The Adlon Kempinski is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most exquisite and significant hotels. Sven and I had the great pleasure of visiting the Adlon for two nights, and I can not imagine experiencing Berlin in a more unforgettable way. Waking up at the Adlon, a glimmering view of the Brandenburg Gate just outside our window, felt like waking up in the midst of history itself.
“The Adlon belongs to Berlin, just like the Brandenburg Gate next to it.”
— Guide Michelin, 2014
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Hotel Adlon Kempinski – Unter den Linden 77
Standing at the edge of Pariser Platz, and just a stones-throw-away from the Brandenburg Gate, Tiergarten, and the Reichstag building, the Hotel Adlon is at the heart of Berlin. While many regard Berlin as a city with no true center, it’s impossible to deny the relevance of these city landmarks which have been at the epicenter of Berlin’s vibrant and tumultuous history. Since first opening it’s doors in the early 1900’s, the Adlon quickly became renown as ‘one of the most beautiful hotels in the world’ – a place where Europe’s high-society went to meet and be seen. Today, the hotel welcomes guests travelling from all parts of the world, who share an appreciation for quality hospitality and historic grandeur.
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The History of The Adlon
The Hotel Adlon was brought to life in 1907 by Lorenz Adlon, a gentleman of Berlin who had the vision of opening the most opulent hotel the world had ever known. The hotel was fast to become an internationally recognized institution of Berlin and the most fashionable place amongst society, attracting royalty, diplomats, artists, and actors. As hardship and war befell Berlin, the Adlon managed to remain standing but tragically burnt to the ground only a few days after the end of WWII. As the city fell into the next dreadful period of division, the Adlon was reduced to a pile of ruins east of the Berlin Wall, but the memory of the grand hotel remained alive in the hearts of Berliners and guests around the world.
Hedda Adlon, the daughter-in-law of Lorenz Adlon, dreamt of a day when the Adlon would stand again and gave rights in her will to see it rebuilt. When the wall fell in 1989, Kempinski immediately recognized Hedda’s final wish and began planning the reopening of the grand hotel. In 1997, almost 90 years after the original opening, the Hotel Adlon once again welcomed guests. The building was designed in a manner reminiscent to that of it’s former aesthetic, with details such as the sandstone façade and patinaed copper roof remaining the same. Throughout the interior of the hotel, guests can admire features that call back to the style of the original Adlon, such as the famous elephant fountain and crystal chandeliers of the grand ballroom.
Click here to see photos of the original Hotel Adlon.
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Accommodations at the Adlon
The newly constructed Adlon was built slightly larger than the original hotel, with a variety of 385 rooms and suites. During our stay, Sven and I were situated in a beautiful and spacious Junior Suite that offered a remarkable view of the Brandenburg Gate. While the view was my favorite aspect of our room, I can’t go without mentioning the outstanding comforts we enjoyed. The interior – a tasteful ensemble of luxe finishes and classic furnishings – had thoughtful styling reminiscent of the hotel’s golden age without skipping a beat when it came to contemporary comforts. We found ourselves completely at home in both the kingsized bed and marble bathroom. I will also note that although our room overlooked one of Berlin’s busiest tourist destinations, we were not the least bit disturbed by the noise level below. With the windows shut, the chatter of happy tourists and rumble of traffic was not to be noticed.
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The Adlon Experience
Beyond being a luxury hotel, the Adlon remains as a place for meeting and enjoyment. Hotel guests and visitors alike can enjoy a wealth of amenities, such as the beautiful Lobby Lounge and Bar, Sra Bua Restaurant and Bar, Restaurant Quarré, and Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer – Hotel Adlon’s 2 Michelin Star restaurant. For overnight guests, the buffet breakfast in the Bel Etage dining room is not to be missed – followed by a dip in the pool and visit to the sauna. A full service day spa is also onsite, where guests can enjoy a variety of beauty, massage, and relaxation treatments.
Plan Your Visit to The Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
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This blogpost was written in collaboration with Hotel Adlon Kempinski as part of a hosted visit
This blogpost was written in collaboration with Hotel Adlon Kempinski as part of a hosted visit
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