Adlon Kempinski

Historic, old-world, views of Brandenburg Gate

Unter Den Linden 77, Berlin 10117

49-30-22610

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At a Glance

One of Berlin’s most historic properties, the 385-room Adlon feels appropriately old-world, one of the reason it often houses politicians and visiting dignitaries, like Angela Merkel and Barack Obama.

Indagare Loves

  • The spacious suites facing the Brandenburg Gate
  • The seasonal alfresco café with prime people-watching tables
  • The lovely, full-service spa
  • The excellent concierge service
  • The over-the-top breakfast buffet

Review

The Adlon is one of Berlin’s most historic properties, even though the actual building was entirely reconstructed in the 1990s (having survived both wars, the original Adlon was removed by the East German government, as it was standing too close to the Berlin Wall). Still, today’s large hotel, which has been recently refreshed, feels appropriately old world, one of the reason it often houses politicians and visiting dignitaries, like Angela Merkel and Barack Obama.

The Adlon interiors, whose large public spaces include a buzzing lobby lounge, are grand European-style with heavy drapes, lots of dark, polished-wood furniture and tastefully patterned bedspreads and throw pillows. The best rooms are the ones with views of the Pariser Platz and Brandenburg Gate, even though the ones toward Potsdamer Platz also offer cool city vistas. I had heard stories of how dreadful the courtyard-facing rooms are, and it’s true that they don’t offer as much natural light as their street-facing counterparts. However, I found the leafy inner court, which houses glass-topped winter gardens used for special events, a totally acceptable view, if not obviously as grand and destination-specific as overlooking the iconic Gate. All the suites boast saunas.

A real perk of staying at the Adlon is the recently renovated spa facility, which is beautifully designed with organic materials, and featuring treatments with organic beauty products and an overall bright, relaxing vibe. The spa is also open to non-guests, and if you’re looking for five-star pampering, this is a good place to go. The Adlon’s excellent concierges can make most things happen and materialize (tickets, hard-to-get reservations).

The Adlon is in a great location, in the government district along the Spree river, with the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and the Memorial of the Murdered Jews of Europe in walking distance. Nearby restaurants include: Café Einstein, a good spot for lunch; Borchardt, one of the city’s iconic brasseries; and trendy vegetarian eatery Cookies Cream.

Who Should Stay

The Adlon is a good choice for families and couples who enjoy an old world aesthetic and require round-the-clock amenities, such as a luxurious spa. The location right by the Brandenburg Gate is a blessing and a curse: the views are stunning and you’re unmistakably in Berlin, but there’s also a lot of hoopla, since you’re right at one of Berlin’s busiest sites (it’s reminiscent of staying on the Champs-Élysées in Paris).

Written by Simone Girner

What's Nearby
Indagare employees walking up stiars

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