Located on historic Bebelplatz in the fashionable Mitte district of Berlin, the Hotel de Rome - which first opened its doors in 2006 - is a grand 19th century building that was once the headquarters of the Dresdner bank.
The property, Rocco Forte’s third in Germany, is an enchanting hotel made up of 108 high-ceilinged rooms and 37 historic suites, combining much of the bank’s original features with a modern, buzzy twist.
Location
It’s super central Mitte location means Hotel de Rome is well-placed for seeing Berlin's key attractions.
The beautiful, rotund St. Hedwig's Cathedral sits adjacent, the State Opera is a stone's throw across the square and the Pierre Boulez Saal concert house is around the corner.
Museum Island, Brandenburger Tour, Alexanderplatz and the Berliner Dom are all within 15 minutes walking distance.
Style
In converting the bank’s edifice, first built in 1889, the architects and interior designer Olga Polizzi (Rocco Forte’s sister) managed to retain many of the building’s classical features, while injecting a contemporary aesthetic.
The large, light-filled ground-floor entrance hall centres on an atrium surrounded by the bank’s original marble columns. The severity is offset by oversized black velvet sofas encircling a central display table, over which hangs a kooky red neon Olivia Steele birdcage installation.
The building’s history is felt throughout: the rooms once used as bank managers offices are now suites, the jewel vault is now a 20-metre indoor swimming pool and the cashier’s hall is the grand ballroom. The first three floors, also part of the former bank, have wonderful high ceilings – if you can, take the stairs to check out the bank's original staircase.
Service
From the doormen (who thrice confirm that your taxi driver knows your destination), to the concierge - who spend all morning on the phone to ensure you get a table at the best restaurant in town - service here is efficient and wonderfully thoughtful.
Ask the name of the indoor plant you have been admiring at breakfast and come dinner, there’ll be a handwritten card on your place setting with the plant’s name, in English and Latin.
Facilities
The hotel has five meeting rooms, a ballroom for up to 220 and free hotel bicycles for exploring the city. But it’s the hotel spa that’s the major draw here.
Housed within the bank’s old jewellery vault, the twinkling De Rome Spa was transformed from 400 safety deposit boxes into a 20-metre heated indoor pool surrounded by marble columns, six treatment rooms, a gym (nothing fancy, but well-equipped with all major cardio machines and free weights) and a Finnish sauna.
Food & Drink
Roman-born, Tuscan-trained Michelin-starred Chef Fulvio Pierangelini – Creative Director of Food for Rocco Forte Hotels – brings Italian flair and simple, fresh flavours to groundfloor La Banca restaurant. The elegant and calming space, all sage and beige hues, has an appealing lunch and dinner menu of Italian classics – the vitello tonnato and spaghetti al pomodoro are not to be missed.
The restaurant, which has a pleasant (enclosed) terrace garden for alfresco dining in the warmer months, is also where the lavish buffet breakfasts are served. Expect fresh juices, smoothies and Prosecco alongside myriad cold cuts, cheeses, cereals and salads and a hot menu of egg dishes and pancakes. It’s a daily challenge not to order the lot.
The adjacent La Banca bar comes complete with neon artwork, regular live music and excellent service.
A formal afternoon tea is served daily in the marble-columned Opera Court, and come summer, the rooftop terrace - with its sweeping views over the State Opera House, the dome of St. Hedwigs Cathedral and the Television Tower in the distance - is the perfect place for sundowners.
Which room?
All 108 bedrooms and 37 suites are high spec if somewhat generically plush, with plenty of dark wood, marble and velvet.
Rooms run the gamut from classic to ultramodern, though all share fantastic views of Berlin landmarks around Unter den Linden. In-room amenities include large-screen televisions, lengthy work desks, free WiFi, mini bar, safe and high-standard espresso machines.
For a real treat, book the 200-metre square Royal Bebel Suite, whose design emulates a turn-of-the century Berlin apartment, complete with a library of over 1,000 books and vast wraparound terrace overlooking Bebelplatz.
Bathrooms are spacious, white marbled affairs, stocked with sweet-smelling Forte organics products.
Prices
Double rooms from £272 in low season and from £658 in high. Breakfast included, costs €38 (£33). Free basic Wi-Fi (high speed €20/£17 per day).
