With the Kempinski brand founded in Germany, it makes sense that the most illustrious of its properties sits proudly within the nation’s capital of Berlin. 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
Hotel snapshot
Hotel: Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
Address: Unter den Linden 77, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Neighbourhood: Mitte, beside Brandenburg Gate
Rooms: 385 rooms and suites
Brand: Kempinski Hotels
Year opened: 1907 (original hotel); reopened in 1997
Style: Historic grand-hotel glamour with classical European elegance
Family-friendly: Yes. Family accommodation and children’s amenities can be arranged.
Wellness: Adlon Spa by Resense, with treatments, sauna, steam room, fitness facilities and indoor swimming pool
Best for: Luxury city breaks, history lovers, couples, families, fine dining and first-time visitors
Prices starting from: €400 per night, depending on room and season.
The location
Brasserie Quarré’s terrace allows guests to really soak up Germany’s most famous image
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
Attend to business in your suite with inspiring views to draw from
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 Brandenburg Gate Deluxe 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 Royal Suite has hosted some of the most iconic names in world history
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
Champagne and caviar turn breakfast into an extra special occasion
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 the first 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 for a more even flavour distribution and garnishes it with a dusting of gold leaf. It’s served with chips and milk bread and is the best quick bite we’ve ever had.
The Lobby Lounge and Bar is centred around a replica of the hotel’s famous elephant fountain.
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-dining establishment.
The gym and spa
The newly refurbished wellness facility is a tranquil underground escape
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 Riesling… and it was just seven euros! We explored the area, and 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, many of which 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.
Getting there and around
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is around 30km from Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, with the journey taking around 45 minutes by taxi or private transfer.
Public transport is a convenient alternative. From the airport, take the FEX airport train to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main station), then change to the U5 underground line and travel to Brandenburger Tor, which is just outside the hotel.
Once you’re there, the hotel is exceptionally well placed for exploring Berlin on foot. Brandenburg Gate is around 100m away, Tiergarten is approximately 300m away, and the Reichstag is around 700m away. The Holocaust Memorial and the broad boulevard of Unter den Linden are also nearby, while Museum Island and Hackesche Höfe can be reached on foot or by public transport.
The Brandenburger Tor S-Bahn and U-Bahn station is directly outside the hotel, with U5 and several S-Bahn services connecting you to other parts of the city. Bus 100 is also nearby and is useful for sightseeing between central landmarks. Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available, but a hire car is unnecessary for most city breaks. If you do drive, the hotel has access to a paid parking garage on Behrenstraße.
Frequently asked questions: Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
The best neighbourhood depends on the kind of trip you’re planning. Mitte is the easiest choice for first-time visitors, with many major landmarks, museums and historic sites nearby. Charlottenburg is good for luxury hotels and shopping, Prenzlauer Berg for cafés and a more residential atmosphere, Kreuzberg for food and nightlife, and Friedrichshain for alternative culture and clubbing. Berlin is a large city with several distinct centres, so choosing a neighbourhood that suits your plans can save travel time.
Yes. Mitte is particularly convenient for a first visit because Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, Museum Island and several major memorials are within relatively easy reach. It offers a broad choice of hotels, restaurants and transport links.
Absolutely. The hotel is directly beside Brandenburg Gate, putting guests in the heart of historic Berlin. The Reichstag, Holocaust Memorial and Tiergarten are all nearby, and public transport is right outside the entrance. It’s an excellent choice if you want to explore the city’s best-known sights without lengthy journeys.
Parts of Berlin are very walkable, particularly Mitte and the historic centre around Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden and Museum Island. However, the city is spread across a large area, and you will generally need public transport to explore several neighbourhoods in one trip. Walking is best combined with the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses.
Three to four days is a good starting point for a first visit. This allows time for Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Berlin Wall memorial sites, Museum Island and a couple of different neighbourhoods. Five days or more gives you the opportunity to explore Berlin at a slower pace, visit more museums and discover the city’s food and nightlife scenes.
Spring and early autumn are generally excellent for sightseeing, with comfortable temperatures for walking and outdoor dining. Summer brings long days, outdoor events and busy beer gardens, while winter can be cold but appealing for Christmas markets and museums.
The final verdict
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin Lobby Lounge
At Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, the hotel is as much a destination as a place to sleep. Guests can unwind in the indoor pool and spa, enjoy afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge or book a table at Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer for a special-occasion meal. With its combination of history, service and central location, the Adlon is particularly well suited to travellers who want a luxurious base for exploring Berlin without compromising on atmosphere or convenience. And don’t forget to try the divine golden sausage. You’ll thank us later.
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