What it is

A faithful recreation of Berlin’s grandest classic.

What it isn't

A hip, swanky boutique.

What we think

Opened in 1997, the hotel is a perfect replica of the 1907 original which was destroyed in the last years of WWII. The grand facade shares Pariser Platz Square with boxy embassies, massive banks, the Academy of Arts and Berlin’s most famous landmark, the Brandenburg Gate. The original Adlon was the finest hotel in Berlin and this reincarnation lives up to the legacy. There’s notable Old World elegance throughout the hotel: red carpets mark the entrance, white gloved butlers are ever-present, a fountain and a soft pianist are prominent figures in the lobby. The other prominent figures milling about the lobby are the host of government figures coming and going from the embassies and the celebrities that frequent the place - this is where Michael Jackson famously showed off/dangled his son in front of the paparazzi. 382 rooms and suites are found on the upper 6 floors; they’re oversized, plush, bedecked with deep marigold armchairs, lots of marble, mahogany and shined cherry. The rooms with windows that look over the square are a bit more expensive, but rooms facing the inner courtyard get the perk of being far more peaceful. The hotel restaurants are notable; two Michelin-starred Lorenz Adlon is not to be missed and Restaurant Quarre serves local and regional dishes - book a table for dinner to watch the sunset with the Gate as a backdrop.

You're here because

It’s hard to pin down the factor that makes the property outstanding - the dense history of the building? The elegance and Old European grandeur? The proximity to Berlin’s landmarks? Yes, it’s the view of the Brandenburg Gate lit up at night, right outside the window.

The Moment

Perched outside on one of the red sidewalk tables, you watch the tourists mill about under the regal shadow of the Brandenburg Gate. A smartly dressed server comes by with your radler. The lemonade beer is perfectly refreshing in the afternoon sunshine; after scanning the menu, you have to ask, “but curry and wurst together?” Only encouraged by his enthusiasm, you make the right decision and order.

Restaurants & Bars

Restaurant Quarre - International cuisine prepared with regional ingredients

Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer - European cuisine by Chefs Hendrik Otto and Maître Boris Häbel

The Sra Bua by Tim Raue - Pan Asian cuisine with a European flair

Le Petit Felix - Serves Mediterranean cuisine with a Southern France focus

Lobby Lounge & Bar - The heart of Hotel Adlon Kempinski

Sru Bua Bar - Exquisite, flavourful cocktail concoctions in an ambience reminiscent to styles of Asia

Adlon To Go - Offers great coffee, homemade sandwiches and fabulous cakes

Location

Right in the midst of touristy Pariser Platz Square, adjacent to the Brandenburg Gate. The Tiergarten is right beyond the gate, Nefertiti’s bust (and the rest of Museum Island’s offerings) are 15 minute walk away and the hotel’s limo service can bring you to the Berlin Wall Memorial in 10 minutes. The international airport is roughly 20 minutes away by car.