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In a modern city like Berlin, it’s not easy to find old-world charm within the city limits that also offers easy access to important sights, restaurants and cultural attractions. But, there is one property that does charm and glamour better than any other. Sitting a mere 10 minutes from the city center, in the upscale and leafy suburb of Grunewald, is the Schlosshotel im Grunewald, a renovated home that was built in 1914.
Today, the home-turned-hotel is owned by well-known German designer Patrick Hellmann and boasts 53 rooms which were designed by Chanel’s creative director, Karl Lagerfeld. Lagerfeld is German by heritage and added his own touches. Rooms feature spacious sitting areas, grand beds, large bathrooms and sweeping views of the hotel’s gardens and forest. They also offer wifi, minibars, robes and slippers, Malin + Goetz grooming products and bottled water for guests. I was welcomed with a lovely note from reception and German chocolate.
Walking through the property, it’s easy to see why the space was a haunt of people like: Josephine Baker, Hildegard Knef, Romy Schneider and Jogi Löw. Every corner offers something new and interesting to admire. Period paintings dot the walls. Antiques and rare furniture decorate spaces like the library, the study, the cigar lounge and more. On the subterranean level of the hotel lies a spacious spa and pool area with changing rooms and saunas. It’s easy at the Schlosshotel to keep active and on your exercise routine with options available like jogging, swimming, running and bicycling.
The hotel’s signature color is purple, as this is Patrick Hellmann’s favorite color. It pops-up everywhere from flowers to bedding. The strong color blends nicely against creams, pastels and stone which serve as the palette for the Schlosshotel. Even in the beautiful Vivaldi Restaurant, purple makes an appearance in the small flowers on the table set against the dramatic and intricately carved moldings on the walls and ceiling. Here you can have lunch and dinner after you’ve enjoyed breakfast in the garden restaurant with views of the centuries-old trees.
Staying at Schlosshotel im Grunewald is an opportunity to reconnect with nature without leaving the comforts and luxuries of a five-star property. Being that the hotel is part of the esteemed Relais & Chateaux collection, you never have to worry about service being subpar. It’s perfection and some of the best I’ve experienced in Germany. I had no less than three people tending to me during my stay. It was heaven. Being here is like staying at the well-run home of a wealthy friend or a small castle that just so happens to be at the doorstep of one of Europe’s most exciting cities.
