BERLIN, Germany – It’s difficult to understand what makes online reviewers tick. In this world of ever-scrutinized services, in this world of Instagram and Yelp and online customer reviews, in this world where everyone pretends to be a critic, it’s difficult to differentiate greatness from acceptability and to decide where to stay in Berlin.
Hotel am Steinplatz, a Marriott hotel in the Charlottenburg neighborhood of Berlin, is unanimously reviewed as excellent. Every single review website has it as one of the best.
However this hotel is a bit off the beaten path. It’s not near the Brandenburg Gate. It’s not walking distance from Checkpoint Charlie. There is a short taxi ride to take in order to reach other parts of the city. It’s even in a residential neighborhood, as opposed to nightlife hubs where most luxury hotels are!
So what makes this place so universally adored?
My personal experience is in line with the online reviewers’.
From the moment I stepped inside, the staff was at its most attentive.
Of course this hotel offers a high quality restaurant. It offers a full bar, and the bartenders of the hotel compete in mixology contests – the latest being the Mixology Bar Awards.
The amenities are top-notch. Everything is modern. The décor is clean and refined.
Plus, it has history: it first opened at the beginning of the 20th Century and it was brought back in 2013 by the Marriott group.
The rooms are perfectly equipped. Something missing? Maybe a shaving kit? Need a shoe shine? Ask the reception, you can be sure that they will provide what you need quickly and with a smile.
The spa is known as being exceptional.
And in my opinion, one of the things missing from most of the great 5-star hotels of this world, is indeed provided by Hotel am Steinplatz. What is it? Superfast, free, WiFi internet with full 5-bar connection from everywhere and anywhere in the hotel.
Hotel am Steinplatz, Where to Stay in Berlin: The Rooms
There’s something very “art deco” about the whole hotel, and this includes the rooms. The king-sized bed was super pillowy; the view over Steinplatz has a calming effect; and I didn’t stay long enough to use the smart-TV, although inviting and top-of-the-line.
The bathroom has all the extras you’d expect in a 5-star hotel. The heated floor tiles are a nice touch.
Any request you might have will be quickly handled by the front desk. Need an extra bed? An ironing board and iron? A shaving kit? An extra bathrobe? No problem.
Hotel am Steinplatz, Berlin: Food, drink, and other nice things
The beautiful work desk with the comfy chair was a bit too quiet for my tastes, so I went and worked at the bar. I ordered a cocktail – one of the specialities of the bar – and got a few delicious snacks to go with it.
At breakfast, the buffet is complete and quite impressive. Service is prompt and courteous.
I didn’t have the opportunity to try the restaurant – Berlin is a city with so much to offer – however only good things are said about chef Marcus Zimmer. He was in fact elected as “newcomer of the year” 2014 by Berlin Partner at the “Berlin Master Chefs” awards.
Hotel am Steinplatz
Steinpl. 4, 10623 Berlin, Germany
+49 30 5544440
