Christmas seems to have sneaked up on us.
The festive period is fast approaching and preparations are well underway for December 25th. For many, this can be a somewhat stressful time of year.
However, the savvy shopper can make the most of the chaotic lead up to Christmas by treating themselves and a loved one to a hearty city-break, from where they can conduct the bulk of their shopping.
And where better to escape than to the vibrant German capital of Berlin, home to some of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets, thriving culturally attractions, and an outstanding international food scene.
Berlin is also known for its high-end hotels at very reasonable prices, so there’s no excuses!
Here’s our list of the ten best 5-star hotels in Berlin. Enjoy!
9.5/10
A sophisticated five-star design hotel, Das Stue offers classic luxury with a perfect location in central Berlin. Occupying a 1930s building, originally Berlin’s Danish Embassy (Das Stue translates to “living room” in Danish), the charming hotel overlooks Berlin Zoo, the Tiergarten and the Landwehr Canal.
Entrance of Das Stue
Acclaimed Spanish architect and designer, Patricia Urquiola, has brought her unique expression of opulence and style to the interiors of the hotel, complementing the natural beauty of the property’s leafy Tiergarten address. Indulge in avant-garde Mediterranean cuisine courtesy of Michelin-starred Catalan chef Paco Pérez at “Cinco”, relax in the pristine Susanne Kaufmann Spa with alpine-inspired treatments, or explore the best of Berlin with the city’s best attractions on your door-step.
Please note that the hotel’s Cinco by Paco Pérez restaurant team will be taking a winter break from January 1 to 17, 2017, whereupon they will return with new delicacies.
Check availability and prices
9.4/10
Possible Berlin's most glamorous address, Hotel Adlon Kempinski has long been a favourite of the rich and famous; notable guests include
Barack Obama
, Her Majesty the Queen and Albert Einstein. A large hotel with over 380 rooms, the legendary German property is located on Pariser Platz, adjacent to the Brandenburg Gate and just a 3-minute walk from the Berlin Wall.
The glamorous Hotel Adlon Kempinski adjacent to the Brandenburg Gate
Its luxurious rooms feature marble bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and minibars, whilst 13 different suite types also include kitchens, separate dining/living areas, Jacuzzis, fireplaces and city views. It is also home to an extensive spa, two stylish bars, and three refined restaurants. Take advantage of the hotel’s city tours, luxury limousine service and concierge to get the best out of your stay in Berlin this winter.
Check availability and prices
9.4/10
Home to one of the best restaurants in the city - the two Michelin-starred Fischers Fritz - Regent Berlin epitomises classic 5-star luxury and timeless elegance. The hotel is located next to the vast, eye-catching Gendarmenmarkt square - home to one of Berlin’s most atmospheric Christmas Markets between November 21st and December 31st.
The two Michelin-starred Fischers Fritz at Regent Berlin
The service at this classy hotel is second-to-none. Helpful and gracious staff will tend to your every need, whilst an extensive spa, cocktail bar and restaurant are on hand to provide respite from the wintry city streets. Its 156 rooms and 35 suites feature large, cosy beds, spacious work desks, and luxurious marble bathrooms with walk-in showers and deep bath tubs. An authentic yet warm hotel, the exclusive ambiance at Regent Berlin is sure to lift those winter blues.
Check availability and prices
9.3/10
The seasoned and sophisticated Pullman Berlin Schweizerhof is a short stroll to Tiergarten and the shops along Kurfürstendamm, while the Berlin Zoo and Aquarium is just across the road. With a sleek, minimalist design, the hotel is a proud example of a contemporary 5-star German hotel.
The sophisticated Pullman Berlin Schweizerhof
Graceful rooms are warm and comfortable, as well as remarkably efficient and well designed. The highlight of the hotel, however, is the downstairs spa and fitness area, which offers an 18-metre pool (the largest indoor hotel pool in Berlin), three saunas, a steam bath and hammam. There’s also XXENIA, a delightful Mediterranean restaurant, and a lobby bar in which to see out the evening in comfort.
Check availability and prices
9.3/10
A landmark on the famous Kurfürstendamm luxury shopping street (known as the Sloane Street of Berlin), surrounded by high-end fashion boutiques, superb eateries and cultural delights, Sofitel Berlin Kurfurstendamm is a truly high-class 5-star Berlin hotel.
Uniquely designed room at Sofitel Berlin Kurfurstendamm
The bustling cosmopolitan atmosphere of Kurfürstendamm extends into the hotel, where a tasteful interior brings the Art Deco building to life. Let the expert concierge guide your adventures in Berlin, before seeing out the cold evenings in the elegant Restaurant Le Faubourgin, the stylish lounge bar, or in one of the 311 uniquely designed rooms. Sofitel Berlin Kurfurstendamm also has a convenient café where you can grab a coffee before a busy day in Berlin.
