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top suites of munich and berlin

The fall of the wall sparked a German renaissance and now, 21 years later, Berlin is closer than ever to reclaiming its seat as Europes edgy, urban playground. New buildings dominate the skyline while top restaurants, clubs and galleries are attracting sophisticated travelers to both Berlin and Munich. These are the suites theyre staying in.
By ScoTT GoETz

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liViNG ArEA ANd BAlcoNy / PrESidENTiAl SUiTE

MASTEr BATH / PrESidENTiAl SUiTE

diNiNG ArEA / MoNForTE SUiTE

MUNICH mandarin oriental, munich

PreSidentiaL Suite Key selling points | Asian objets dart turn this suite into your own private museum. cherry and rosewood furniture unify the neo-Biedermeier period and contemporary Asian design, while a conservatory on the patio provides a unique view of the citys landmarks. Standout service | on two occasions, the furniture in the suites living room was removed for a client on Germanys

the charles hotel

Monforte Suite Key selling points | This top-floor accommodation features a rooftop terrace offering a view over the Alps and the tops of Munichs most famous historical buildings. The living room is equipped with a Bechstein grand piano with original paintings by the 19th century artist Franz von lenbach. Standout service | The hotel arranged a 21st birthday party for a visiting celebrity with balloons and a big colored cake. Style | Fresh, contemporary style, by olga Polizzi, 2007 Special amenities | Nintendo Wii, Hypnos mattresses, Pedersoli linens, 55-inch Samsung TV, Aromatherapy Associates bath amenities, AEG kitchen appliances Square footage | 2,153 number of rooms in suite | Four number of bathrooms | one and one half-bath number of rooms and suites in hotel | 160, including 27 suites and one Monforte Suite Whos slept here? | reportedly actors Ken duken and Felicity Jones, writer/director Phil Traill nightly rate | $11,375 Location | Sophienstrasse 28, Munich Contact | General Manager Frank Heller, 49-89-544-555-1300; fheller@roccofortecollection.com; www.roccofortecollection.com

Next Superstar so he could film with a view of Munich.

Style | contemporary with Art deco nuances, by architect ralf claussen of cm-dESiGN, 2008 Special amenities | Silk bed linens, Bang & olufsen audiovisual equipment and 32-inch flat-screen TV, red Flower bath amenities, Bulthaup kitchen, Swarovski chandeliers, complimentary use of a Mercedes-Benz bicycle Square footage | 1,320 number of rooms in suite | Five number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath number of rooms and suites in hotel | 48, including 25 suites Whos slept here? | liza Minnelli, Jon Bon Jovi, U2, Sting nightly rate | $13,280 Location | Neuturmstrasse 1, Munich Contact | General Manager lars Wagner, 49-89-2909-8800; lwagner@mohg.com; www.mandarinoriental.com/munich

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PATio / SUiTE 705

FirEPlAcE / SUiTE 705

liViNG ArEA / dElUxE SUiTE

hotel Knigshof
deLuxe Suite Key selling points | located in the heart of Munich, the deluxe Suite sports a striking view onto the Karlsplatz Stachus. The interiors combine classic elegance with modern furnishings, including italian handcrafts from Friuli and lombardy. Standout service | conductor Giuseppe Sinopoli requested his room be completely dark, even during the day, so the hotel installed blackout blinds in front of every window. Style | classic elegance, by Jochen dahms of Atelier dahms, 2005 Special amenities | Etro bath amenities, pillow menu, Toshiba TVs, handmade fabrics from rubelli Square footage | 947 number of rooms in suite | Three number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath number of rooms and suites in hotel | 87, including 16 suites Whos slept here? | Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, German chancellor Angela Merkel, israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres nightly rate | From $1,076 Location | Karlsplatz 25, Munich Contact | Member of the Board Theodor Gandenheimer, 49-89-55-137-170; t.gandenheimer@geisel-privathotels.de; www.geisel-privathotels.de

hotel baYerischer hof munich

Suite 705 Key selling points | Hotel Bayerischer Hof Munich offers a series of Panorama Suites with views over the city center. Suite 705 has private access to the Blue Spa area with a 538-square-foot Mediterranean-style terracotta terrace and fireplace. Standout service | Hotel staff decked the suite with custommade christmas decorations for a visiting family. Style | Mediterranean apartment living, by count Siegward Pilati, 2006 Special amenities | lather bath amenities, Siemens appliances, dornbracht rainshowers, private marble sauna Square footage | 861 number of rooms in suite | Three number of bathrooms | one and one half-bath number of rooms and suites in hotel | 350, including 60 suites Whos slept here? | Sigmund Freud, the dalai lama, Muhammad Ali, oscar de la renta, Michael Jackson, cameron diaz, cher, Britney Spears, Bill clinton nightly rate | $4,892 Location | Promenadeplatz 26, Munich Contact | owner and General Manager innegrit Volkhardt, 49-89-21-20-911; privat@bayerischerhof.de; www.bayerischerhof.de

