Hotel Bristol in the German capital has been an icon since opening back in 1952. Occupying one of the most prestigious addresses in the city, bang on the famous Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard in the snazzy Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district, Hotel Bristol has seen its share of the great and the good passing through its doors over the course of its illustrious history. The city’s first postwar luxury hotel, the Bristol, attracted well-heeled guests from actors and artists to politicians, including Sophia Loren, Cary Grant, and Ava Gardner, to US Presidents John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.
The hotel is an imposing property occupying a striking semi-circular building with a listed 11-storey tower. With 245 rooms and 58 suites, the hotel matches grandeur and opulence with first-class service. It is a destination preferred for business or pleasure. The splendid location provides great access to the rest of the city. The Uhlandstraße U-bahn station is on your doorstep. Nearby attractions within walking distance include the famed Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, pretty Savigny Square, the Kaufhaus des Westens KaDeWe luxury department store, and Berlin’s famous zoo and aquarium. Kurfürstendamm itself has a plethora of shops and designer boutiques. Tiergarten park with its legendary Siegessäule monument, the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and Potsdamer Platz are a short ride away on Berlin’s efficient public transport.
A Touch of Class
The vast lobby of Hotel Bristol is accessed from the main street. The 24-hour reception is next to a lounge area. On the opposite side is the cosy Bristol Bar. The design is suitably grand with golden pillars, jade marble floors, and an impressive collection of artworks. Check-in was swift and typically Teutonically efficient. An elevator took us up to the third floor and down a long, brightly lit corridor to our room. The room was in the classic traditional style with uncomplicated art deco touches. Large double windows opened onto the quiet side street below. The large king-size bed was very comfortable and even featured a selection of pillows. The bathroom had a powerful rain shower, bathtub, and vanity wash area. A Minibar, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a 55-inch flat-screen TV came as standard. All rooms are air conditioned, which was a relief on the hot summer afternoon we arrived. Rooms come with blackout curtains and are soundproofed. The suites come in seven different categories and a range of styles from traditional with rich fabrics and brass accessories to a contemporary palette of dark mahogany.
The Bristol Bar
The Bristol Bar at the Hotel Bristol Berlin is a traditional bar that regularly tops the ranking as one of the best cocktail bars in Berlin. The wizened, knowledgeable staff can take you through the 200 cocktail menu list while you relax in the sumptuous old school surroundings – Wood panelling, leather armchairs, and a fireplace. Two large oil paintings of the original owners, the Kempinski family, look down upon you. Some nights there is live music, and there is even a small dance floor under the chandeliers. The extensive breakfast is served in the Brasserie overlooking Kurfürstendamm. The generous buffet-style continental breakfast features fresh meat and fish, cold cuts, traditional German wurst, breads, and pastries. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. The service is very friendly, and the staff will attend to any dietary requests you might have.
Unwinding in the city
After a day exploring Berlin in the hot weather, the spa at the Bristol was a real treat. The wellness floor is designed in a classical Greek style and boasts a heated 59-foot pool, sauna, infrared cabin, and steam room with a cold water plunge pool. The Hotel Bristol offers Limousine services as well as the possibility of bike hire for those wishing to explore the exclusive local neighbourhood.
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Rooms start from $192pn and are bookable via the hotel’s website. Breakfast included.
Address: Kurfürstendamm 27, 10719 Berlin, Germany
Telephone: 0049 30 884 340
Email: reservations@bristolberlin.com
Website: www.bristolberlin.com
