The Ritz Carlton Berlin, designed in the style of American ‘Golden Twenties’ architecture, rises resplendently from a rejuvenated Potsdamer Platz. A barren, sandy wasteland as recently as the 1980s, Potsdamer Platz has become the city centre of a once divided city. Its proximity to the best restaurants, designer shops and cultural points of interest make it the perfect location. From most of the rooms you can either see the famous Tiergarten unfurl into the west or directly opposite, Berlin’s glittering Sony centre shimmer. The hotel itself is only 20 metres from where the original Berlin wall stood, and its proximity underlines Berlin’s resurgence as a luxury travel destination.
The majestic lobby, complete with sweeping staircases, grand piano and opulent chandelier immediately sets the tone. The rooms are a satisfying combination of quaint cherry wood furnishings and comforts provided by modern technology. The touch-screen light switches, iPod dock radio alarm and heated bathroom floors are pleasing touches. There has been an attempt to furnish the rooms in a way so that they might be distinctive of Berlin, with original watercolours by Professor Markus Luepertz, a German artist noted for his 20th century neo-expressionism style, decorating most rooms. Despite this, the rooms remain fairly generic and could be from a number of hotels around the world.
Like all luxury hotels, the pens are heavy and the towels fluffy but certain aspects of the hotel set it apart and ultimately, its real success lies in the immersive experience it creates. The attention to detail in the hotel’s public areas is a triumph.
The Brasserie Desbrosses, for instance, not only provides a charming culinary refuge from the commotion of the city, but is also an event in itself. The Brasserie, dating back to 1875, was once stationed in the small town of Macon in Southern Burgundy. It has since been entirely dismantled and reinstalled in the hotel complete with the original furniture, including the chairs and mirrors. It goes without saying that food available is of the highest quality. The ‘Plat du Jour’, a one-course lunch menu that changes daily and the champagne brunch, a decadent buffet complete with oysters, lobster and unlimited champagne are among the highlights.
Likewise, the Curtain Club, designed in the style of English gentleman’s club and with a working fireplace is opened each evening by a liveried Beefeater, who would normally be found guarding the Tower of London. The sight is bizarre at first, but imbues the Curtain Club with a sense of character and authenticity, not to mention originality.
The hotel’s spa, or ‘Wellness Centre’, is a den of relaxation. The muted blue colour scheme of the pool soothes as much as the Jacuzzi’s ferocious water jets and is brightened by the hand painted bejeweled ceiling. Painted in the trompe l’oeil technique the ceiling presents a seemingly bottomless expanse of blue sky, a tonic to tired eyes when floating face up in the pool and perhaps the spa’s most remarkable feature.
The Ritz Carlton Berlin provides its guests with everything you would expect of such an esteemed five-star establishment, and does its best to create a unique and memorable experience. Its idiosyncrasies and prime location are distinguishing factors, and firmly suggest the Ritz as one of Berlin’s premier hotels.
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