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BEdrooM / THE riTz-cArlToN APArTMENT

liViNG ArEA / oBEroN SUiTE

diNiNG rooM / THE riTz-cArlToN APArTMENT

BeRLIN brandenburger hof berlin

oberon Suite Key selling points | The third floor oberon Suite, with views onto the central courtyards Japanese garden, offers sumptuous comfort and the best bedding in town. For those requiring more space, the hotel offers private sections of the houses main floor. Standout service | ViPs can provide master chef Sauli Kemppainen with a list of their favorite ingredients, and hell create a private menu tasting just for them. Style | Minimal Prussian Bauhaus with Japanese touches, by owner daniela Sauter, 2010 Special amenities | Etro bath amenities, iPod docking station, flat-screen TV, dVd player, MP3 and iPod access, private bar, fresh fruit and flowers upon arrival Square footage | 700 number of rooms in suite | Two number of bathrooms | one and one half-bath number of rooms and suites in hotel | 72, including eight suites Whos slept here? | royals like the Queen of the Netherlands nightly rate | $730 Location | Eislebener Strasse 14, Berlin Contact | director Markus otto Graf, 49-30-2140-5553; graf@brandenburger-hof.com; www.brandenburger-hof.com

the ritz-carlton, berlin

the ritz-CarLton aPartMent Key selling points | This sprawling wonder of contemporary design delivers jaw-dropping views of the citys skyline. The suite combines vibrant architecture with italian stucco lustro walls, floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves, solid walnut parquet floors, marble bathrooms and more. Standout service | Hotel staff knew that one repeat guest was a huge Madonna fan, so they surprised her with the pop legends newest dVd playing in her room. Style | Berliner chic, by Peter Silling, 2009 Special amenities | contemporary artwork, telescope, touchscreen room controls, two fireplaces, Aromatherapy Associates bath amenities, 42-inch flat-screen TV with dVd player Square footage | 3,068 number of rooms in suite | Six number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath number of rooms and suites in hotel | 303, including 41 suites Whos slept here? | rene zellweger, Beyonc Knowles nightly rate | $20,564 Location | Potsdamer Platz 3, Berlin Contact | General Manager robert Petrovic, 49-30-33-777-6002; robert.petrovic@ritzcarlton.com; www.ritzcarlton.com/berlin

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MASTEr BEdrooM / GrUNEWAld SUiTE

MASTEr BATH / GrUNEWAld SUiTE

oPEN FloorPlAN / ExTrA lArGE SUiTE

alma berlin schlosshotel im grunewald

GruneWaLd Suite Key selling points | The Grunewald Suite, part of a hotel originally built as a private mansion in 1912, was redesigned by Karl lagerfeld, and today it offers a blend of turn of the century opulence and modern design, complete with an extravagantly appointed living room and an Art deco bathroom. Standout service | A guest was a last-minute invitee to a private black tie dinner party, so the hotel fitted him with a bowtie, cufflinks et al after hours. Style | luxe mansion living, by Karl lagerfeld and updated by Alma Hotels, 2008 Special amenities | Use of an Audi A8, Mac computer, Bulgari bath amenities, antique library, deep soaking tub Square footage | 2,131 number of rooms in suite | Seven number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath number of rooms and suites in hotel | 53, including 12 suites Whos slept here? | Jay-z and Beyonc Knowles nightly rate | $4,200 Location | Brahmsstrasse 10, Berlin Contact | General Manager Sara Torralvo-castro, 49-30-89-5840; generalmanager@schlosshotelberlin.com; www.schlosshotelberlin.com

soho house berlin

extra LarGe Suite Key selling points | The hotels largest offering includes a freestanding bath, dining table and seating area. The vibe is young and cool, designed with vintage furnishings and a record player with a selection of custom vinyl lPs thats perfect for entertaining guests after a long night in the hotel bar (one of the hottest in town). Standout service | Staff can arrange a private movie screening in the Screening room or a party in the Politburo. Style | 1940s glamour meets industrial cool, by Nick Jones, Susie Atkinson and Siobhan, 2010 Special amenities | Steam showers, cowshed bath amenities, access to the exclusive Soho House club, balcony, walk-in shower Square footage | 1,270 number of rooms in suite | one number of bathrooms | one number of rooms and suites in hotel | 40, including two suites Whos slept here? | Madonna, colin Firth nightly rate | From about $563 Location | Torstrasse 1, Berlin Contact | General Manager Stefanie Mason, 49-30-405-0440; reservations@sohohouseberlin.com; www.sohohouseberlin.com

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liViNG ArEA / PrESidENTiAl SUiTE

KempinsKi hotel bristol berlin

PreSidentiaL Suite Key selling points | This new flagship suite, located on the 10th and 11th floors above boulevard Kurfrstendamm, is the only one in Berlin offering two floors of space. Two bathrooms feature lcd TVs, which are integrated into vast mirrors and easily operated from the bathtub. Standout service | A departing guest ran out of room in his luggage to pack all his shopping. The concierge brought his own suitcase from home and gifted it to the guest. Style | Stylish Art deco, by Harmstorf & Petz, 2009 Special amenities | Samsung TVs and dVd players, Nintendo Wii, dolby surround sound system, walk-in rainshower, Molton Brown bath amenities, Bosch kitchen appliances Square footage | 5,382 number of rooms in suite | Nine number of bathrooms | Seven and four half-baths number of rooms and suites in hotel | 301, including 55 suites Whos slept here? | Joan collins, Kirk douglas, ronald reagan, John F. Kennedy, Sean connery, Gina lollobrigida, Sophia loren, Vivienne Westwood nightly rate | From $6,400 Location | Kurfrstendamm 27, Berlin Contact | General Manager Birgitt Ullerich, 49-30-8843-4790; sales.bristol@kempinski.com; www.kempinskiberlin.com

