9 min readIt’s not every day you see two presidents. Unless you’re attending a political summit or work in politics, it’s a highly unusual occurrence for anybody. I do neither, yet during my stay at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, I saw two heads of state. I can’t think of a better way to sum up my experience at this stunning hotel.
Set on Pariser Platz, directly in front of the Brandenburg Gate, the Hotel Adlon is a Berlin landmark. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel is a regular at its Michelin-starred restaurant, while high-ranking officials and scores of celebrities have stayed within its walls. The hotel is known for its impeccable service, gourmet restaurants, beautiful suites—and, of course, its discretion. I was lucky enough to be invited for a three-night stay.
The Adlon has a long history, but today it pairs elegant interiors with modern, serene amenities and an impressive range of dining options, from casual meals to special-occasion fare. It’s a striking example of how history and modernity can come together without feeling forced. And its central location puts you right in the heart of a city shaped by both its past and its present.
Whether you’re already planning a vacation to Berlin or you’re looking for inspiration, I’ve detailed my entire trip below.
The Stylish Journey to My Hotel Stay
Because I live in New York, I thankfully have my fair share of airlines to choose from when going to Berlin, but Germany’s most popular leisure airline, Condor, was kind enough to fly me out in one of its newly refreshed business class seats. I’d never flown in one of their iconic striped planes before, and as a stripes lover, it truly pleased me that the plane was so aesthetically nice to look at.
Condor doesn’t offer direct flights from New York to Berlin, so the group I went with flew from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Frankfurt, Germany, then to Berlin. I will say, getting through Frankfurt’s customs line was pretty stressful as it was extremely long, but we made it to our connection with just about two minutes to spare!
That being said, the business class ride from the U.S. to Germany was totally worth the stress of the customs line. Not only did my trek start off with a sparkling glass of rosé, but I quickly learned that my seat could lie back all the way and turn into a bed, complete with a mattress pad. I’m one of those rare people who are actually a fan of airplane food, but this menu was wonderful, with fresh sushi, a rich pasta dish, and a filling bread selection. Especially being the very first time I’ve ever flown business class, this was a game-changer.
Once we landed in Berlin on the second Condor flight, which took only about 45 minutes, we headed to Hotel Adlon by car.
The Hotel’s History
Originally built in 1907, the Hotel Adlon has always held a place in the prestigious part of Berlin’s history. With the support of the emperor, Lorenz Adlon, a cobbler’s son, opened this luxurious boutique hotel on Pariser Platz, right next to Brandenburg Gate. It was one of the most modern hotels in the city at the time and quickly became the place to be for political figures, celebrities, and regular tourists who wanted a taste of luxury. It became known as Berlin’s “Little Switzerland” from 1933 on, but in 1945, after it had been used as a military hospital, a fire destroyed the entire building, save for one wing.
From the late 1940s to 1995, the hotel had been partially renovated, the facade repainted, the restaurant spaces inside became occupied again, even as the hotel sat on the East side of the Berlin Wall. In the 1970s, it even became a hostel. Just six years after the Berlin Wall fell, the Hotel Adlon started to be rebuilt, many of the decisions serving as an homage to the original interior and architecture, as that’s the only way the Adlon family would allow the Kempinski Group to use their name.
In 1997, the doors officially opened back up, the hotel having been completely refurbished and designed to meet the absolute highest standards in hospitality. Much of the design was inspired by the original opulent details, such as the grid-like ceiling in the lobby and the traditional furniture. The elephant fountain currently sitting as the centerpiece of the lobby was actually on display in the original hotel too, but in the garden. During the 1997 renovation, the team found it and restored it so that piece of history could welcome every guest inside.
It soon regained its popularity with celebrities, royalty, and politicians as well—you may even recognize it as the hotel where Michael Jackson held his nine-month-old baby, Bigi Jackson, over the balcony railing from his fourth-floor room in 2002.
Since that final big renovation, there have been other smaller additions and openings, like their Michelin-starred Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, a ballroom, more suites and rooms, the Adlon Spa by Resense, and the smoker lounge called the Elephant Bar, to name a few.
The Stunning Suites
Of the 307 total rooms and 78 suites, the hotel kindly put me in a second-floor suite (that used to be two rooms they ended up connecting) with a stunning view of the Brandenburg Gate.
I walked into my room and into the formal entryway with the wardrobes to my right, access to one of the two bathrooms to my left, and a beautiful airy primary suite in front of me. The king-size bed sat in the center of the room and was one of the comfiest mattresses I’ve slept on. Next to the bed was the other door to the bathroom by the entryway; inside was a great vanity that held all of my many skincare products, a large bathtub, and a separate shower. Perfect for two people.
In my bedroom, I had a mini fridge with some white wine and beer inside, as well as extra sparkling and still water bottles (I think I need seltzer water before bedtime every night now). Across from the bed were double doors that led into the sitting area with a writing desk overlooking Pariser Platz and the gate, a sofa and two accent chairs, and another mini bar and fridge available to me. There were four large windows overlooking the plaza, all of which I could open completely to people-watch in the evenings.
This room also held the other bathroom in my suite, complete with a personal sauna. While I personally hate feeling hot (see any of my pieces about cooling bedding for proof), I’m sure anyone who loves their sauna time would love to have this addition after a long day in chilly Berlin.
