Photo courtesy Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
Updated Nov 11, 2023 / Commissions may be earned from our affiliate partner links
Intrigue, culture, and romance are just some of the words that come to mind when thinking of the historical capital city of Berlin. Located in Germany’s northeast, Berlin dwells on the European Plain and is traversed by the River Spree, which flows into the River Havel (a tributary of the River Elbe).
The public transportation network in Berlin is one of the best in Germany, connecting the subway, S-Bahn (high-speed train service), and buses. As you discover the alluring metropolis of Berlin you will quickly see why it is a cultural, fashion, and technology hub of Europe. Soak up its vibrancy as you enjoy world-renowned restaurants, theatre, and festivals, as well as outstanding accommodations including the top boutique hotels, luxurious spa hotels, and the top luxury hotels in Berlin.
Berlin could easily be called the ‘forest city’ as over one-third of the urban area consists of green space, woodlands, and water. Berlin’s second largest and most popular park, the Grober Tiergarten, is located right in the centre of the city. Many of the best places to stay in Berlin are within a short walk of this greenspace oasis.
With its temperate climate, Germany is a perfect destination from spring to autumn. Here are some of our favorite top luxury hotels in Berlin.
Top Luxury Hotels in Berlin
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
If you are a first-time visitor to Berlin, one of your first stops should include a stay at one of the most luxurious 5-star hotels in Berlin. Staying at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski is like walking through a living legend. Born in 1907, the hotel has survived the ups and downs of war and peace. Today this remarkable hotel exudes elegance, warmth, and style.
Ideally located in Pariser Platz Square, it is right next to the famous Brandenburg Gate, one of Berlin’s most popular landmarks. The hotel is a 55-minute taxi ride from the airport and easily accessible by train, bus, subway, or car. When you see the wine-red canopy at its entrance, you’ll know you are home. Upon arrival, pause to enjoy the heart of Hotel Adlon Kempinski, the Lobby Lounge & Bar. After months of refurbishment and renovations, it dazzles with an architecturally streamlined design, comfy furnishings, and beautiful lighting.
Boasting 385 rooms including 78 suites, the accommodations radiate opulence in every detail. Whether your view is of the courtyard or the vibrant street below you are treated to lavish linens, king-size beds or twins, high-speed internet, entertainment center, Nespresso machine, free Wi-Fi, bathtubs, and showers.
Treat yourself to an extravagant visit to the Adlon Spa, complete with a fitness centre and pool. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, you will not be disappointed with your experience at Berlin’s ‘Little Switzerland,’ as it was once known. The feeling still applies today.
The Kempinski White Glove Service shines at three on-site restaurants:
- Restaurant Quarré Team, where guests can enjoy a healthy bistro lunch or romantic dinner for two; in the summertime the spacious terrace has a unique view of the Brandenburg Gate.
- Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer – This award-winning upscale restaurant offers the finest European cuisine, sure to exceed your expectations.
- Sra Bua Restaurant, where you can take a culinary journey of the senses at this Asian-inspired eatery.
LuxuryBerlin Recommends: For further details, please visit Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin.
Hotel Bristol Berlin
This legendary hotel is located on the exact site of the former Kempinski Restaurant & Delicatessen built in 1918. The infamous address of Kurfürstendamm 27 is now the home of the Hotel Bristol Berlin, built in 1952 by the grandson of Beoholdt Kempinski.
The name Kempinski is synonymous with Germany’s architecture and fascinating storied past, and the Hotel Bristol is one of the top luxury hotels in Berlin. For almost 75 years, the Hotel Bristol Berlin has welcomed presidents and entertainment stars between the lobby’s golden pillars. Today, you can unwind in one of the charming 55 suites and 246 rooms, all furnished in timeless elegance. There is also an underground parking garage nearby.
Located in the suburb of Charlottenburg in central west Berlin, the Hotel Bristol is close to the flagship shops of luxury labels, small boutiques, and the lively café and restaurant scene. Nearby attractions include the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Savigny Square, Theater des Westens, the BIKINI Berlin concept mall and The Story of Berlin interactive museum. There are lots of fun things to do in Berlin, and attractions for families include the nearby zoo and aquarium-and Tiergarten Park is just a 10-minute walk.
Relax and submit to the luxurious light-flooded guest rooms complete with marble bathroom floors, gorgeous linens on king or twin beds, free Wi-Fi, a 46-inch flat-screen TV, a safe, and more. You will undoubtedly feel like royalty as the staff’s philosophy is ‘the guest is our king.’
