Rocco Forte Hotel's expansion into Germany continues this autumn, with the opening of its latest hotel in Berlin. Located in the Bebelplatz close to the Brandenburg gate, the confusingly named Hotel de Rome (after the Grand Hotel de Rome which originally stood on the site) is due to open its doors at the start of October.
It will be the group's second hotel to open in Germany this year, after the Villa Kennedy in Frankfurt (for a full review of the Villa Kennedy click here), and precedes the as yet unnamed Munich property set for a Spring 2007 launch.
The hotel is housed in the former head office of Dresdner Bank, and comprises 146 rooms measuring a minimum of 35sqm (72 classic king rooms, 29 deluxe king rooms, 32 junior suites, 6 executive suites, 3 deluxe suites and a high security presidential suite). Designed by Tommaso Ziffer and described as "contemporary chic meets old-world Teutonic grandeur", the rooms include sound absorbing doors, separate bath and shower, heated bathroom floors, wired internet access (wifi available on the ground floor) and flatscreen TVs, while all suites will have iPod docking stations.
There are five meeting rooms, all with natural daylight and 4m high ceilings, and a ballroom for larger events. Those familiar with the Rocco Forte brand will know spa and leisure facilities always figure strongly, and the Hotel de Rome is no exception - there is a 20m swimming pool housed in the former jewel vault, as well as spa facilities and a gym.
When Business Traveller checked for a stay in late October, rates started at Euros 250 for a classic king (excluding breakfast which is Euros 26). This compares with Euros 252 at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, and Euros 235 at the Ritz Carlton Berlin.
Hotel de Rome
Behrenstrasse 37
10117
Berlin
roccofortehotels.com
Report by Mark Caswell
