Steigenberger Hotel Berlin

When guests enter the lobby through the Steigenberger's glass revolving glass doors, they are immediately struck by its shiny red-and-black charm and broad, open staircase that leads straight to the convention center. There isn't much seating near the entrance, but a large, beautifully landscaped garden with a number of benches flanks the hotel on one side. Restaurant Louis, with its plaid curtains and paisley print carpet, shows simple German style, while the Berliner Stube consists of half white-clothed tables, and half casually set tables, with a large island bar, a patio, and open kitchen area. The Piano Lounge is easily the most comfortable place to congregate, with plush couches and pillows, leather armchairs, padded walls, and a large patio with umbrella tables for warm-weather days. The Park Salon, where breakfast is served, has a lavender motif with frosted glass dividers -- its many small tables fill up quickly when the hotel is booked.

The Ka Da We department store, Berlin Aquarium, and Berlin Zoo are right across the street, and the hotel is within yards of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and the busy shopping street Kurfürstendamm. The U-Bahn’s Augsburger station is within a three-minute walk, and the S-Bahn’s Zoo station less than 10 minutes away on foot. The airport is about a 25-minute drive away, and can also be reached by a bus that stops right around the corner from the hotel. Valet parking and a heated garage are available for a fee. 

There are 387 rooms and 11 suites at the Steigenberger, and although most are minimally decorated, they are sleek, spacious, and immaculate, with built-in wooden headboards, nightstands, shelves, large flat screen TVs, Nespresso coffeemakers, and free (though sometimes spotty) Wi-Fi that can be upgraded for a fee. Some bathrooms are small with half-glass walk-in showers. All rooms have safes, hair dryers, and minibars. The Executive Rooms and Suites include bathrobes and slippers, plus larger bathrooms with large double sink vanities, and bathtubs. The Presidential Suite has an enormous, standalone spa-like tub in its bathroom, and a huge lounge area, meeting room, and office. Room service is available in all rooms.

Menus that rely on seasonal fare are offered at the Berliner Stube and Louis restaurants, along with an expansive wine selection, while hand-crafted cocktails and a lineup of regular live music are available at the Piano Lounge. The hotel also has a small Champagne bar and a long list of room-service items. The Park Salon hosts the daily breakfast buffet (free with some room packages) that highlights locally sourced fruits, honey, and fresh pastries. There are several meeting, presentation, and conference rooms, and a paid parking garage with self-park or valet options. The hotel also offers cooking classes and rents cars, limousines, and bicycles. There is a large indoor pool under a domed roof, a sauna, and a small fitness center. The Thalgo Spa offers a variety of facials, beauty treatments, and Thalasso and Ayurvedic massages. Reception is open 24/7 and can arrange for tickets, taxis, and restaurant reservations. Be aware that tours and theater tickets booked through the hotel are often subject to a commission charge. The hotel also has many outdoor lounge areas and patios, and a spacious garden with several benches.