Nestled in Berlin’s vibrant Mitte district, a historic area that once lay in East Berlin, the prestigious Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin graces the city’s landscape. Situated on the celebrated boulevard Unter den Linden, it commands a prime location at the junction of Pariser Platz, directly facing the legendary Brandenburg Gate. This eminent hotel is a stone’s throw from major attractions, including the Reichstag, Tiergarten, Holocaust Memorial, Berliner Dom, and Alexanderplatz, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s rich heritage.

The Hotel Adlon’s story mirrors the dynamic history of Berlin itself. Originally opened in 1907, its inaugural guest was none other than Kaiser Wilhelm II, the German emperor. The hotel swiftly ascended to international fame, drawing illustrious figures such as Franklin Roosevelt, Marlene Dietrich, Charlie Chaplin, and Albert Einstein with its unparalleled elegance and innovative amenities, including both hot and cold running water and its own electricity generation facility.

Despite nearly surviving World War II unscathed, the Adlon suffered a devastating fire on May 2, 1945, caused by inebriated Red Army soldiers, which led to the ruin of its main building. Under East German management, the hotel continued to operate, undergoing partial renovations until it ceased functioning as a hotel in the 1970s and was eventually demolished in 1984. The Kempinski Company acquired the rights to the Adlon name from the original owning family in 1957. Following German reunification and extensive legal battles, the hotel was splendidly rebuilt and reopened its doors in 1997 as the Hotel Adlon Kempinski, once again offering a luxurious sanctuary in the heart of Berlin.

25 Year Anniversary

I am staying at the hotel Adlon to celebrate 25 years since its reopening in 1997 with The Adlon Experience Anniversary Package. This anniversary package which can be booked until  31 December 2022 consists of:

  • Overnight stay in one of our luxurious rooms or suites.
  • Daily gourmet buffet breakfast.
  • One bottle of champagne with strawberries and a welcome present on arrival.
  • Adlon chocolate.
  • Three-course dinner in our Restaurant Quarré, including a bottle of anniversary wine on the day of arrival. Children up to 11 years old choose two dishes from our children’s menu with one soft drink.
  • Free use of our pool and fitness area.

The price of this package depends on the room and for a deluxe room, and I could book it for 746 euros for March in a deluxe room for two people.

My stay would coincide with our wedding anniversary albeit not 25 years but 24 years.

Checking in

I have never experienced a Kempinski hotel before, but this has to be the most friendliest and helpful staff I have ever encountered in my hotel reviews. Helpful, personal, friendly, and warm are how I would describe the service. Our baggage was taken care of by the concierge at the main door entrance, and the total check-in process took less than 5 minutes.

hotel adlon kempinski reception

Lobby

The lobby of the Hotel Adlon Kempinski is a magnificent space, centered around the renowned Elephant Fountain. Buzzing with both tourists and locals, it serves as the pulsating heart of the hotel. This splendid area invites guests to unwind with refreshing drinks and gourmet snacks, or to indulge in a delightful afternoon tea experience.

Pariser Platz Suite

Our accommodation was in the Pariser Platz Suite, an expansive 80 square meter one-bedroom suite offering unparalleled views of Pariser Platz and the iconic Brandenburg Gate. The suite features distinct living and sleeping areas, a luxurious bathroom, a walk-in wardrobe, a private workspace, and two complimentary minibars for an exceptionally comfortable stay.

hotel adlon kempinski-parizer platz suite

Living Room

Upon entering the living room, we were welcomed with a celebratory bottle of Champagne, adorned with the logo marking the 25th anniversary, accompanied by a bouquet of roses and a large Adlon chocolate. The room boasted a neo-classical decor, featuring chairs with a paisley pattern, a sofa adorned with floral cushions, and a classical vase set within a marble fireplace surround. A cohesive theme of dark wood was evident throughout, from the doors and furniture right up to the bed frame, adding a touch of elegance and warmth to the space.

Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin Parizer Platz Suite

The ambiance was further enhanced by tastefully selected paintings and photographs adorning the walls, contributing to an atmosphere of subtle elegance and tranquility. The television was discreetly housed within a wooden frame above the marble fireplace, blending seamlessly into the decor. Positioned in the corner of the room, one of the complimentary minibars presented an extensive selection of drinks and snacks, readily available for enjoyment.

Upon entering, I was immediately captivated by the two spacious balconettes, offering breathtaking views of the Brandenburg Gate. Opening the doors, I felt directly connected to the vibrant atmosphere of Pariser Platz, yet when closed, the serene quietness was remarkable. We spent a delightful afternoon with the doors ajar, embracing the beauty of an autumn day in November. Positioned to face the Brandenburg Gate, we enjoyed glasses of Champagne, soaking in the scenery. As daylight faded into evening, the sight of the Brandenburg Gate illuminating was mesmerizing. Indeed, it was a memorable way to celebrate our anniversary.