Apart from my own suite, I got to tour one of the presidential suites in the hotel. Upon entry into the area of one of these suites, there’s a private entryway with two mirrors that have cameras inside of them, allowing for even more security. Not that I’d ever need a room with this much security, I thought that was just the coolest thing and further shows just how high-profile the people are who stay at the hotel.
Anyone who books this royal suite also has access to a 24-hour butler, a complimentary mini bar, conjoining rooms, a grand piano, a sauna, and a little kitchenette. I was especially taken with the interiors, which felt rich and brightly traditional. This suite was recently redecorated—I especially love the choice to add the playful leopard-print armchairs in the sitting area, they’re so fun and modern without feeling out of place.
The Luxurious Amenities
In the basement, anyone who wants to get some exercise on their trip can visit the fitness center, which boasts modern equipment, an in-ground pool, saunas, and even a poolside bar where you can order healthy drinks and snacks. Because the area is in the basement, it feels extra private and warm—I hate going to a hotel pool that makes me feel exposed to everyone. Anyone who’s going to see you there is also down there for the same reasons.
There’s also a whole spa on the other end of the hotel, which is also open for non-guests to try out. The Adlon Spa by Resense offers exclusive beauty treatments, massages, and care programs with their expert, professional staff.
Once I entered the spa via the hotel, I was walked downstairs to the wellness area, a luxurious cavern-like space clad in sandy-colored stone. It’s absolutely breathtaking, I couldn’t believe I was beneath a hotel. There, I got a massage by one of their masseurs who didn’t ask what I needed but instead assessed how I was sitting and how my shoulders felt to determine where he was going to focus. As someone who doesn’t often get massages, it was really nice not having to explain what I needed or wanted because I honestly never know.
However, possibly the most impressive part of the spa experience is the private spa suite they offer, which I had access to after my massage. For an hour, I got to lounge by myself in a room with a private Jacuzzi, a steam shower, and a sauna, while snacking on fresh fruit and champagne. This amenity isn’t offered with every spa treatment, it’s an additional treat, but it was unlike any spa experience I’ve had in the past. I’ve never felt more royal.
Outside of the wellness amenities, across from the lobby is a smoking room, the Elephant Bar and Cigar Lounge. The cocktails here are more unusual than the classic options in the other dining areas, perfect pairings with the many cigars they offer (both Cuban and non-Cuban). It’s a more casual setting, but don’t think the interior isn’t just as luxe as the rest of the hotel. It’s dark and moody, inspired by the glamour of the 1920s, and you can spend your time there with a special cigar-rum-whisky tasting. I stepped inside a bit late one night, so the bar was unfortunately already closed, but the vibe was everything you’d want out of a cigar lounge.
The Top-Shelf Dining
As much as I adore the interiors, I think I was most impressed by the food. As a pescatarian, traveling to meat-centric places is always a bit hard, but I was never left hungry here.
Let’s start with the very best, though it’s hard to choose. The Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer is the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, and as a normal person, I can tell you it’s amazing. Chef Jonas Zörner combines fresh Asian flavors with French gourmet cuisine, resulting in a decadent menu. We had the six-course menu with a wine pairing, designed by sommelier Hans-Martin Konrad, who introduced me to one of my now favorite wines in the world, the 2023 Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett, which he paired with my lobster dish. Even if you aren’t staying in the Hotel Adlon, I highly recommend coming here for a nice meal before you leave.
Multiple nights we ate at the Brasserie Quarré, a timeless yet more approachable restaurant on the property, and I never got tired of it. The interior is elegant and traditional with a modern touch, making it an easy romantic destination or a more casual night out starter. We ate both inside and on the terrace looking out to the Brandenburg Gate—the outdoor seating was definitely a more laid-back vibe. They have a regular menu as well as seasonal specials so I chose off of both for the multiple meals, and I can confirm they all hold up. I recommend the truffle pasta and an extra dirty Hendricks martini.
At the heart of the hotel is the Lobby Lounge & Bar, which offers even more food and drinks to choose from. It’s ideal for a quiet tea or coffee while you take a rest and listen to the bubbling fountain, or for a hearty lunch with more casual and traditional German dishes with a twist, of course. It’s really there for anything you want or need. The first day, I had the prawn cocktail and a stellar oat milk latte, and on my last full day I had the veggie burger with fries, all while sitting under the beautiful vintage-inspired lights.
There’s also the Bel Etage, which sits on the European first floor (our second floor), and overlooks the lobby or takes place in the library, depending on where you sit. This is where breakfast is served, which they offer buffet style or allow you to order off a menu. Everything was fresh and tasty, still feeling luxurious even in this format. As a self-proclaimed coffee snob, I enjoyed my lattes, and I liked having the option of a healthier juice to start my day. Every Thursday to Sunday, this is also where the Adlon Afternoon Tea is held, which I did not do but think sounds so charming.
When I go on trips, I want to experience everything. The food scene, the bars, the historical sites, the boutiques—this quick trip to Berlin with the Hotel Adlon Kempinski hit all of my desires, giving me a taste of all I want. I’d go back in a second.
