Review: The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin

_Location: Residing in a skyscraper that sits on bustling Potsdamer Platz, The Ritz-Carlton is close to numerous attractions including the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building and beautiful Tiergarten Park. All can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot. The hotel sits adjacent to an S-bahn and U-bahn station, while the airport is 30 minutes away by car.

_{First impressions:} “Welcome to The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin,” boomed the white-gloved doorman who helped us from our taxi and into the opulent lobby. His friendly demeanour and eagerness to help was a highlight of our stay – his love for the city would no doubt rub off on all guests. The marble[1]clad lobby features grand sweeping staircases and impressive starburst chandeliers. Expect attentive staff, excellent polished service and an all-round fabulous hotel.

_{The facts:} The property underwent a €40 million refurbishment in 2019, and the art deco interiors nod to the glamour of a bygone era. There are 303 sizeable rooms, including 40 suites and an enormous Penthouse, all decorated with sumptuous furnishings and pops of colour. My corner Deluxe Junior Suite was perfect, with ample space and lovely Diptyque toiletries.

There are two impressive dining options – Pots and Ishi. The former offers modern German cuisine best served when matched with wonderful German rieslings and pinot noirs. An open kitchen lets guests see masters at work as delicious scents waft around them. Breakfast is also served here. Ishi is a relatively new Japanese restaurant run by TV chef Steffen Henssler. After dinner, the place to be is The Curtain Club, often filled with well-heeled locals and tourists. Here a pianist plays as mixologists serve top cocktails.

_{Ideal for:} Berlin attracts many business travellers, and most hotels are set up with that in mind, but The Ritz-Carlton caters to this market and leisure travellers equally well. The property is also family-friendly, with connecting and large rooms aplenty. Staff will happily set up children-friendly spaces in the lobby and beyond. There’s also a Pawfect Stay scheme for dogs.

_Explore: Take advantage of the property’s fleet of bikes (including a limited number that are electric) and explore the city on two wheels. Head to see a large section of the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery, which can be reached in about 20 minutes on a bike. A loop past the Brandenburg Gate to Tiergarten is also a must.

_Wow: The service – from start to finish it was exceptional.

_{Book it:} A Deluxe Room leads in at £318.
ritzcarlton.com