For more than two decades, the Waldorf Astoria brand has been a byword for luxury around the world. The original Waldorf Astoria in New York dates back to 1931 but it only started reproducing in 2006. Today, there are approximately 35 Waldorf Astoria hotels in nearly 20 countries – with numerous more on the way. Clearly, someone is doing something right.
The Berlin outpost opened in 2013. Location wise, you’re bang opposite the zoo, the most popular zoo in Europe. I can’t vouch for the zoo myself – I visited Budapest zoo last year and the experience caused me to swear off zoos for the moment – but millions of people visit Berlin zoo every year so if zoos are your thing then it appears to be a good one.
You’re also very close to Kurfürstendamm, the stylish avenue known as the Champs-Élysées of Berlin. Think of a fashion house and you’ll doubtless find them here. As with the zoo, I failed to pay this one a visit – the magazine paycheque doesn’t quite stretch to Balenciaga jackets – but again, those in the know seem to rate it immensely. Plus you’re a minute from the metro so exploring the city won’t be a problem.
Needless to say, the hotel oozes class from the moment you pass through its golden doors and into the gigantic atrium. There’s Peacock Alley on your left – essentially a lounge area, peacock free alas but extremely pleasant nonetheless – and the large clock that’s a feature of every Waldorf Astoria, a homage to the 1893 World’s Fair clock in the New York location. We’ve much to cover so into the elevator!
How are the rooms?
Very swish indeed. Firstly, the colour scheme is unbelievably classy, all walnut and cream and just enough gold to make it feel special. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure ample light and sightseeing, while a combination of blinds and incredibly thick curtains ensure the place turns into a crypt at bedtime. The king-sized double bed will also have you sleeping like the dead.
The bathroom is very marble and includes a rainfall shower and an extremely deep bath. There’s a coffee machine to ensure you can start your morning with an espresso while gazing over the city – wave to people in the adjacent office blocks. You have a desk for working, a chaise lounge for swooning and more wardrobe space than you could possibly fill. (Unless I guess you visit the Kurfürstendamm.) It’s the good life alright.
Food and drink?
In-house restaurant Roca has the vibe of a golden age jazz bar. It’s utterly delightful, all soft music and glitzy decor, the type of place you could easily imagine Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall sharing a nightcap at a corner table. I particularly liked the circular painting of various flappers and dandies that adorned the middle of the ceiling.
The menu is suitably Manhattan: big flavours served in big portions. I had an arancini the size of a tennis ball – superb – followed by the signature steak sandwich, strips of meat served on sourdough bread and accompanied asparagus and tomatoes. The perfect comfort food for those cold Berlin winter nights. My friend Lydia went with the Waldorf salad (zero imagination) and a gigantic hunk of pastrami that I happily finished off for her.
Breakfast is normally served in the Times Square restaurant but it was being refurbished during my stay – fortunately the ballroom a floor below played host. The buffet selection is stonking, one of those jobs where you must plan your visit like a general ahead of a raid: first we hit the scrambled eggs, then take out the smoked salmon before heading back to the fruit station. There’s also the option of champagne and eggs benedict on the weekends if you’re feeling especially decadent, while the 15th floor library offers afternoon tea with a view.
And there’s a spa?
Yes, there’s a spa, a rather beautiful spa. It has a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room all free for guest use. Of course treatments are available as well, although you’ll need to book those. There’s also a fitness room should you be so inclined; maybe pay a visit before breakfast to alleviate any guilt over the champagne and eggs benedict. Then again, darling, you’re staying at the Waldorf – decadence is part of the package and thank goodness for that.
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Hardenbergstraße 28, 10623 Berlin, Germany; Waldorf Berlin
