Hotel Romantik Kronprinz Berlin

A short walk away from Halensee S-Bahn station and just a few more minutes from Ku'Damm avenue, the Kronprinz enjoys every advantage the city has to offer (shops, restaurants, bars and tourist attractions), away from the hustle and bustle of the centre. The establishment even boasts the advantage of being in the immediate proximity of the convention centre (500 metres), which also explains why it is so popular among a business clientele.

The hotel is part of the 'Historik Hotels' chain, although it has managed to retain its independence. The good news for parents is that children under 12 can stay for free. The good news for car owners is that there is a garage that guests can use for ?13 a day.

The building, which dates from 1894, originally housed four large apartments on each floor. Some decades later, it was turned into a music school, which was later bought by the present owners in the 1980's. The Kronprinz began its career as a hotel in 1984 but has retained tokens of its past despite being renovated regularly. When you first walk into the small lobby, you will feel as if you were entering the household of a German family. The reception counter is the only feature reminding you of the building's present function. The small lounge area invites guests to come and sit and daydream, with its yellow sofas, green armchairs, bookshelf, the swinging clock, etc. Time seems to stand still in this room. If it's a contemporary establishment you're looking for, you won't find it here, but if you like period buildings, you've come to the right place. You won't find any sports amenities but you will probably be too busy exploring this place laden with history anyway... Nevertheless, the vintage decor didn't stop the management from setting up a brand new Macintosh computer, at the guests' disposal in the reception hall!

Beginning its career with 50 guest rooms, the hotel now features 80, plus two suites which are currently being renovated. A third suite is currently under construction. Two categories of rooms are available: standard and superior, but their only real difference is their style, which is either classic or Provencal. The classic rooms are decorated in a somewhat outmoded 1930's style, with carpet, bedspreads and simple furniture. A modern painting is the only feature brightening them up. You will therefore be surprised to discover that the Kronprinz's secret weapon is a collection of ten pretty little rooms, where you can almost hear the cicadas singing, in spite of the harsh Berlin climate. Among other things, they feature light parquet flooring, dark wood furniture, rugs, and a wicker bear as an ornament. The South of France has truly taken over the top floor of the Kronprinz. Every room is equipped with a minibar, a standard television, a safe, two telephones and a small bathroom with a shower and hospitality products. Note that only the French-style rooms are air-conditioned.

Don't waste your time looking for the restaurant, as there isn't one! Breakfast is nevertheless served in a nice little room arranged under a dome. The buffet isn't very substantial but all of the essentials are there... During the rest of the day, you will be able to find a few snacks and drinks at the tiny lobby bar. You will also find a great deal of traditional and fast-food restaurants on Ku'Damm avenue, around ten minutes away from the hotel on foot.