Fodor's Expert Review Patrick Hellmann Schlosshotel

In the beautiful, verdant setting of residential Grunewald, this small but palatial hotel set in a baroque mansion oozes luxury, with opulent décor and a first-class bar. The interior was designed by Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld, whose personal suite is available to guests if the master himself is not in town. Service is amazingly personal but never intrusive. The decadent spa area features a large indoor pool with garden views, a Jacuzzi, sauna, hammam and multiple treatment rooms, as well as a full salon.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Arrange for a car, as the hotel's location is not convenient for seeing the central sights. The hotel has a Rolls Royce Ghost available to drive yourself or with a personal chauffeur.

room

Filled with sumptuous fabrics and bespoke furniture, the rooms are all jewels, from the lowest category (premium rooms) to the top-level suites. Some are dressed in cool grays or crisp white and black with modern furnishings; others have deep purple walls and rich woods. All rooms have air conditioning, flat screen TVs, a mini-bar and free Wi-Fi.

Worth the splurge, the Lagerfeld suite is a world of its own, with beautiful polished wood floors, plush art deco-style furnishings and a private balcony.

Photo: Ich bleib dann mal hier! ???? #Berlin #ichbinimhimmel #schlosshotel #schlosshotelimgrunewald #vacation #urlaub #monday #familytime #love #hotel #hotelroom #bestbed ???? / @sara_sure

bathroom

Depending on the room, the bathrooms may feature chic black-and-white tiling or beige marble and wood accents; some have combination tubs/showers, while others have soaking tubs and separate showers. Bulgari amenities are provided.

lobby

The lobby is a grand, flower-filled space with high ceilings, huge windows, multiple chandeliers, and an eye-catching wood-carved staircase.

dining

In this ornate space, replete with gilded wood-paneled walls, massive mirrors, and a huge chandelier, you can dine on sophisticated German cuisine for lunch or dinner. There is also a terrace in summer.

drinking

The GQ Bar (based on the men’s brand) is a decidedly masculine space, all black-and-white chevron patterned walls, sexy black-and-white photos and black leather and velvet pinstripe seating. Order a classic or signature cocktail, expertly prepared by leather-gloved bartenders, and settle in for a while in front of the roaring fireplace.