Berlin

If you thought Berlin was all about the cold war you are definitely missing a trick; Berlin is a dynamic, culture-crammed city that will have you hooked from the moment you land! This vibrant city is a serious contender for one of the coolest places in Europe ad plays host to an eclectic mix of malls, familiar high street chains and designer label boutiques - Kurfuerstendamm (shortened to Ku'damm) in Charlottenburg is the city’s longest and busiest shopping street.  If you are shopping for designer brands then head for the luxurious Ka De We department store for a browse or to drool at the amazing gourmet food hall - this is Berlin's comparison to Harrods! Whilst you are getting into the swing of city life don’t forget to stop along the way at one of the hundreds of cafes for Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake!) and watch the world go by! 

Aside from all this shopping Berlin is also home to the famous Brandenburg Gate possibly Germanys most recognisable landmark.  Seeing this remarkable site in the day is one thing but I would suggest a stop for dinner at the luxurious Adlon Kempinski opposite to see the gate lit up at night - truly spectacular! 

This wonderful city is brimming with historical sites including the museum island, and don’t miss the Holocaust memorial located just down the road from the Brandenburg Gate; this maze like piece of architecture pays tribute to the victims of Hitler’s concentration camps and features 2711 stone columns. No trip to Berlin would be complete without a visit to the East Side Gallery, the longest preserved part of the Berlin Wall which has been painted by hundreds of artists making it the largest open air gallery in the world! I have to say I didn't really know what to expect of Berlin but I really was quite pleasantly surprised at how interesting and also trendy this city is.

Here are a couple of my hotel recommendations:

Hotel Adlon Kempinski

Standing majestically by the Brandenburg Gate at the top of Unter den Linden, the Adlon has the best location in Berlin. Since the beginning of the century, it has welcomed the famous from around the world: for Einstein, Chaplin and Roosevelt, it was their second home. Totally rebuilt in 1997, the hotel has a spacious and extremely comfortable lobby and bar, which leads to the hotel's excellent main Adlon restaurant. In addition, there is an intimate gastronomic Michelin-starred restaurant, the Lorenz Adlon, open for dinner only Tuesday to Saturday and closed in August (advance booking essential). The 336 air-conditioned bedrooms are elegantly furnished with marble bathrooms and there is a spa with an indoor heated swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, massage and a fitness room. Excellent buffet breakfast included with hot dishes cooked to order.

Hotel Brandenburger Hof  

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the Brandenburger Hof occupies a palatial turn of the century Wilhelminian residence in a secluded city centre location just a five minute walk from the Kurfurstendamm and the Memorial Church.

Opened in 1991, this is a very attractive, privately owned hotel with 72 luxuriously appointed rooms in the Bauhaus style. The hotel's winter garden is located in a plant-filled conservatory which is built around a small Japanese garden and exudes an air of relaxation. Highly awarded Scandinavian cuisine created by Master Chef Sauli Kemppainen is served in Die Quadriga restaurant, which is open in the evenings from Tuesday to Saturday (only 10 tables so advanced booking essential). Piano bar and Thaleia beauty and massage suite also available. Guests are offered free access to the exclusive Tiergarten Sporting Club including a limousine transfer.