desire discretion at check-in. The main lobby lounge is a large room with a stunning expanse of parquet flooring, a grand piano, and plush sitting areas arranged around ornate rugs. Two-story windows and glitzy magenta wallpaper rise far above to a moulded dark wood ceiling accented in gold leaf, and studded with crystal chandeliers. The overall atmosphere is opulent, exclusive, and a touch romantic. It's a natural choice for couples looking to splash out on a special retreat.

Schlosshotel Im Grunewald is on a quiet leafy street in the exclusive Grunewald neighborhood, right on the border of the picturesque Grunewald Forest, which is only three blocks from the hotel. This is far from the shops, restaurants, and nightlife found closer to the city center, although the popular shopping destination along Kurfürstendamm (known locally as Ku’Damm) is only a 10-minute drive, or about 20 minutes by public transportation. Berlin Tegel Airport is a short 12-minute drive to the north and Berlin Schönefeld Airport is about 25 minutes to the southeast.

The 43 rooms and 10 suites are each individually decorated, some in a more conservative gray, some in purple palettes. Standard Deluxe Rooms are on the small side, with less extravagant decor than the opulent common spaces (or the suites). Top-floor Deluxe Rooms have partially vaulted ceilings and round dormers that give them more character. Ornate headboards and rich wood furnishings complement the chandeliers, while the plain thick carpets add less glamorous, but still have luxurious appeal. All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and stocked free minibars. The marble bathrooms have heated flooring, walk-in showers as well as separate soaking tubs, and Malin + Goetz toiletries. Upgrading to the unique, and far more sophisticated suites will get you Bulgari toiletries and more elaborate bathrooms (the one in the Grunewald Suite Karl Lagerfield is covered in white marble and handmade French tiles). Wi-Fi is free throughout.

The former mansion's gardens are beautiful, with a centerpiece fountain and green expanses in which to stroll or relax on sun loungers. There's also a small play area for kids with a slide and trampoline. For even more fresh air, the neighboring Grunewald forest can't be beat, and it has paths ideal for jogging or cycling. The indoor pool and hot tub open to the gardens (seasonally) from a sunny room adjacent to the spa and salon. A Turkish-style steam room and sauna are included, as well as a cramped fitness room with just a few cardio machines.

Breakfast at Le Jardin is a treat in the bright, old world conservatory with views of the garden and a simple buffet. The full restaurant, Vivaldi, serves gourmet German cuisine in an elegant wood-paneled room. Cigar aficionados can enjoy the finest tobacco by the fireplace in Le Tire Bouchon, which has a full bar menu. 

Guests needing to get somewhere in style can hire a personal driver (both cars and vans are available for larger parties), or simply rent one of the hotel's vehicles -- a Ferrari or a Harley, for example. Those staying put to conduct business can take advantage of the decadent meeting rooms, 24-hour business center, secretaries, and translators for hire.