Other luxe amenities include the sauna, infrared steam room, and cold-water plunge pool. Enjoy the famous Crepes Suzette flambeed at your table at the well-loved Bristol Grill, which serves traditional German/French cuisine with a modern flare. With over 1000 square meters of meeting space and 10 flexible rooms, business or family affairs can be accommodated. Your wish is their command.
LuxuryBerlin Recommends: For further details, please visit Hotel Bristol Berlin.
Hotel Palace Berlin
Also known as the City Palace, the Hotel Palace Berlin is located opposite the Berlin Zoo, just a 4-minute walk from the Gedächtniskirche Church, and near the Kurfürstendamm shopping district. Zoologischer Garten Train Station is a 5-minute walk and provides direct connections to Schönefeld Airport and Tegel Airport.
This 5-star hotel is one of the top luxury hotels in Berlin and is like a mini-city within the city. Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at Bon Dia and later satiate the meat-lover in you by enjoying a succulent entre at Beef 45. If you love gin, go no further-as the on-site House of Gin bar offers more than 150 varieties. It’s easy to leave a busy day behind by relaxing in the Lobby Lounge café and bar – you’ve got special options including afternoon tea and free coffees.
All soundproofed rooms at the Hotel Palace Berlin feature classic modern décor and free Wi-Fi. Create your personal comfort level with individualized heating and cooling systems, mini-bar, safe, tea and coffee, dressing area, terrace, clothes dryer, and rollaway beds.
The wellness centre includes an indoor pool, spa, fitness room, massage services, and personal trainers. With onsite parking and an airport shuttle, this top luxury Berlin hotel will not disappoint.
LuxuryBerlin Recommends: For further details, please visit Hotel Palace Berlin.
Pullman Berlin Schweizerhof Hotel
Sleek, modern, dazzling, and elegant, the Pullman Berlin Schweizerhof is at the top of the list of luxury hotels in Berlin. Located near the Berlin Zoo, guests are welcomed in the lobby with a larger-than-life giraffe motif. The central location near Kaufhaus des Westens department store, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, and Potsdamer Platz, is an ideal starting point for an exploratory tour of Berlin.
Whether your visit is for business or leisure, the modern Bauhaus design of the hotel will meet your every need. With over 377 rooms and suites, plus corporate meeting rooms, a fitness center, spa, and a heated indoor pool–there’s something for everyone.
A luxury hotel is not complete without an exemplary dining experience. At the Pullman Berlin Schweizerhof, find delicious culinary creations at Blend Berlin Kitchen and Bar, which draws inspiration from the international ethnic mix, creating urban and modern entrees with an edgy twist.
The beautiful rooms and suites have all the amenities that you have come to expect from one of the best hotels in Berlin, including Wi-Fi and free internet. There is also a car park and airport shuttle.
LuxuryBerlin Recommends: For further details, please visit Pullman Berlin Schweizerhof.
InterContinental Berlin
The upscale InterContinental Berlin hotel sits next to leafy Tiergarten Park, is a pleasant walk from the iconic Brandenburg Gate, and is one of the top luxury hotels in Berlin.
This impressive property offers generously sized, flexible event spaces ranging from intimate rooms to Berlin’s largest pillar-free ballroom, and a convention floor with seven areas. The stunning steel-and-glass pavilion will dazzle you. At the end of your busy day it’s nice to look forward to unwinding in your room or suite. Smooth and sleek furnishings and sumptuous linens will feed your soul in ultimate comfort.
To further soothe your body, mind, and spirit, consider a dip in the inviting indoor swimming pool or book a treatment at Spa International.
This refined, luxurious hotel in Berlin is replete with three eateries to satisfy every dietary preference:
- The Marlene Bar and Restaurant is reminiscent of the glamourous era of the 1930’s when German-born Marlene Dietrich performed on stage. Enjoy local fare while relaxing to local musicians playing in the background.
- A. Café – start your day with a bountiful breakfast made with the freshest eggs and ingredients; this casual cafeteria-style dining experience, with live food stations, is sure to satiate.
- Hugo’s Restaurant – this Michelin star restaurant offers fabulous fare in cozy surroundings. You also have the opportunity to book a private dining experience.
LuxuryBerlin Recommends: For further details, please visit InterContinental Berlin.
Sheraton Berlin Grand Hotel Esplanade
The first Sheraton in Berlin, the Grand Hotel Esplanade is an urban oasis of sleek design and intuitive service in the heart of the city’s cultural district. This popular Berlin hotel is just steps from world-class art museums, music, theatre, and shopping at Kurfuerstendamm and the famous shopping center Kaufhaus des Westens.
