Hotel am Steinplatz - a legendary Hotel in Berlin
Hotel am Steinplatz - Comeback for one of the most impressive design hotels with a lot of history and in an excellent location in West Berlin
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HOTEL AM STEINPLATZ - A LEGENDARY HOTEL IN BERLIN
The hotel landscape in Berlin has substantially gained ground over the past few years. It is quite remarkable that you can still overnight in Germany´s National Capital at very reasonable rates, even in unique 5-star hotels. When searching for an appropriate accommodation during a short business trip, I often noticed the Hotel am Steinplatz, a member of the so-called „Autograph Collection“, with excellent evaluations in most of the popular portals. So I booked my Friday night for just 136 EUR (without breakfast though) and traveled to Berlin with high expectations. I anticipated that I would not be at all disappointed.
A Glimpse of the roaring 20s
An art-nouveau building dating back to 1907 (according to the hotel website the most beautiful in all of Berlin) and almost right in the center of West Berlin. You just walk 15 minutes to the world-famous Kurfürstendamm with all its elegant shops. The Hotel am Steinplatz is full of history. Oh boy, I can just imagine the ambiance in the roaring 20s when Berlin was kind of the center of the universe. Even in the 50s and 60s, many celebrities loved this hotel and its bar in particular – Brigitte Bardot, German actress Romy Schneider, the French latin lover Alain Delon, and opera singer Luciano Pavarotti, just to name a few. The gorgeous building designed by architect August Endell (he also built the famous „Hackesche Höfe“ in East Berlin) was then vacant for quite a while before a pretty rich Asian guy invested millions and millions. It was worthwhile – the Hotel am Steinplatz re-opened in 2013 and is definitely one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Berlin.
Time for a late Lunch
Modern ambiance, combined with the enchanting style of the 20s – simply a perfect combination. You can admire photographs of Berlins heyday all over the place. I was welcomed by the very friendly staff in the small reception area from where you walk right to the cozy lobby with interesting art and design coffee table books. The green courtyard is definitely another highlight of the Hotel am Steinplatz, where you can have lunch almost „al fresco“ even in the chilly winter months. It is a bit late for my lunch, so I have to select from the limited bar menu. Hmmm – not too many choices for an „ovo-lacto-pesco vegetarian“ (someone who does not eat meat but fish and dairy products). The only option are three different kinds of French fries with a variety of dips. So I dont have a choice but still no regrets, they are delicious. I had longed for a more healthy lunch but the good thing is that I will not be hungry until the evening. The waiter makes up for the rather long waiting time with a friendly service and the invitation for a delicious espresso. Maybe he has seen my grumpy face when I was waiting for him? Anyways, all good.
My room (one of just 87 on five floors) meets the high and elegant standards of the Hotel am Steinplatz. Art Deco in perfect combination with modern amenities such as a flat screen and WiFi (free of charge, of course). Hooray, I even have an iron which is not necessarily standard in German hotels. Great to prepare my slightly crinkled suit for the evening function. I also love the rain shower and the heated floor in the bathroom. After all, it`s February and pretty chilly in good old Berlin. And what a lovely chandelier in my room – it looks like amazing chandeliers are a specialty of the Hotel am Steinplatz. And – I got a wonderful sleep despite the rather heavy traffic outside.
Eat, drink, enjoy...
The award-winning bar is another highlight of the Hotel am Steinplatz, and so is the restaurant. Too bad I could check out the eating place just for breakfast. A very chic ambiance with an interesting illumination, friendly staff, and a pretty decent breakfast buffet. As often, I get stuck over a few coffees and healthy breakfast goodies such as smoothies. After all, I have to make up for my French fries „sin“ the day before, or not?
Gym? Next Time.
Too bad I do not have time for the spa and the gym. However, I just take a quick look at both. Overlooking Berlin on two floors, with a Finnish and an organic sauna and a little fitness room with modern Technogym equipment. It does not happen too often that I do not go for a workout in a hotel but this time my schedule is simply too tight. Solution? I need to come back to the Hotel am Steinplatz in the summer which is a fantastic time for Berlin.
My summary: the Hotel am Steinplatz has definitely made it to the list of my favorite city hotels. And that means a lot!
You will find my personal tips for Berlin in this article.
Note: All photos not marked with "KHL" were kindly provided by the hotel management.