ARGH! Help me decide between last two Berlin hotel choices??
Dec 17th, 2007, 09:28 AM
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ARGH! Help me decide between last two Berlin hotel choices??
Help! I've booked at the Sofitel Schweizerhof and at the Intercontinental Berlin. Need to cancel one of these in a few days but can't decide and have no idea which might be slightly more preferable. Do you have an opinion??
thanks!
thanks!
Dec 18th, 2007, 12:33 AM
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First: I haven't stayed at either, but been in the lobby of both of them.
Location-wise there is no difference. They are literally across the street from each other ( and the location is not too desirable, while still central in West Berlin. It's not bad, but a bit bland).
The general view would likely be that the Intercontinental is the slightly better hotel.
Both of them have been renovated over recent years - but I think only the Sofitel has been done in an all modern design, whereas the Interconti still offers two different decors in their two wings - one is rather modern in decor, the other more classic.
If the choice were really limited to either the Interconti or the Schweizerhof, I guess, I'd go by price first (and with a preference for the modern design wing if the Interconti is concerned).
Don't know if this helps.
Location-wise there is no difference. They are literally across the street from each other ( and the location is not too desirable, while still central in West Berlin. It's not bad, but a bit bland).
The general view would likely be that the Intercontinental is the slightly better hotel.
Both of them have been renovated over recent years - but I think only the Sofitel has been done in an all modern design, whereas the Interconti still offers two different decors in their two wings - one is rather modern in decor, the other more classic.
If the choice were really limited to either the Interconti or the Schweizerhof, I guess, I'd go by price first (and with a preference for the modern design wing if the Interconti is concerned).
Don't know if this helps.
Dec 18th, 2007, 07:25 AM
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Hi HSV- this is helpful. I had originally reserved at, literally, 5 different hotels because none seemed exactly what I was looking for, based on the feedback (Louisa- too "cold", Savoy- too "tired" and cigar stinky, Adlon- booked and a bit over the top...) so, in the end, we're choosing what we are at least somewhat familiar with. And what's not booked! Which is your favorite?
Dec 18th, 2007, 07:50 AM
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I have stayed at both hotels a couple of times (usually when I was invited to a conference).
The Schweizerhof is by far the more modern hotel: brilliant design in public areas, rooms, pool area.
The Interconti has the faded charme of the 1960ies - despite renovation. The renovated rooms are an odd mixture of American historical style (with false columns) and the modernist 1960ies style. The pool looks dated too.
Both hotels are popular for conferences, but IMO, in the Interconti, the conferences are somewhat more irritating. The Interconti is also a very popular, ahem, love nest - you know those kind of couples where the man is as old as the girl's father. You meet this type of people especially in the bar and in the pool area.
I personally feel much better in the Schweizerhof.
There are only two reasons that speak for the Interconti:
1) It has one of Berlin's best gourmet restaurants.
2) The Marlene bar has a lively atmosphere after midnight.
But since the Interconti is only steps away from the Schweizerhof you can easily cross the street. No reason to stay there.
The Schweizerhof is by far the more modern hotel: brilliant design in public areas, rooms, pool area.
The Interconti has the faded charme of the 1960ies - despite renovation. The renovated rooms are an odd mixture of American historical style (with false columns) and the modernist 1960ies style. The pool looks dated too.
Both hotels are popular for conferences, but IMO, in the Interconti, the conferences are somewhat more irritating. The Interconti is also a very popular, ahem, love nest - you know those kind of couples where the man is as old as the girl's father. You meet this type of people especially in the bar and in the pool area.
I personally feel much better in the Schweizerhof.
There are only two reasons that speak for the Interconti:
1) It has one of Berlin's best gourmet restaurants.
2) The Marlene bar has a lively atmosphere after midnight.
But since the Interconti is only steps away from the Schweizerhof you can easily cross the street. No reason to stay there.
Dec 18th, 2007, 07:58 AM
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Thanks very much for this. I'm having an oddly difficult time finding the ideal place to stay- and because it's for an entire week, I tend to care more than had it been for, say, a long weekend. I'm also not a huge fan of the ultra-quirky-modern, which isn't ideal when looking into Berlin hotels.
Which is your favorite hotel of them all?
Which is your favorite hotel of them all?
Dec 18th, 2007, 08:12 AM
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Personally, I'd look at the Grand Hyatt or Rocco Forte's De Rome on 5-star level and the Radisson SAS or the Berlin Marriott at the 4-star level. Grand Hyatt and Marriott are on Potsdamer Platz, a slightly artificial, but vibrant square between West and East Berlin. A bit touristy a location, but interesting and good access to both city centers, plus only steps from Brandenburg Gate and the Memorial for murdered jews.
