The Ritz- Carlton, Berlin

BACKGROUND The Ritz-Carlton Berlin opened in 2004 as part of the huge rebuilding of Potsdamer Platz. It has recently re-emerged from a three-year €40 million renovation.

WHAT’ S IT LIKE? You never forget the first time you see the buildings of Potsdamer Platz, with their plain façades and clean lines, a simple version of art deco that the hotel redesign has now brought inside. Occupying the first 11 floors of one of these buildings, the Ritz-Carlton has always been refined, but was looking a little dated, particularly the bars and public areas. Not any more. The GA Group has created a homely feel that nods towards 1920s cinema, while at the same time remaining very modern.

The old chandelier has been removed from the lobby and instead there are multiple exploding globes, designed to remind you of the pop of flashbulbs, with the glass elements of the chandelier evoking champagne flutes. There is elegant furniture in the side seating area and behind the marble staircase, while recurring geometric patterns combine with a lit sculpture at the back of the lobby that is covered in the evening, the most obvious example of the night and day theme that runs throughout the hotel. The colour palette is mainly champagne gold and chrome with touches of grey, although the rooms have some purple as well. Service is superb – all staff are helpful, guiding you to whatever you are searching for and even walking out of the hotel to give directions.

WHERE IS IT? In Potsdamer Platz, which has access to the regional rail, S-Bahn and U-Bahn. The main station, the Hauptbahnhof, is about a five-minute drive away, while Berlin Tegel airport is about 25 minutes and Berlin Schonefeld 40 minutes.

ROOMS There are 303 rooms ranging from Deluxe (40 sqm) to the 205 sqm Ritz-Carlton suite. The art deco-style rooms feature Marlene Dietrich-inspired paintings, Nespresso machines, small sofas, goodsized tables, and ample plugs (although not UK ones) and USB sockets. All have Italian marble bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. Ritz-Carlton Club rooms (also 40 sqm) are located on the 10th and 11th floors and are available at roughly a €100 supplement, with access to the 11th-floor Club lounge included.

Soundproofing in my sixth-floor room

The revamp has created a homely feel that nods towards 1920s cinema

was faultless, although one night I was woken by drunks outside in the street as the large central window had been left open by housekeeping. The positive aspect is you can open the window and get some fresh air.

FOOD AND DRINK A good choice here. Pots restaurant offers a modern interpretation of German cuisine courtesy of head chef Frederik Grieb and threeMichelin starred patron Dieter Muller, plus a German wine selection featuring more than 200 choices.

There’s also the lobby lounge, and two excellent bars that you could quite happily spend several hours in – the Curtain Club, open all day, and Fragrances, a cocktail bar open only in the evening. Here, resident mixologist Arnd Heissen will create a bespoke cocktail for you inspired by your favourite perfume, and if you wish, tell you what it says about your personality – don’t worry, it’s always complimentary.

MEETINGS Located on the first floor, facilities include a ballroom that can host 600 guests for a banquet, plus seven smaller rooms. The hotel can work with the neighbouring Marriott to accommodate larger events.

LEISURE There is a small spa, pool and gym in the basement.

VERDICT A very thoughtful renovation and a truly luxurious place to stay. I was particularly impressed with the service and the two bars and restaurant.