The Westin Grand Berlin

The Kaisergalerie (Imperial Gallery) that originally stood in this location had its beautiful glass-roofed interior arcade destroyed in WWII, and the designers of the current building sought to pay homage to it when they conceived of The Westin Grand Berlin's enormous central atrium in the late 1980s (then the Grand Hotel Berlin). The vast impressive octagonal space with a grand staircase has again become an iconic part of city, rising seven stories to a massive colored glass ceiling. The space has several comfy seating areas and meetings sometimes take place in different parts of the lobby. Overall the atmosphere is polished and modern, with quality service to meet the needs of both business and leisure guests. 

Most of Berlin's popular sights and political institutions are located nearby within the Mitte district -- especially around Unter den Linden, the city's primary boulevard, which is right down the street. Gendarmenmarkt Square, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Topography of Terror are all within easy walking distance. For reaching other areas of the city, the closest U-Bahn station is just a block away. Checkpoint Charlie and Potsdamer Platz Square can be reached in under 20 minutes on foot. Berlin Tegel Airport is a 20-minute drive northwest and Berlin Schönefeld Airport is about 30 minutes to the southeast.

The standard Deluxe Rooms are somewhat conservatively designed with brown and white color palettes, dark wall-to-wall carpeting, and modern, streamlined furniture. They have work desks with rollers chairs as well as armchairs and small tables. Upgraded rooms in the Superior category more pleasant views of the garden, or a view of the famous Unter den Linden boulevard, and some rooms have small balconies. All 400 rooms and suites have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and a brand hallmark, Westin Heavenly Beds, in various sizes. Bathrooms have large vanities and shower/tub combos. 

Suites come in three main types, Junior, Themed, or Spa. The Themed Suites have decor inspired by the Baroque period and its famous figures, such as Johann Sebastian Bach and the Prussian king Frederick II. Think antique-style white furniture, wall sconces, and button fabric headboards. All suites have big living rooms, and most have Nespresso machines and Bose sound systems. Spa Suites have their own whirlpools, massage tables, and enormous rainfall showers. Guests will also find extras like yoga mats and free kombucha tea. Larger Grand Spa Suites add saunas and elegant gas fireplaces set in the wall behind a glass door. Wi-Fi is only free for SPG members. 

The highlight of The Westin Grand Berlin is its huge atrium lobby, which has its own bar. The most exciting event to have ever happened in this business-friendly space may be Matt Damon's fictional race down its staircase in The Bourne Supremacy, but it's an invigorating spot for anyone to have a drink. The hotel's Relish Restaurant & Bar also has extra seating outside its dining room, here at the foot of the open staircase. Diners can also choose the outdoor terrace for the seasonal international cuisine with French and Asian influences. A separate breakfast restaurant has a fresh juice bar, full buffet, and a la carte menu with choices that range from cereal to eggs Benedict to pickled herring. The restaurant sources its own honey from the hives on its rooftop, with bees who have fed on nectar from the local Linden trees. 

Nine modern event rooms are equipped for up to 220 people with a banquet hall that can host 400. The outdoor garden, with statues and a trickling fountain surrounded by greenery houses, has another unique venue known as the Drachenhaus, a bright conservatory with walls of windows. The lobby can also be rented as a venue, with its high atrium and staircase functioning as a grand centerpiece for more spectacular events for up to 1,200 people. 

The heated indoor pool is in a cavernous room with a small hot tub and lounge areas filled with wicker furniture and round day beds. A small fitness room has a view of the pool area, with a dozen steppers, treadmills, and cardio bikes. The attached spa has a sauna and full-service treatment rooms with all the usual massages, peels, and facials. As an added perk, active travelers who like to pack light can rent sportswear and shoes (by New Balance) from the hotel for free.