Berlin is a melting pot of history, culture and architecture. And while many historic buildings were destroyed in the second World War, many too survived. Indeed, in the very first list of Key hotels in Berlin, we saw a host of hotels that once served different purposes entirely. Whether as post offices, private homes, or even embassies or prisons, the hotels below retain a hint of their former purposes, while thoroughly transforming into the city’s best hotels.
Patrick Hellmann Schlosshotel
Distinction: Two KeysLocation: Berlin Grunewald
The Patrick Hellmann Schlosshotel, located in Berlin's exclusive Grunewald district, is a masterpiece of luxury accommodation. Originally built in 1912 as a private manor house, the hotel exudes the charm and elegance of the Italian Renaissance. Among the prominent guests were Kaiser Wilhelm II, who was rumored to have had an affair with the lady of the house. The list goes on: Robert Kennedy, Josephine Baker, Errol Flynn Romy Schneider and many others stayed here in the hotel’s first iteration. Following an extensive renovation by renowned designer Patrick Hellmann, the hotel is now the picture of historical splendor combined with modern style.
The individually designed rooms and suites offer remarkable views of the lush garden and are decorated with impressive works of art. After a day of exploring, you can relax in the hotel's opulent public areas or recharge your batteries in the luxurious spa.
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So/ Berlin Das Stue
Distinction: One Key
Location: Berlin Tiergarten
A luxury hotel in the middle of the city — where you can sleep with the window open and wake up to the sounds of exotic animals. We’re confident you'll only find this at So/ Berlin Das Stue. Tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac in Berlin's embassy district, this extraordinary hotel offers an impressive view of the Tiergarten park and the Berlin skyline. The listed building dates to the 1930s, once hosted the Danish embassy, and is now a favorite retreat for international travelers the world over.
In the hotel, whose name means “parlor,” coziness is a top priority. The atmosphere combines the feeling of a well-designed Scandinavian living room with certain Spanish accents, and guests will notice too the crocodile, giraffe and elephant sculptures throughout the hotel. These are a bold artistic tribute to the neighboring Berlin Zoo, to which you even have exclusive access as a guest of the hotel.
Château Royal
Distinction: One KeyLocation: Berlin Mitte
In an excellent location, just a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate, this boutique hotel is ideally situated between the government district and Museum Island. The two historic buildings date to the 19th and 20th centuries, the older of the two built in 1880 as the private apartment building of a local merchant. After reunification, it stood empty before becoming a branch of the Berlin Volksbank.
The details of the interior — from herringbone parquet to vintage furniture and individual artwork contributed by contemporary artists — consciously mixes the feeling of 19th-century Berlin with the current era, while a charming rooftop terrace provides timeless views of the city.
Hotel Orania.Berlin
Distinction: One Key
Location: Berlin Kreuzberg
The Hotel Orania.Berlin, built in 1912 as a prestigious office building with the Oranienpalast café on the first floor, survived the Second World War unscathed. Its heydway was the 1920s, when the Oranienpalast served as a popular meeting place for Berlin's bohemians, among them poets, musicians and actors. After World War II and during the division of Berlin, the building was abandoned. Retaining its historic façade, the building changed hands several times over 100 years until Dietmar Mueller-Elmau, already known for excellent Schloss Elmau, developed the concept for an urban luxury hotel in 2014.
The 41 rooms, stylishly designed, offer an exciting contrast to the historic backdrop on Oranienplatz, in the middle of lively Kreuzberg. In the evening, the bar (which is directly connected to the Orania.Berlin restaurant) transforms into a concert hall for the city’s musicians.
Wilmina Hotel
Distinction: One Key
Location: Berlin Charlottenburg
The baroque-style courthouse from 1896 and the former red brick women's prison behind it were transformed into the Wilmina Hotel over the course of ten years. Many of the original details, such as a preserved cell on the rear staircase, hint at the hotel’s dark history, while a bright, warm renovation turns the page into a new era.
The 44 individually designed rooms and suites offer contemporary luxury, complemented by a rooftop terrace with lap pool, spa and gym as well as the Lovis restaurant. Here, chef Sophia Rudolph and her team serve modern, vegetable-based dishes in the former prison courtyard.
Hotel de Rome
Distinction: Two KeysLocation: Berlin Center
The Hotel de Rome on the historic Bebelplatz was built between 1887 and 1889 as the headquarters of Dresdner Bank, its Renaissance style by Ludwig Heim and later extended with additional floors and a rooftop terrace. Particularly impressive is the spa, located in the bank's former vault, where you can relax behind 15-centimeter-thick steel doors. The experience continues in the CHIARO restaurant with modern Italian cuisine, and is completed by the breathtaking views over Berlin.
With its central location, the Hotel de Rome boasts easy access to the State Opera, Gendarmenmarkt and Museum Island — each just a short walk away, allowing you to explore the city's rich history and culture both in and outside the hotel.
Telegraphenamt
Distinction: Two KeysLocation: Berlin Center
The Hotel Telegraphenamt building, once one of the largest post office buildings in Germany, was built between 1910 and 1916 as an impressive example of neo-baroque architecture. Following an extensive renovation, the hotel now shines anew, with historical elements such as exposed brick and beams harmoniously combined with a distinctly urban design. Among its offers is the Root Restaurant & Bar, which offers eclectic cuisine in a stylish ambience, as well as four other culinary highlights in the “Forum an der Museumsinsel” area.
The hotel's central location, just a few steps away from Museum Island, makes it the perfect starting point for a first stay in Berlin.
Top image: Patrick Hellmann Schlosshotel
