Clients are always asking me for “hidden gems”, exceptional values, and amazing experiences for groups within our Leading Hotels of the World portfolio.
I would like to highlight Berlin, Germany as my experiences there during my trip to Europe in May were truly exceptional.
For groups that have done Paris, London, Madrid, and all the other more traditional European capitals, Berlin is a great option.
It has everything incentive groups look for:
- Authentic, unique, and diverse activities
- Destination cache
- Fantastic group venues
- Safe and friendly
- Steeped in history and rich in culture
- (and importantly…) it remains a great value.
The feel of Berlin is vibrant, friendly, cultured and, not surprisingly, it’s a very easy city to operate a program in (read: Teutonically efficient)
My Berlin hotels would be exceptional in any market, but the real attraction here is the city and the experiences that await you and your guests.
Some of the images below are from my iphone, so please forgive the inconsistent resolutions and sizes.
Hotel Adlon Berlin
The Adlon is a classic European grand hotel located next to the historic Brandenburg Gate. This is considered by most to be the best location in the city. It’s a welcoming and home base to explore from.
With 304 rooms and 78 suites (and ample meeting rooms) it is well suited for larger groups.
The most impressive part of staying here is the truly exceptional professional staff…and sitting outside of the hotel having a champagne cocktail in their Moet Chandon terrace with my colleague Judith Warnemuende, the hyper competent Director of Sales (of whom I have a professional crush on). U.S. Embassy on the left and Brandenburg Gate in the background.
Click here to be taken to the Hotel Adlon Berlin website for more information.
Hotel de Rome, Berlin
Hotel de Rome is located on Bebelplatz, off Unter den Linden. It is a conversion of a historic bank that was constructed in 1889. This area of town is home to all of the major museums, steps from the front door of the hotel.
Featuring 146 well appointed guest rooms and a restaurant which seats 120 and looks onto a large external terrace which will be used for al fresco dining during the summer months.
During the summer months, the roof top terrace (above) makes for a sexy group venue with fabulous views over the city.
Below are good examples of how the architects were able to retain the historic charm of the building.
Click here to be taken to the Hotel de Rome, Berlin website
Hotel Palace Berlin
Hotel Palace Berlin is a great hotel for groups with a more limited budget or whom require extensive function space. It’s located near the zoo and the famous KaDeWe Department store.
Click here to be taken to the Hotel Palace, Berlin website
Some great options for groups……
There are many excellent off site venues minutes from all three of the hotels for groups. Here are some of the more unique and interesting ones:
The European School of Management and Technology (ESMT)
The European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) building was constructed in 1960s’ to host the Staatsrat (National Council) of the GDR (German Democratic Republic), these offices represented the supreme institution of the East German State.
It is immaculately restored and quite amazing to think of the history within those walls. Not a place I ever thought, growing up, that I would have recommended for a meeting or event! I’m sure Walter Ulbricht, the former General Secretary of the General Committee, would be stunned to learn his (gorgeous) former offices are now being used for capitalist business meetings and elegant dinner parties for incentive groups!
The space within evokes the images from 1960’s spy movies and is perfect for a memorable general session or a social event.
No expense was spared in the construction of the these offices. Exotic wood paneling, custom light fixtures, and shimmering porcelain tile work.
Close up of socialist idealism depicted in the massive stained glass windows of the ESMT lobby.
There are a number of conference rooms in the building. State-of-the-art technology paired with1960s Socialist State architecture and design.
Symbol of the GDR reflecting in the mirror of one of the meeting rooms. The white wall is made of pure porcelain tile (as in fine china)
Historic Coin Mint Building:
Berlin has nearly endless opportunities to design elegant events within historic buildings. Above, shabby chic done well within the old GDR State Mint building…including the old vaults.
There are many venues in town similar to this, but Ralph Lauren chose this one to host a month long fashion show including a “pop up” gourmet restaurant.
Below, a former socialist beauty parlor turned into a stunning bar and nightclub.
Below, a former East German social club…now a very cool venue for corporate events.
The Barensaal
The Barensaal is a large and elegant classic ballroom (actually the lobby of a government building). For a refined gala dinner, this space is way above and beyond a typical hotel ballroom.
Radialsystem Building
New architecture blended with old at the Radialsystem venue. A former pumping station, transformed into a performance center. In the top image, the dark open area (above the old building and below the glass) is a open, yet covered, patio. A funky and interesting space this is perfect for medium sized groups looking for a non-traditional venue.
Tempodrome
The Tempodrom is actually a small arena, but has very flexible space and may be customized to accommodate everything from gala dinners to concerts to meetings and events. European Vogue held their gala here recently.
Of course, I didn’t just stumble on all of these amazing venues, but was driven all over the city by the Bernd Rathjen of Corporate Candy. Bernd is a great guy and exudes and easy going confidence. If you’re thinking about planning an event in Berlin (or elsewhere in Europe) I would endorse him without heistation.
Bernd looking MUCH more intense than his actual charming self… from the Corporate Candy website: Click here for more information.
One of the best ways to explore the city is through a guided walking tour of the neighborhoods.
A friendly neighborhood Absinthe Bar! Quite tasty actually and absent the purported delirium. This was a stop on a guided walking tour of the city that included museums, historic buildings, restaurants and a number of art galleries (including Ai Wei Wei’s). A fantastic way to explore and experience the city.
The classic architecture of Museum Island
Checkpoint Charlie
Did I mention the food? White Asparagus season was in full force the week I was in Germany. It would not be an exaggeration to say I had White Asparagus, in some form in almost every meal.
All told, Berlin is now one of my new favorite European cities for groups.
Please consider it for your groups, I am very confident clients will be quite impressed with the experience at this dynamic and exciting destination.
Need more?!
Click to Link to the official visit Berlin website here
Patrick T Smith
Director of Group Sales
Leading Hotels of the World
312-402-8472