The Radisson SAS and the De Rome are in the center of East Berlin with Museum island and Gendarmenmarkt in walkable distance. Decor in all hotels is modern - except the Marriott (which is rather timeless, it's a new hotel, too).
The Radisson SAS and the De Rome are in the center of East Berlin with Museum island and Gendarmenmarkt in walkable distance. Decor in all hotels is modern - except the Marriott (which is rather timeless, it's a new hotel, too).
Dec 18th, 2007, 08:22 AM
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I copied this from another thread:
There is no shortage of 5 star hotels in Berlin. You have many options in terms of style and location.
Here is my personal list. I have stayed in many of the mentioned hotels. All of them are excellent in terms of rooms, service, food and drink. If you choose one of these hotels, it is mainly a matter of style.
If you prefer an American-style hotel, choose the Regent, Ritz-Carlton or Intercontinental.
If you prefer a European-style hotel, choose the Grand Hotel Esplanade, the Hyatt or one of the Sofitels.
If you prefer historical style, choose Schlosshotel, Brandenburger Hof or Adlon.
If you prefer ultra-contemporary desin, Hotel Q, Hyatt or Grand Hotel Esplanade will be the first choice.
If you want a glimpse of the Communist era, take the Westin Grand.
Here is my list:
Most people say, Berlin’s best hotel is the Schlosshotel Grunewald. Karl Lagerfeld designed the rooms, regardless of cost, and this says it all. Mick Jaggers stays here when he is in town. It is located in Berlin’s poshest neighbourhood, somewhat away from the city center. But those who can afford to stay here do not spare a thought about taxi fare.
http://www.schlosshotelberlin.com
The place where celebrities stay is hotel Q. Currently Berlin’s most stylish hotel. Bathtub right at the bed. Sexy atmosphere. In a sidestreet off Ku’damm, centrally located in the heart of West Berlin.
http://www.loock-hotels.com/
Berlin’s newest luxury hotel is the Hotel de Rome, operated by Rocco Forte. Expect the typical Rocco Forte style. Located in the middle of the historical center, near Unter den Linden/Gendarmenmarkt.
http://www.hotelderome.com/
The Adlon is Berlin’s most opulent hotel. Historical style, impeccable service. The suites are a dream in black, beige and red granite. Located across Brandenburger Tor, very central.
http://www.hotel-adlon.de
The Grand Hotel Esplanade is THE alternative to plushy historical style. Ultra-contemporary. Recently renovated. A designer’s dream. In the house is one of Berlin’s hippest bars. (My personal favourite)
http://www.esplanade.de/
The Hyatt is modern, stylish, trendy. Located at Potsdamer Platz, surrounded by high-rise office buildings.
http://www.berlin.grand.hyatt.com
The Brandenburger Hof is a boutique hotel in classic style. It is THE favourite among business travellers. Located in the heart of West Berlin.
http://www.brandenburger-hof.com/
The Regent is in typical historical, plushy style. Very American. Located at Gendarmenmarkt.
http://www.theregentberlin.de/
The Sofitel Berlin Schweizerhof (the name will change to Pullman) is a contemporary, bright modern hotel. Located in West-Berlin, near the Zool
http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhote...he_hotel.shtml
The Sofitel Berlin Gendarmenmarkt also displays the typical, modern Dorint style. Located at Gendarmenmarkt.
http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhote...he_hotel.shtml
The Ritz Carlton is another hotel in plushy, historical style. Located at Potsdamer Platz, surrounded by high-rise office buildings.
http://www.ritzcarlton.com
The Westin Grand (the former Grand Hotel) was the pride of Communist GDR. It was built to impress western guests. Still has a special atmosphere. Located on Friedrichstraße, near Unter den Linden.
http://www.westin-grand.com
For many decades, the Kempinski was Berlin’s leading hotel, before the Adlon became the flagship of the Kempinski group. Still a 5-star luxury hotel, but lacks the special atmosphere. Located in the middle of the Ku’damm.
http://www.kempinski-berlin.de/
The Intercontinental is the place where the U.S. presidents stay, when they are in Berlin – but primarily because it is CIA-approved. Somewhat dated charme from the 1960ies. Located in West Berlin, close to the Zoo.
http://www.berlin.intercontinental.com/
There are more five star hotels in Berlin. But these would not be my choice.
Given you preferences, you may like the Brandenburger Hof. It also has one of Berlin's finest restaurants, the Quadriga.
There is no shortage of 5 star hotels in Berlin. You have many options in terms of style and location.
