The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin has announced the culmination of its 40 million euro renovation. This meticulous refurbishment, largely funded by its ownership Beisheim Group, heralds in a new era of elegance through refreshed guestrooms and suites, conference, wellness, lobby and lounge areas and the addition of POTS, a new restaurant. Each space evokes a vision of Berlin in the 1920s, with guests encountering creative details and thoughtful references to the golden era of German cinema.
A cinematic legacy brought to life
The hotel’s imaginatively redesigned guest rooms and suites are the work of G.A. Design’s London team, as is the grand entrance guests experience in the lobby upon arrival. An ornate sweeping marble and ironwork staircase makes a statement, while sparkling crystal chandeliers evoke the flurry of flashbulbs that punctuate the annual Berlinale Film Festival. Radiating 1920s flair, one wall gleams with stylised champagne glasses while guests will find one of the recurring motifs of the new design at reception: an abstract representation of a screen, reminiscent of film star’s cloakrooms.
In the style of early 20th century literary salons, the spacious lobby is the ideal place for guests to relax, exchange ideas or enjoy a game of chess. An eye-catching marble fireplace replaces real flames with a bold sculpture, while She Represents, a 1928 painting by artist Jeanne Mammen, hangs above the mantelpiece – a declaration of love for the vitality of Berlin women. The adjoining space, flooded with daylight, features views of Potsdamer Platz, providing an ambience of a retreat where guests can take a break from the bustling city.
The lovingly redesigned guest rooms and suites of The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin are epitome of modern luxury. Day meets night in the contrasting colours of full-height headboards, while geometric patterns symbolise the historical significance of Potsdamer Platz. As with the lobby, the rooms also echo the city’s great film heritage. Elegant wash and make-up tables suggest the wardrobes of early silver screen icons while the sleek honour bar offers a nod to their classic wardrobe boxes”. State of the art technology is also thoughtfully woven into the experience, including touchscreens controlling all in-room electronics and convenient charging stations built into seating. In the Carlton Club Suite, shades of blue represent the moon and Berlin nightlife and in The Ritz-Carlton Suite, warm golden tones are a nod to the city’s sunny sides.
New gastronomic experiences
The Lounge creates the heart of the hotel, shining in new splendour with dazzling mirror accents across its marble floor. Culinary delights include afternoon tea accompanied by a live pianist and served by specially-trained tea sommeliers with the highest level of personal service.
A completely new culinary venue, the POTS restaurant features an exciting young kitchen team that serves German classics with a modern twist. It offers cosy seating niches, an additional room for group gatherings, and an open-kitchen that epitomises its “sharing food” ethos. The restaurant’s name is a fun play on both Potsdamer Platz and the many pots resting on the kitchen stoves. Beaten and brushed copper accents, used throughout the interior design, reference the heavy kettles in which German beer is traditionally brewed. In the summer, its newly-designed terrace overlooks the adjacent Sony Center and Henriette-Herz Park for light lunches or relaxed dinners.
The Curtain Club bar presents a stylish mix of Art Deco elegance and Latin American playfulness. Designed in the style of a South American hacienda, a Living Room lies in the heart of the bar with a stage for live music. Multiple award-winning mixologist and Chef Arnd Heissen and his team take guests on a fascinating culinary journey across the South American continent, creating unorthodox drinks relying on Latin American flavours, extravagant ingredients and precious essences.
A vision in red and gold, the Fragrances Bar is home to the high art of mixology, centred around scents and where Heissen enthrals guests with his “fragrant” cocktail creations. An interactive experience, guests choose their favourite cocktails from a walk-through bar menu, the Hall of Fame, where each drink is inspired by a top-quality gourmet perfume. The bar’s design is based on elaborate perfume flacons with ingredients and spirits arranged in pharmacy bottles, reflecting the mixologist’s experimental work. Dark mirrors underscore the sensual approach and mystical character of the space, with six avant-garde Golden Age-inspired drawings by local artist Tina Berning lining the walls.
A wellness oasis, meetings in style
Re-envisaged by interior expert Carbone Design, the hotel’s newly modernized wellness space brings a hint of glamour to the workout and wellness experience. Guests can also take advantage of two saunas, a cosmetic treatment menu and state-of-the-art fitness equipment.
The divisible ballroom of the Beletage conference area is ideal for lavish parties as well as corporate events. Inspired by the 1920s nightlife, Czech lighting designer Lasvit created large Bohemian glass lamps in striking shapes, giving special dimension to the space. Seven additional event rooms featuring state-of-the-art technology have a total area of 1,800 square metres.
