An investment of more than 40 million Euros has resulted in a spectacular, renovated Ritz-Carlton, Berlin that is not-to-be-missed. The hotel was originally built as a tribute to Art Deco architecture. Its redesign reflects the lavish lifestyle and creative energy of the city’s film and cabaret heyday and the modernity of the cultural capital.
“The recent completion of this meticulous 40-million-euro renovation at The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin marks a momentous occasion for this hotel, whose storied location has sat at the epicenter of history for over a century,” says Lisa Holladay, Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton. “Present throughout the hotel in details large and small, the new design beautifully captures the gilded glamour of Berlin in the 1920’s, while celebrating the city’s ever-changing spirit.”
Indeed, Ritz-Carlton hotels are no longer the properties they once were when they were decorated with heavy wall fabrics and dark oil paintings. The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin is an example of how the brand’s hotels around the world offer a sense of place in a luxurious setting. Ritz-Carlton is a global luxury brand that is part of the Marriott International portfolio of hotels and resorts (Nasdaq: MAR).
A Central Location
The hotel is centrally located in Berlin at the famous Potsdamer Platz square, near the Brandenburg Gate, an area that is known for its rich history that exemplifies the transformation of the city. Potsdamer Platz, which was totally destroyed during World War II, since German reunification, has been completely transformed with major redevelopment projects.
Potsdamer Platz is famous for being the crossroad of old Berlin while also serving as a symbol of new Berlin. The city is experiencing a new golden age with the same energy as it had nearly 100 years ago when it was the hub of great creativity and design during the Art Deco period.
The hotel is ideally located to a wide range of boutiques, restaurants and historic attractions, and serves as an iconic symbol of unification, transformation and of the new Berlin.
A Redesign That Celebrates The Art Deco Period
Acclaimed interior design firm, G.A. Design, and its London team, wanted to marry Art Deco design from the 1920’s with more modern elements, with a meticulous refurbishment that reflects both the present and future.
G.A. Design set out to link the city’s glamorous past with the present by creating a design that is contemporary but with clear references to the golden years of the previous century. At the same time, the designers felt it was important to unite the interiors with the façade of the building.
The redesign is noticed from the moment a guest steps into the property. The grand entrance, for example, features a magnificent marble and ironwork staircase and starburst chandeliers that evoke the glamour of the city’s past. The lobby to the left of the entrance recalls the salons of the early 20th century. A wall in the lobby gleams with stylized champagne glasses radiating 1920s flair.
In the style of early 20th century literary salons, the spacious lobby is the ideal place for guests to relax, exchange ideas or enjoy a game of chess. An eye-catching marble fireplace replaces real flames with a bold sculpture, while “She Represents”, a 1928 painting by artist Jeanne Mammen, hangs above the mantelpiece and serves as a declaration of love for the vitality of Berlin women. The adjoining space is flooded with daylight and features spectacular views of Potsdamer Platz.
“It is wonderful to see how the architecture of the building, with its light sandstone façade, compliments the elegant interior design, forming a harmonious whole,” says Robert Petrović, General Director at The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin. “We wanted to make our new Art Deco design story as personal as possible—our guests are our focus.”
Guest Rooms That Evoke A Residential Feel
The hotel’s residential feel is experienced in each of its 303 guest rooms (including 40 suites and one residence) which are richly and comfortably appointed using a present-day interpretation of the Art Deco era. As with the lobby, the rooms also echo the city’s great film heritage. Elegant make-up tables suggest the wardrobes of early silver screen icons while sleek honor bars offer a nod to their classic wardrobe boxes. State of the art technology is also woven into the experience, including touchscreens controlling all in-room electronics and convenient charging stations built into seating.
On the hotel’s 11th floor, the beautifully-appointed 2,200-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Suite is the newly renovated Presidential Suite. It was reimagined with a sun motif with sumptuous furnishings. The light and airy suite offers two bedrooms, two spacious marble bathrooms with heated floors, a separate dressing room, fitness area with a treadmill, as well as separate living and dining spaces. It has panoramic city views and overlooks Potsdamer Platz and the Tiergarten park.
