A visit to Berlin will give you, not only a taste of unique history, but also a chance to indulge in fine dining and shop at some of the most exclusive designer outlets in Europe.
For a hotel that encompasses all these elements, look no further than the Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann. Fashion design meets outstanding service and amenities at this luxury urban oasis, one of Berlin’s most prestigious hotels.
A French Renaissance chateau built in 1913 as a private home, it has been brought into the present with an unrivalled sense of luxury and style by owner and celebrated fashion and interior designer Patrick Hellmann, whose collections captivate with extravagant design down to the last detail.
The philosophy of PATRICK HELLMANN COLLECTION is that quality is the basis of all creation coupled with progressive, elegant design, and the luxury brand numbers among the most innovative in the world of fashion.
Patrick Hellmann offers premium lifestyle products from men’s, women’s and children’s clothing to fragrances, homeware design and concepts and real estate development for 1A properties with a sustainable value. I was certainly looking forward to seeing how Schlosshotel would incorporate this style into its walls on my recent visit.
Hotel
This Fashion hotel is a heady blend of past and present, with the original architecture providing a glamorous base for the new designs. Set in beautiful gardens with 53 guest rooms and suites, the hotel also boasts a fine dining restaurant and wellness facilities.
From the moment I walked through the grand ornate doors I knew I was in for a treat, the vaulted foyer with its elegant cream stuccoed ceilings and glossy black and white floor gave me an idea of what to expect from this unique hotel.
Reception staff were friendly and helpful, as were all the team throughout my stay. Impeccable service is the order of the day here and anything you require from theatre tickets to limousine hire can be arranged easily and efficiently.
Complimentary parking is available in a monitored lot and the hotel can provide airport transfers for an additional fee. A free daily transfer to and from the city centre is a great idea and the hotel can also arrange transportation and the services of a personal shopper for guests wishing to visit the Patrick Hellmann Flagship store in the city centre.
Wandering around the hotel was a delight, there was always something to stop and look at, the galleried landings are filled with stunning black and white artworks and the whole place had an atmosphere of hushed luxury. Throughout the hotel, it is Patrick’s experience and expert eye that is evident, with the choices of quality fabrics and layers of textures bringing a depth to the decor and making it a real sensory experience.
With a colour palette that includes black, silver, white, tobacco, gold, grey, cream, taupe and purple, bespoke furniture and fittings and Lalique accessories, the ambience is opulent but not flashy.
Room
Each room or suite is individually designed but they all have the wow factor. The ambience of chic glamour is enhanced by the use of fabrics from the Patrick Hellmann Collection, such as pinstripes to reflect the designer’s time spent in London.
I stayed in a king premium room with a black, white and grey decor and found it a very sensual experience, the plush carpet, top quality fabrics and gorgeous artworks oozed luxury, and a high level of detail was apparent throughout.
The spacious room had a king sized bed with black edged fabric headboard, two glossy black double wardrobes with Lalique inlays in the handles, circular tables holding lamps and vases, plus a desk and chairs. Room amenities included a flat screen TV, safety deposit box and complimentary mini bar.
From the bead trimmed blind to the strategically placed design books, everything combined to evoke a feeling of luxurious comfort. Not just monochrome but monogrammed as you will find the PHC logo on everything from chairs to cushions, soft robes, towels and toiletries.
The bathroom continued the stylish theme with a huge black framed shower which could easily hold eight people. The toilet seat even had a handle, now that is a level of detail I admire!
For those added extras, the hotel offers a laundry and dry-cleaning service, free high speed wifi and pet friendly rooms which have dog blankets and food bowls with dog sitting and walking services available on request.
Food and drink
The restaurant is a traditional space with oak panelled walls and chandeliers, has a calm and relaxed atmosphere and also benefits from a sun terrace, perfect for al fresco dining in the warmer months.
Croatian chef de cuisine Andelko Krimpotic has put together a Mediterranean-inspired menu, taking diners on a delicious culinary journey, aided by an extensive wine list. With over 20 years of experience, he has brought a lightness of touch and artful presentation to the menus, which include lunch, a la carte and a five course lobster menu.
I enjoyed a two course dinner, starting with the smoked duck breast with wild mushrooms, celery and pearl onions, followed by truffle pasta with parmesan, coppa and cherry tomato. Both courses were delicious, with the ingredients complementing each other well and a nice personal touch was added when chef told me that the pasta dish used his Istrian grandmother’s recipe. The meal was accompanied by a Van Volxem Alte Reben Reisling 2018, a nice light fruity wine, which worked well with the flavoursome dishes.
Breakfast is served in the Wintergarten, a stunning setting with ceiling murals, arched windows and a marble black and white floor. I was served at the table and was brought a three tier tray with fruits, cheeses, cold cuts and a selection of preserves for the accompanying bread basket.
Hot food is cooked to order (including caviar and blinis) and I had a scrummy scrambled egg and bacon dish to set me up for the day. Coffee and orange juice were brought to me so all I had to do was sit back and enjoy the sunshine filtering through from the gardens.
The GQ Bar is a sleek and stylish area, black and gold decor makes this large space feel intimate and guests can relax in the plush sofas and armchairs in shades of grey and taupe. It has a laid back atmosphere, perfect for settling back and indulging in a favourite tipple from the extensive drinks menu. Guests can opt for a signature Manhattan from the cocktail list or enjoy a snack from the bar menu.
Alternatively, the PHC Lounge, with its honey coloured panelled walls, chandeliers and huge mirrors, makes an elegant backdrop for trying out a selection of the world’s finest Champagnes, and in the summer, the terrace is the hotspot for sitting out and enjoying the garden views with a coffee or glass of wine.
Meetings and events
The hotel’s experienced events team can provide expert help with your business or social events and the mansion and gardens provide the perfect romantic backdrop for weddings, cocktail receptions and private parties.
Several spaces are available for hire including the light and spacious Music Room, with its huge windows and direct access to the terrace and gardens making it popular with wedding parties. Groups have the option to book the entire hotel, enjoying exclusive access to the amenities and taking part in special programmes such as an aquarobics session in the pool or a murder mystery dinner.
Wellness facilities
Wellness facilities include a large indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi and a fully equipped gym where personal training sessions are on offer.
Guests can enjoy a Finnish or steam sauna or take advantage of a selection of treatments from facials and massages to manicures and pedicures. Hotel guests enjoy the facilities for free and membership is available along with a seven-day Wellness Package.
To do
With a fantastic location in the upscale area of Grunewald, this hotel is an oasis of luxury but is only a short drive to some of Berlin’s most enticing attractions in the city, from high end shopping to cultural landmarks.
The sprawling Grunewald forest and nearby lakes are popular with hikers and nature lovers and for history buffs, a 30 minute drive to the city of Potsdam is well worth a trip to the Sanssouci Palace, summer home of Frederick the Great.
In a nutshell
As a luxury retreat, this chic fashion hotel truly is a one off, with excellent service, fine dining and stunning interiors that will leave you with unforgettable memories of your stay.
Factbox
Address: Brahmsstraße 10, 14193 Berlin, Germany
Phone: +49 30 8958430
Website: schlosshotelberlin.com
For more details of Patrick’s collections, visit patrickhellmann.com.