Situated close to the Tiergarten, the Grand Hotel Esplanade is one of the top luxury hotels in Berlin and is a perfect base for those participating in the Berlin Marathon. The property is easily accessible by public transportation or car.
Luxuriate at one of Berlin’s best luxury hotels in an ambiance that manages to soothe and energize. Intelligent style meets cool comfort in the chic guest rooms and suites, many with complimentary Internet, Wi-Fi, international cable/satellite, mini-refrigerator, coffee and tea service, bath robes and slippers, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open.
Check out the Sauna Suites, which include your own saunas and whirl tubs for private relaxation or the Grand Suites, which boast private patios with panoramic views of the city and extraordinary marble baths and saunas.
LuxuryBerlin Recommends: For further details, please visit Sheraton Berlin Grand Hotel Esplanade.
Hotel Zoo Berlin
This elegant hotel is renowned as one of the top luxury hotels in Berlin. The Hotel Zoo Berlin enjoys a prime location on Berlin’s famous Kurfürstendamm shopping street and popular nearby attractions include Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and the Berlin Zoo. The Berlin Tegel Airport is a 20-minute car ride away and shuttle service is available.
Built in 1891 as a private residence, the building was converted into an upscale hotel in 1911. It was a popular retreat for famous film stars and cultural icons, and between the 1950s and 1970s, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, Hildegard Knef and Romy Schneider all stayed at the hotel. The carefully renovated guest rooms and suites have a luxurious feel and are decorated with rich fabrics and exotic details from around the world. It seems that every room has a unique feature, whether it is an open plan bathroom, a free-standing bathtub, antique furniture, or a private balcony.
Amenities include custom-made walnut closets, plush mother-of-pearl coloured headboards, and large armchairs resting on dark wooden heated floors, along with the standard comforts and conveniences you have come to expect from a top luxury Berlin hotel. The rooftop provides a bar and a lounge area accommodating up to 100 guests, and you can unwind from your busy day by enjoying a beverage on the terrace. The stunning 270-degree panorama of the Berlin cityscape allows for spectacular sunset views.
LuxuryBerlin Recommends: For further details, please visit Hotel Zoo Berlin.
Regent Berlin
The Regent Berlin embodies the epitome of timeless refinement and impeccable service and is one of the best places to stay in Berlin. Set in the heart of Berlin’s Mitte district, this elegant property overlooks Gendarmenmarkt Square and is just 0.6 miles from Brandenburg Gate.
Dazzling is the only word to describe the magnificent ambience of the Regent’s décor: marble floors and walls, sparkling crystal chandeliers, and gilded mirrors all contribute to its opulence. Many choose the Regent Berlin as their venue of choice when celebrating a soiree of importance, and guests will create lasting memories in one of the sophisticated salons.
Close your guest room door on the world as you savour true relaxation. Warm colours meld with the classic furniture to create a regal hide-a-way, where luxury and comfort are in equal measure. Sink into the sumptuous linens and fluffy pillows, tiptoe onto the marble-clad bathroom floors, or step outside to a private French balcony. Fortunate guests may hear the vibrato of violins filling the air from a nearby concert hall.
LuxuryBerlin Recommends: For further details, please visit Regent Berlin.
The Westin Grand Berlin
Your senses will come alive at the Westin Grand Berlin, one of the best hotels Berlin has to offer. The Westin Grand Berlin is located on the corner of Friedrichstrasse/Unter den Linden and is close to the central train station, airports, and all other means of public transportation. The Westin Grand has established itself as the go-to venue for memorable weddings or corporate events. The impressive lobby, with its high atrium and grand staircase, creates a wonderful ambiance for guests and attendees.
Let this famous hotel be your Berlin sanctuary, starting with the inimitable Westin Heavenly Bed – their promise of luxury. Other amenities include sleek and sensuous décor, rooms facing either the hotel garden or the vibrant city, Wi-Fi and high-speed internet, coffee and tea making service, and a gleaming bathroom with fluffy bathrobes and slippers.
Enjoy an invigorating workout in the state-of-the-art gym and sauna. Then head over to the Gezer Spa and put your well-being in the hands of wellness experts. Choose from Ayurvedic treatments, body scrubs, facials, massages, and men’s services.
LuxuryBerlin Recommends: For further details, please visit the Westin Grand Berlin.
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Contributor Sue Kelly is intrigued by the road less travelled, especially when the destination is somewhere luxurious. She’s also a radio host, wellness educator, and author of Still Sexy After Sixty (www.stillsexyafter60.com)