The 3,067-square-foot Penthouse unit, located on the 12th floor, is more of a residence than a hotel suite. It features three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a large living room and a formal dining room that seats eight. The “American Strato” eat-in-kitchen is fully-equipped with an espresso machine, refrigerator and microwave. The master bedroom has a marble bath with heated flooring, a glass shower with a tropical rain panel and a deep soaking tub. A dressing off the master bedroom has custom built-in storage and a Kinesis work-out station.
New Dining And Entertainment Experiences
Although there are many wonderful restaurants in the neighborhood to explore, the hotel’s dining and bar options at the hotel are top destinations in the city themselves. POTS restaurant is a completely new culinary venue that features a kitchen team that serves German classics with a modern twist. Here, guests will find cozy seating and an open-kitchen that epitomizes its “sharing food” ethos. The restaurant’s name is a fun play on both Potsdamer Platz and the many pots resting on the kitchen stoves. Beaten and brushed copper accents were used throughout the interior design, referencing the heavy kettles in which German beer is traditionally brewed. During the summer months, a newly-designed terrace that overlooks the adjacent Sony Center and Henriette-Herz Park will be open for lunch and dinner.
The Curtain Club bar offers a stylish mix of Art Deco elegance and Latin American playfulness with a tiered mirrored bar and energetic vibe in an intimate setting. Designed in the style of a South American hacienda, a living room is located in the heart of the bar with a stage where live music is performed. Arnd Heissen, an award-winning mixologist and chef, and his team have created a menu that features drinks with a Latin American twist.
The Fragrances Bar, which is decorated in hues of red and gold, is home to the high art of mixology, and is centered around scents with its “fragrant” cocktails. An interactive experience, guests choose their favorite cocktails from a walk-through bar menu, the Hall of Fame, where each drink is inspired by a top-quality gourmet perfume. The bar’s design is based on elaborate perfume flacons with ingredients and spirits arranged in pharmacy bottles, reflecting the mixologist’s experimental work. Dark mirrors underscore the sensual approach and mystical character of the space, with six avant-garde Golden Age-inspired drawings by local artist Tina Berning lining its walls.
The Lounge serves as the heart of the hotel where the longstanding Berlin tradition of afternoon tea is honored. Here, guests are served exclusive blends of Mariage Frères tea by specially-trained tea sommeliers. A cozy, inviting space, guests enjoy background music that is provided by a live pianist. Each evening, cocktails are the beverage of choice here.
Guests staying on the Club Level have access to the Club Lounge that offers dedicated concierge staff as well as continuous culinary offerings and complementary alcoholic beverages. There is also a 24-hour coffee and soft drink station and a 24-hour business center.
A Wellness Oasis
The hotel’s newly modernized wellness space brings a hint of glamour to the workout and wellness experience. Here, guests will find two saunas (Finnish and steam), a cosmetic treatment menu and a fitness center with state-of-the-art fitness equipment including treadmills, cross trainers, stationary bicycles weights and yoga mats. The indoor swimming pool has chaise lounges and is a peaceful place to relax.
The Largest Luxury Ballroom In Berlin
The hotel offers multiple spaces that are ideal for events, including weddings, celebrations, conferences, training sessions and meetings for groups as large as 664. The main ballroom, which is the largest luxury ballroom in Berlin is divisible and is decorated with striking Bohemian glass lamps designed by famed Czech lighting designer Lasvit. Seven additional event rooms feature state-of-the-art technology such as ClickShare and Clevertouch.
Special Offers
The hotel is offering several packages for future stays through the rest of 2019.
A weekend family package includes overnight accommodations in a Deluxe Room, daily American breakfast buffet and a 50% discount on food and beverages consumed by children ages two to 16 years old. If a second room is booked for the children, it will be given a 50% discount, as well. Rates start at 235 Euros per night (plus taxes) and is subject to availability. Advanced reservations are required.
A “reconnect” package is also being offered through December 31, 2019. It includes overnight accommodations in either a Deluxe Room or a Junior Suite. The package includes a hotel credit of 80 Euros per three-night stay if a Deluxe Room is booked, or a hotel credit of 160 Euros per three-night stay if a Junior Suite is reserved. This package starts at 215 Euros per night.
For more information about the Ritz-Carlton Berlin or to book a room, click on this link.