Check availability and prices
9.3/10
Situated in Zoofenster, a famous Berlin skyscraper, Waldorf Astoria Berlin is an attraction in its own right; with 32 floors, a posh spa and luxe rooms overlooking Kurfurstendamm in the heart of Berlin City West. Set across from the Berlin Zoo and Zoologischer Garten U-Bahn station, Waldorf Astoria Berlin offers a prime location, impeccable 5-star service, and distinguished dining at its renowned French restaurant Les Solistes by Pierre Gagnaire.
Waldorf Astoria Berlin in Zoofenste skyscraper
Alluring rooms come with marble bathrooms, heated floors and city views. Seductive suites add separate living areas, while some offer kitchenettes and/or balconies. With a chic Bohemian cafe, lobby bar and cocktail bar, as well as the extravagant Guerlain Spa with indoor pool, sauna and steam room, Waldorf Astoria Berlin has it all covered, allowing you to make the most of Berlin at this most magical time of year.
Check availability and prices
9.3/10
Located on Potsdamer Platz, this 5-star Berlin hotel is the first Grand Hyatt in Europe. It is a fine example of the brand’s luxury offering, with a series of upgrades keeping the property and its interiors modern, smart and stylish.
Club Olympus Spa at Grand Hyatt Berlin
Facilities at the hotel include three restaurants, The Grand Club lounge located on the 7th floor, and Club Olympus Spa & Fitness on the top floor, which has a pool, gym and treatment rooms, all with views of Potsdamer Platz. Make sure to visit Vox restaurant, serving seasonal international cuisine and Sushi, and the adjoining outdoor terrace and adjacent bar, with its an impressive selection of whisky and live music at the weekend.
Check availability and prices
9.3/10
The historic Louisa’s Place, located right on Kurfürstendamm, is a charming 5-star boutique hotel in central Berlin. The intimate hotel offers 47 gorgeously appointed, individually-designed suites, each with elegant furnishings, modern decor, and homely amenities including fitted kitchens.
5-star boutique Louisa’s Place
With plenty of high-end boutiques, restaurants and bars nearby, Louisa’s Place provides a charismatic home from where guests can experience the allure of a festive Berlin. The luxury hotel houses a nice restaurant of its own, as well as an atmospheric cocktail bar and an extensive basement spa. Staff will welcome you with open arms, providing a friendly yet formal service. Overall, a delightfully homey 5-star hotel.
Check availability and prices
9.2/10
A stone’s throw from the Potsdamer Platz, the old heart of Berlin, the noble Mandala Hotel brings a stately luxury to Berlin’s high-end hotel scene, whilst showcasing commitment to utilising sustainability initiatives. Popular with both business and leisure travellers, Mandala Hotel provides an exclusive setting, complete with the holistic-based, top-floor ONO Spa, spacious guestrooms, and a number of nice bars and restaurants.
FACIL restaurant at The Mandala Hotel
The hotel’s culinary highlight is the two Michelin-starred restaurant FACIL (one of only five two-starred restaurants in the city), hidden within the fifth-floor courtyard. Headed by Michael Kempf, the menu offers a vibrant choice of fresh, healthy dishes, making use of seasonal vegetables and herbs. There is also the very pleasant QIU Restaurant & Bar on the first floor, providing an exclusive, lounge-like ambiance.
Check availability and prices
9.2/10
This five-star luxury Berlin hotel is situated right next to the Staatsoper Opera House, overlooking the historic Bebelplatz. In an opulent 1880s building, formerly a bank, the Hotel de Rome - Rocco Forte offers a perfect combination of stylish decor, flawless service and glorious facilities, including a wonderful spa in its former vaults.
In a former bank, Hotel de Rome - Rocco Forte
The public spaces are somewhat grandiose, whilst guestrooms offer a more understated, contemporary design. The rooftop bar and terrace, a 20-metre swimming pool, and the delicious Mediterranean Restaurant Parioli complete the Hotel de Rome - Rocco Forte’s 5-star offerings. This is a hotel with very high standards.
Check availability and prices
To fly, to serve. That is the tagline of the UK’s main carrier British Airways. It takes pride in offering reliable and friendly service...
Read more
If you are looking for a discreet, private bolthole when visiting Rome rather than one of the larger grand dame properties, then take a...
Read more
A Business Class seat invariably comes with great comfort, superb food & beverages, faultless service, but often with a hefty price tag...
Read more