Here is my personal list. I have stayed in many of the mentioned hotels. All of them are excellent in terms of rooms, service, food and drink. If you choose one of these hotels, it is mainly a matter of style.
If you prefer an American-style hotel, choose the Regent, Ritz-Carlton or Intercontinental.
If you prefer a European-style hotel, choose the Grand Hotel Esplanade, the Hyatt or one of the Sofitels.
If you prefer historical style, choose Schlosshotel, Brandenburger Hof or Adlon.
If you prefer ultra-contemporary desin, Hotel Q, Hyatt or Grand Hotel Esplanade will be the first choice.
If you want a glimpse of the Communist era, take the Westin Grand.
Here is my list:
Most people say, Berlin’s best hotel is the Schlosshotel Grunewald. Karl Lagerfeld designed the rooms, regardless of cost, and this says it all. Mick Jaggers stays here when he is in town. It is located in Berlin’s poshest neighbourhood, somewhat away from the city center. But those who can afford to stay here do not spare a thought about taxi fare.
http://www.schlosshotelberlin.com
The place where celebrities stay is hotel Q. Currently Berlin’s most stylish hotel. Bathtub right at the bed. Sexy atmosphere. In a sidestreet off Ku’damm, centrally located in the heart of West Berlin.
http://www.loock-hotels.com/
Berlin’s newest luxury hotel is the Hotel de Rome, operated by Rocco Forte. Expect the typical Rocco Forte style. Located in the middle of the historical center, near Unter den Linden/Gendarmenmarkt.
http://www.hotelderome.com/
The Adlon is Berlin’s most opulent hotel. Historical style, impeccable service. The suites are a dream in black, beige and red granite. Located across Brandenburger Tor, very central.
http://www.hotel-adlon.de
The Grand Hotel Esplanade is THE alternative to plushy historical style. Ultra-contemporary. Recently renovated. A designer’s dream. In the house is one of Berlin’s hippest bars. (My personal favourite)
http://www.esplanade.de/
The Hyatt is modern, stylish, trendy. Located at Potsdamer Platz, surrounded by high-rise office buildings.
http://www.berlin.grand.hyatt.com
The Brandenburger Hof is a boutique hotel in classic style. It is THE favourite among business travellers. Located in the heart of West Berlin.
http://www.brandenburger-hof.com/
The Regent is in typical historical, plushy style. Very American. Located at Gendarmenmarkt.
http://www.theregentberlin.de/
The Sofitel Berlin Schweizerhof (the name will change to Pullman) is a contemporary, bright modern hotel. Located in West-Berlin, near the Zool
http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhote...he_hotel.shtml
The Sofitel Berlin Gendarmenmarkt also displays the typical, modern Dorint style. Located at Gendarmenmarkt.
http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhote...he_hotel.shtml
The Ritz Carlton is another hotel in plushy, historical style. Located at Potsdamer Platz, surrounded by high-rise office buildings.
http://www.ritzcarlton.com
The Westin Grand (the former Grand Hotel) was the pride of Communist GDR. It was built to impress western guests. Still has a special atmosphere. Located on Friedrichstraße, near Unter den Linden.
http://www.westin-grand.com
For many decades, the Kempinski was Berlin’s leading hotel, before the Adlon became the flagship of the Kempinski group. Still a 5-star luxury hotel, but lacks the special atmosphere. Located in the middle of the Ku’damm.
http://www.kempinski-berlin.de/
The Intercontinental is the place where the U.S. presidents stay, when they are in Berlin – but primarily because it is CIA-approved. Somewhat dated charme from the 1960ies. Located in West Berlin, close to the Zoo.
http://www.berlin.intercontinental.com/
There are more five star hotels in Berlin. But these would not be my choice.
Given you preferences, you may like the Brandenburger Hof. It also has one of Berlin's finest restaurants, the Quadriga.
Dec 18th, 2007, 06:52 PM
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I certainly don't have the experience of some of the others on this thread, but my husband and I stayed at the Sofitel Gendarmenmarkt for a week in September and couldn't have liked the hotel more. The location in East Berlin is terrific: quiet but centrally located, very convenient to transportation and just a block or so off of Unter den Linden. I far prefer this section of town to Potsdamer Platz or Ku'Damm. There were lots of restaurants within walking distance, and some nice shopping around the corner (Galleries Lafayette, etc.) The staff at the Softiel were really helpful.
Dec 18th, 2007, 11:26 PM
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Agree with noe on Gendarmenmarkt location, which is realy nice. Don't have experience with the Sofitel there other than dining at its Aigner restaurant (which offers great Austrian food). The closest hotel I suggested would be the Rocco Forte De Rome, which is approx. 200 yards around the corner.
