Background
Marriott International’s flagship hotel in Berlin opened in 2004. The property had a €17 million renovation in 2013, followed by a €9 million renovation of its 378 guest rooms, suites (apart from the Capitol Suite) and hallways in 2020. This included various tech-savvy additions such as USB combination sockets, fast charging stations, and new smart TVs with 55-inch displays. Guests can also use their phones to open the room door, order room service and chat with the team.
Where is it?
Centrally located in downtown Berlin, on a quiet square off the busier Potsdamer Platz. The ten-floor hotel is just down the road from Tiergarten Park and a 15-minute walk to Brandenburg Gate.
What’s it like?
The hotel feels fresh thanks to timeless decor and its recent renovation. Geometric-style interiors nod to the German Bauhaus movement, with clean, angular lines softened by vases of blooming flowers.
The expansive rectangular lobby at the heart of the building occupies most of the ground floor, with soaring ceilings revealing the hotel’s nine floors above. The buzzy space was populated day to night with businesspeople, but it never felt noisy or chaotic despite it being full.
Check-in was smooth and easy, with a separate desk for Marriott Bonvoy members. After a nauseatingly early start from Heathrow, I was very pleased that my room was ready at 11am (rather than 3pm).
There are several lifts, with keycard access required, and a business centre towards the back of the lobby with two computers and armchairs equipped with USB and plug sockets. Beside this is an enclosed smoker’s lounge.
Rooms
Rooms have a contemporary decor, designed by Lux Berlin, with a beige and brown colour palette brightened by natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, which are well soundproofed and have blackout curtains. Bauhaus features include a graphic carpet in the style of textile artist Anni Albers, and the use of industrial materials such as glass, metal and wood.
Categories range from Deluxe (32 sqm) to Superior (35 sqm) and Executive rooms (32 sqm), which provide access to the top floor lounge. Each category also has a ‘Panoramic’ option with skyline vistas. Suites (64-158 sqm) include lounge access.
Rooms are well-designed for work, with a round table in reach of a plug and USB sockets. My superior room was on the second floor, but I’d recommend choosing a higher floor for better views.
Amenities include a safe, iron and ironing board, minibar, Nespresso machine, tea and kettle, high-speed wifi, 55-inch flatscreen TV, robe and eco-friendly slippers. The air con is easy to use, or the window can be opened for fresh air. On the eco-side, there is a recycling bin, bed linens are changed every third day, you are encouraged to drink the tap water, and there are large-size This Works amenities in the shower.
Food and drink
There are two US-inspired dining outlets on the ground floor, as well as the lobby lounge and bar area. The vast Midtown Grill is an American steakhouse with an open kitchen. In the morning it offers a large buffet breakfast with cooked options, pastries and a small menu of egg options. There’s a set lunch menu on weekdays at €21.50 for a main with a soft drink and coffee. The Big Dog is a fun diner-style venue, with hot dogs (vegetarian options included) and craft beer from 12pm-8pm daily.
Meetings
The hotel has 1,600 sqm of venue space, including a ballroom for up to 700 guests.
Leisure
There is a health centre on the second floor, complete with an indoor pool, sauna, infrared seats (open 6am-11pm daily) and a 24-hour fitness centre.
Verdict
This is an ideally located hotel for business travellers, with great customer service and spacious rooms that are well-designed for remote work.
FACT BOX
- Best for Its central location and tech-savvy business amenities
- Don’t miss A generous breakfast spread before heading off for a day of meetings
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in September start from €319 for a Superior room (€289 for entry-level)
- Contact Inge-Beisheim-Platz 1, Berlin 10785, Germany; +49 30 220 000; marriott.com
