Schlosshotel im Grunewald

The Scene

It’s easy to see what drew wealthy residents out to this relatively remote neighborhood of Berlin: false isolation. The nearby (and very scenic) Grunewald Forest is a scant three blocks from Schlosshotel im Grunewald and its tree-lined streets. It’s quite residential; as such, you’d be hard-pressed to find the array of shops, restaurants, and the like that are so easily discovered in central Berlin. We recommend this rarely, but in this case it would be quite prudent to rent a car for transport to central Berlin (and perhaps to the airport as well; you’re only 15 minutes away by car). In exchange, however, you’re offered quiet and exclusive seclusion at the Schlosshotel im Grunewald.

The Concept

The history of the mansion that now houses Schlosshotel im Grunewald is best left to its staff to tell, but suffice to say the atmosphere is resolutely magnificent and redolent of the Imperial era of the early twentieth century in which it was built. It’s perfectly natural to fancy yourself a guest in a fine house from yesteryear as the many luxury amenities are sure to entice you to stay. You could start your day with a fresh breakfast in the Conservatory followed by a spa treatment. Take a leisurely stroll around the Grunewald forest, pausing briefly at fateful Gleis 17 in remembrance of the souls who were deported from there, and return for a light lunch on the terrace in the hotel’s expansive garden. A refreshing dip in the pool next to the spa revives you. Before dinner, sip on pre-dinner cocktails in the stately bar, moving into your table at Vivaldi. The impressive wood paneling and shimmering chandeliers set the mood for an utterly glamorous dinner of refined German cuisine from Chef Volker Fuhrwerk. Post-dinner, shift to the Cigar Lounge to indulge your inner cigar aficionado.

The Look

Instead of being stale, Schlosshotel im Grunewald has refined itself to be the very picture of classic sophistication whose style will easily stand the test of time. Karl Lagerfeld’s modern design is still quite influenced by the traditional architecture that’s been gloriously refinished. It’s the little details sprinkled in amidst the deep, dark woods and the rich colors and patterns that leave the most endearing impressions: the intricate carvings in enormous doorframes, that little extra whirl in the design on the bed’s headboard, the gold filigree delicately accenting wood paneling. Vivaldi Restaurant shines as a stunning example of historical lavishness; its wood-paneled adorned with golden details are particularly alluring. Accommodation is decidedly more of this century but stays in step with the history style inherent in the downstairs with antiqued furniture and lush fabrics (like velvet) reminiscent of the era. Suites are themed and pay homage to figures central to the hotel like Karl Lagerfeld (responsible for the revitalization and design of Schlosshotel im Grunewald in the 1990s) and Kaiser Wilhelm II (whose close confidante built the manse in the first place).

In Short

Luxe travel demands more: it demands that something special you can’t get anywhere else. Schlosshotel im Grunewald delivers on more than a stellar experience in being the extraordinarily rare sort of property that you simply cannot pull away from (and would never wish to!).