Hotel Westin Grand

A few strides off the majestic Unter den Linden avenue ('under the linden trees' in English) and just a little further away from Gendarmenmarkt, the Westin enjoys a prestigious location on Friedrichstraße, close to many of the tourist attractions in Berlin: Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Alexanderplatz, etc. Three underground stations will give you the possibility to travel to anywhere you want within the city: Friedrichstraße, Brandenburger Tor, and Französisch Straße.

The Westin is the proud owner of a piece of the sadly renowned Berlin Wall. It is impossible to put a price on this collector's item, but one thing is for sure: it is very successful among hotel guests! Indeed, a package gives them the chance to break a bit of the wall with a pickaxe and take it home. Moreover, the hotel has a superb organ, but unfortunately it is very rarely used...

The history of the establishment begins in the 19th century with the 'Emperor's Galleria', a large shopping centre holding a cabaret and a wax museum. This temple of entertainment was destroyed during World War II. The vacated space, however, had more in store. The story continues in 1987, when the 'Grand Hotel of Berlin' was built. Several period features were reconstructed, such as the entrance and the atrium: a splendid patio sheltered by a glass roof. It was bought and renamed 10 years later by the Westin hotel group. At the time, it was just an establishment with a traditional style... In 2008 however, the decision was made to 'contemporise' it, while retaining the original characteristics. You will be able to admire the result starting from the lobby: marble and woodwork are to be found in most of the hall, but numerous contemporary touches liven it up, such as the lighting fixtures or the columns around the bar. The carpet and furniture smell new... The hotel also has a wellness centre, composed of a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a sauna, a hammam, a gym, and a solarium. Night owls will be delighted to know that there is a nightclub (hired by the hotel) adjacent to the Westin. A business centre tops off the facilities.

The 440 guest rooms were part of the hotel's complete makeover. Each of the 4 categories now boasts a modern-traditional style, called 'fine arts' by the management. The decor consists mainly of purple and brown features, except for in some of the suites, which are mirrored after the superb Grande Spa Suite decorated in white from top to bottom. You will find every possible modern amenity (flat screen television, telephone, individual air conditioning, Internet connection, minibar, a safe) and more! For instance, the ultra-comfortable mattresses specially designed for the Westin, or the unrestricted view of 'Unter den Linden' from the superior rooms... The bathrooms - classic yet functional - are equipped with a bathtub, a telephone, a radio, a hair dryer, and hospitality products. Note that half of the guest rooms have a view of the inner garden... This is good news to those who like to wake up to the sound of singing birds! The icing on the cake: you may have the chance to hear a few tunes escaping from the neighbouring opera house.

Several catering possibilities are available: the lobby bar, which serves snacks, hamburgers, and club sandwiches, and the restaurant with its international menu. You will be served local dishes (such as a luxury version of the renowned 'currywurst' sausage, served with champagne) or specialities from other places... The tables of the restaurant are to be found in the lobby (open around the clock) in a small area set beck from everything else (open from 12:00pm to 11:00pm), as well as in a private room. Breakfast is served on the first floor in a spacious and elongated room furnished with original carpeting, rusty-coloured leather chairs, and wooden tables. For the impeccably presented and copious buffet: fresh fruit juice, pancakes, a wide range of teas, dairies, hot food, etc.