Cathy and I visited this iconic hotel during a four-night stay in Berlin in 2018.

Location

The hotel is situated right on the corner of Friedrichstrasse and Unter den Linden, in the heart of the city.

Posing alongside the welcoming Westin Grand Berlin bear.

Some of Berlin’s most popular sights are within walking distance, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building, and the Holocaust Memorial, all of which are just 15-20 minutes away by foot.

The streets around the hotel offer some seriously high-end shopping opportunities from the likes of Galerie Lafayette and Gucci, as well as some of the city’s finest restaurants. There are also plenty of transport stops nearby to explore the wider city.

Appearance

The hotel’s style nods heavily to its predecessor—the illustrious Kaisergalerie (a passage that featured a concert hall, restaurants, a hotel, office space and a shopping centre), which was destroyed during World War II.

From the stone façades and stucco pillars, to the incredible octagonal lobby, which rises 100 feet to a dramatic glass dome, where a sweeping staircase greets guests when they walk through the main door, the hotel was designed to impress.

Fans of The Bourne Identity films will certainly recognize the hotel’s grand staircase from the Bourne Supremacy film, which features the luxury hotel prominently in several scenes.

The public areas and rooms are stately, if a little bland in places, with high-quality furnishings and neutral hues throughout.

Service

Service is professional to a fault, with a dedicated concierge as well as a fully-staffed business centre next to reception. Guests can order a butler or limousine service on request, there’s special dog treatment service, dry cleaning options and room service around the clock.

The Westin Spa & Fitness Lounge, located in the basement, features a decent-sized circular indoor pool, beauty room and spacious fitness centre with top-notch machines and free weights. Slightly hidden away on the second floor is a pleasant garden with fountains and pavilions.

Rooms

The rooms (and corridors) in general could do with a bit of modernization to liven up the monotonous muted colour schemes (browns, creams, light yellow) and equally insipid artworks. There’s no knocking the comfort factor though, nor the modern facilities.

The hotel’s own Heavenly Beds and ultra-soundproof windows mean even the street-facing rooms are quiet and comfortable, though the rooms overlooking the garden are recommended for a real retreat feel.

Bathrooms have marble-top counters, boutique bath products and lovely plush gowns.

The Westin SuperFoods breakfast, with plenty of juices, fruits and fresh vegetable and salad dishes (as well as the usual eggs, breads, cereals and more), is a nice touch for health-conscious guests.

The hotel’s main restaurant, Relish, serves a seasonally-changing menu of elegant and updated German classics and European dishes, backed up by a globally-minded wine list.

The circular Lobby Bar & Lounge on the ground floor is a spacious and elegant place to enjoy afternoon tea, an evening cocktail or even lunch or dinner (the full restaurant menu is available throughout the day). There’s also a pavement terrace right on Friedrichstrasse where you can grab drinks and light food fare for people watching during the warmer months.

Stay again? Absolutely.