We review Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, a landmark hotel that sparkles at every turn, right down to its gold-dusted currywurst
This Brandenburg Gate hotel is much more than just a prestigious address.
With the Kempinski brand founded in Germany, it makes sense that the most illustrious of its properties sits proudly within the nation’s capital. Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is the premier example of the hotelier at present. A landmark building dating back to 1907, it boasts history and a prestigious address, with up-to-date accommodation options, sought-after restaurants, and an alluring wellness facility. Does Adlon dazzle beyond the views it is blessed with? We checked in to find out.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin review
The location
Let’s not beat around the bratwurst—this place is all about the address. You’re right in front of the Brandenburg Gate, the Big Ben of Berlin. Everything worth seeing is a few steps away, and as for the rest, there are bicycles, of which the hotel has available to lend, plus an efficient public transit system.
Rooms and suites
385 up-to-date rooms and suites are elegantly outfitted with deep wood panels and soft blush hues that blend and soothe together in matrimony. Our suite had that opulent old-world charm you’d seek in a historic enclave such as this, but with amenities that facilitate modern business and pleasure. Think Chromecast TVs, docking stations with USB ports, Nespresso machines, and of course Wi-Fi that’s free and actually fast.
Some options face the sights, some the inner courtyard. Our views were of the striking Brandenburg Gate, a guaranteed pivot from screen to window, and best accompanied by the chocolate miniature welcome amenity.
The sultry cherry-wood meets marble bathroom included both a shower and bathtub, with Salvatore Ferragamo products. The shower gel foamed wonderfully, but guests may also select from a range of fragrant bath salts. Kempinski’s signature slippers in black and bespoke robes were positioned at turndown for post-bath relaxation.
Food and drink
We absolutely loved Brasserie Quarré, a ground-level hotel outlet serving French and German classics, including a tender yet crispy Viennese escalope. Though we visited in the winter, we were able to get a window-side table in full view of Brandenburg Gate. In summer, you can get even closer with a seat on the terrace, literally part of the Platz.
Breakfast was served at Bel Etage on floor one, buffet style, and included eggs cooked as per request. The selection is wide and varied, with a pancake and waffle station, juice corner, and a Champagne and caviar spread. We were surprised to find ripe and delicious exotic fruit by the yoghurts too. For those on the go, a sweet treat is ready in a bag at the breakfast entrance.
If you’re arriving late and want a quick bite, don’t shy away from the Lobby Lounge & Bar, where our favourite Berlin treat can be found. The ADLON Currywurst. This one mixes the curry powder with the ketchup together for a more even flavour distribution and garnishes with a dust of gold leaf. It’s served with chips and milk bread and is the best quick bite we’ve ever had.
For the ultimate date night, book way in advance for Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer. We didn’t make it in there, though our review isn’t needed when a double helping of Michelin stars can sing its praises. Chef Reto Brändli presents surprising and modern aroma cuisine in front of the Brandenburg Gate at this fine-dine situation.
The gym and spa
The Adlon Spa by Resense first welcomes guests with a fireplace and illuminated walls made of Alabaster, before their appointed beauty treatments, massages and therapeutic programmes. The facility is huge and spread across three floors. We only used the fitness centre and pool in the basement, but it was expansive, including saunas and a steam room by the changing room area. Note that in Germany nudity is standard for mixed gender areas. Robes, towels and slippers are of course provided.
Things to do
Our flight got in early at 10am so we headed to West Berlin before check-in opened. Our German pal recommended hanging out in Charlottenburg, a busy entertainment district akin to Soho.
Since we had Dis-Loyalty membership, we found our bearings at The Hoxton’s Wintergarden, a chic space to chill that also poured an incredible Reisling…and it was just seven euros! We grabbed a naan wrap from House of Tandoor and explored the area (nearby was the grand Charlottenburg Palace and Berlin Zoo, the oldest in Germany).
The Berlin WelcomeCard is worth getting if you’re visiting a few neighbourhoods, as it provides all transport, including to and from the airport, for a bargain price. There are a few different options on the website. We spent too much time at the places we visited and sadly didn’t fully utilise our card.
On the next full day, we had a late start and walked to a few attractions close by the hotel, then capped the afternoon off with a four-hour Fork&Walk tour to discover even more German delights, of which, many were unexpectedly international thanks to the city’s global influence. It ended with, you guessed it, a currywurst. How did it compare to Kempinski’s version? It’s hard to say, but let’s just say we’ve got a lotta sausage on the brain right now and we’ve acquired a taste for gold powder.
Find out more about Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
But wait, there’s more…
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- Find out more about Jean Michel Gathy, the creative behind the Four Seasons and Aman hotels.