Bedroom

The bedroom echoed the design motif, featuring a dark wood four-poster bed frame complemented by a striped velvet headboard. The velvet bedroom bench served a dual purpose; not only was it a bench, but it cleverly housed a remote-controlled, motorized flat-screen TV within. Additionally, the bedroom boasted a balconette, furnished with a neo-classical chair and a coffee table, perfect for taking in the scenic views. Adjacent to this inviting nook was the second complimentary minibar, thoughtfully placed for convenience.

hotel adlon kempinski parizer platz suite bedroom

Bathroom & Walk-in Wardrobe

Adjacent to the bedroom were the spacious bathroom and the expansive walk-in wardrobe.

Walkin wardrobe

The bathroom, expansive in size, showcases a striking contrast of black granite against white tiles, continuing the dark wood theme prevalent throughout the suite. It features an oversized bathtub, accommodating even taller individuals comfortably. Additionally, there is a separate rainfall shower and a distinct toilet area with doors for privacy. The double sink vanity is surrounded by ample mirrors, facilitating an ideal setting for grooming or applying makeup. The provided amenities are from the luxurious Tuscan Soul collection by Salvatore Ferragamo.

Entrance and Work Area

Upon entering the Pariser Platz suite, we were greeted with a second toilet, additional storage space for our coats and shoes, and a substantial working desk crafted in dark wood, equipped with numerous power outlets and direct internet connections. This section could be isolated from the living area, transforming it into a secluded and serene workspace.

Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin Paritzer Platz Suite Desk

Pool, Gym & Spa

For guests preferring to stay within the hotel, a fully equipped fitness center and a heated indoor pool (11m x 6m) await in the basement. The gym features a comprehensive range of equipment, along with saunas, steam baths, and a cold-water pool for rejuvenation. To unwind after a workout, there’s a pool bar for relaxation. Alternatively, guests can enjoy complimentary fruit and water provided for a refreshing snack.

swimming pool hotel adlon kempinski

The Adlon Spa by Resense offers a spa menu which is tailored to “experiences that achieve your desired wellness result and a little more”.

Breakfast

Breakfast is hosted on the Bel Etage, located on the first floor, offering guests the choice of dining around the central atrium with views overlooking the lobby or in private rooms with vistas of the Brandenburg Gate. For those desiring the scenic backdrop with their morning meal, it’s advisable to arrive early, as these spots are highly sought after.

Eggs are available à la carte, while the remainder of the breakfast features an opulent buffet spread, hailed by MenStyleFashion as the finest they’ve encountered in Europe. The selection is vast, including fresh honey directly from the comb, truffle-infused salami, Champagne, five varieties of caviar, and an impressive assortment of German breads.

I was particularly charmed by the dedicated tea corner, where guests have the opportunity to blend their own tea using a variety of herbs to craft a personalized flavor. This unique experience was unlike anything I’ve encountered before.

Dedicated tea corner

Dinner

As part of The Adlon Experience Anniversary Package, we were served a three-course meal at Restaurant Quarré. This restaurant located on the ground floor has an indoor and outdoor seating area (depending on the weather) overlooking the Brandenburg gate.

The atmosphere was relaxing with a casual dress code, again the service was friendly, warm and personal. We started off with a glass of champagne and a vodka martini. The three-course meal was complimented by a Rober Weil “Hotel Adlon” Riesling.

hotel adlon kempinski riesling

Starter

Hotel Adlon Kempinski Restaurant Quarre

As a starter, we had the Brandenburg Burrata multi-coloured beetroot with salted pistachio. This was an excellent executed fusion dish with Italian burrata meeting German beetroot.

Main course

The main course was a Beelitzer corn poulard breast with blackroot corn.

Dessert

Hotel Adlon Kempinski Restaurant Quarre

For dessert, we had the chocolate cake fondant with vanilla sauce and hazelnut ice cream. A rich but o so heavenly dessert. Now all we needed was a coffee to finish it all.

Conclusion

They say when you celebrate you should celebrate in style and The Adlon Experience Anniversary Package is the package to do so. You get to experience all the great aspects of this luxury hotel in the heart of Berlin. From the elegant hotel rooms with a bottle of Champagne, the luxury buffet breakfast, the hotel Spa, and a three-course meal at Restaurant Quarré. With so much luxury on offer, it is hard to leave the hotel to do some sightseeing. Should you jump to upgrade to one of the suites? The pricing here takes an exponential curve due to exclusiveness and higher levels of luxury and room space.

The privilege of enjoying a bottle of Champagne in your own living room with views of Brandenburger gate at the Pariser Platz suite will set you back a cool 4,100 euros per night. Exclusivity comes at a price and we celebrated our 24-year wedding anniversary in super style. Our 25th one will be different, it should be celebrated with friends and family just like Hotel Adlon Kempinski celebrated its 25th with its guests and staff.

Details

  • Room reviewed: Pariser Platz Suite – Starts at €4,100 daily. Deluxe rooms start at around €400 daily.
  • Address: Unter den Linden 77, 1011 Berlin, Germany
  • Website: www.kempinski.com/en/hotel-adlon
  • Phone: +49 30 22610