MASTEr BEdrooM / PrESidENTiAl SUiTE

MASTEr BATH / PrESidENTiAl SUiTE

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MASTEr BEdrooM / PrESidENTiAl SUiTE BrANdENBUrGEr Tor

liViNG ArEA / PrESidENTiAl SUiTE BrANdENBUrGEr Tor

liViNG ArEA / rENAiSSANcE SUiTE

hotel adlon KempinsKi berlin

PreSidentiaL Suite brandenburGer tor Key selling points | With impressive views framing the symbolic Brandenburg Gate, the crown jewel of Berlins most famous hotel takes style cues from the fashionable homes of the 1920s and 1930s with bolts of silk and hand-painted wood accents. Standout service | When a family traveling from Hamburg forgot their childs favorite teddy bear at home, the concierge drove to the familys home to pick it up. Style | Modern meets Art deco, by AMJ design, 2009 Special amenities | Frnkische Bettwaren beds, Jacuzzi bath tub, Finnish sauna, 40-inch Samsung lcd flat-screen TV, Molton Brown bath amenities, Wedgwood crockery Square footage | 1,938 number of rooms in suite | Four number of bathrooms | one and one half-bath number of rooms and suites in hotel | 382, including 78 suites Whos slept here? | Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Johnny depp, U.S. Presidents Bush, clinton and obama nightly rate | About $17,018 Location | Unter den linden 77, Am Pariser Platz, Berlin Contact | ViP reservations Gabriele Schwaninger, 49-30-2261-1113; gabriele.schwaninger@kempinski.com; www.hotel-adlon.de

hotel de rome
renaiSSanCe Suite Key selling points | The suite was built in 1889 as part of the former headquarters of the dresdner Bank and features a separate living and dining area with high ceilings and leather padded doors, but its the wallsrife with bullet hole and shrapnel markings from the warthat will fascinate guests. Standout service | A guest desperately wanted a limited edition green nail polish, so a concierge stood in line for more than two hours to get it for her. Style | 19th century Berlin refinery, by olga Pollizzi and Tommaso ziffer, 2006 Special amenities | Pedersoli linens, Philips flat-screen TVs, rEN bath amenities, Nespresso coffee maker Square footage | 861 number of rooms in suite | Two number of bathrooms | one number of rooms and suites in hotel | 146, including 43 suites Whos slept here? | reported guests include Matt damon, Karl lagerfeld, Matthew Mcconnaughey and ryan Phillippe nightly rate | $3,354 Location | Behrenstrasse 37, Berlin Contact | General Manager Thies Sponholz, 49-30-460-609-1302; tsponholz@roccofortecollection.com; www.roccofortecollection.com

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liViNG ArEA / PArK SUiTE

liViNG ArEA / PrESidENTiAl SUiTE

diNiNG ArEA / PArK SUiTE

MASTEr BEdrooM / PrESidENTiAl SUiTE

intercontinental berlin
ParK Suite Key selling points | Perched on the eighth floor of intercontinental Berlins hotel within the hotel, this suite offers residential comfort with its sprawling open room concept. Panoramic views over Tiergarten Park can be enjoyed from all areas of the suite, including the six-person dining area and the seductive bath suite. Standout service | Two guests spent too much time sightseeing in Berlin and ran out of time to pick up their luggage from the hotel before their trains departure. A staffer brought their suitcases to the train station just minutes before they had to catch their train. Style | Modern conceptual, by Bert Haller, 2001 Special amenities | Jura and Nespresso coffee makers, Asprey bath amenities, Bang & olufsen entertainment system, complimentary champagne and chocolates Square footage | 1,614 number of rooms in suite | Three number of bathrooms | one and one-half bath number of rooms and suites in hotel | 577, including 62 suites Whos slept here? | Bill clinton, Helmut Kohl nightly rate | $3,500 Location | Budapester Strasse 2, Berlin Contact | Hotel Manager Thorsten christopher Jung, 49-30-2602-1153; chris.jung@ihg.com; www.berlin.intercontinental.com

the regent berlin

PreSidentiaL Suite Key selling points | Situated on the eighth floor of the hotel, the suite offers panoramic views of historic Gendarmenmarkt Square and the city skyline. Woven fabric wallpaper, luxurious draperies and plush cushions set a distinct and decadent atmosphere. Standout service | one A-list celebrity had the complete contents of his childs room at home shipped to the hotel so that the child could rest in familiar surroundings. Style | classic, high-tech elegance, by The regent Berlin, 2011 Special amenities | Bose Hi-Fi system and dVd player, Sony flat-screen TVs, loccitane bath amenities, lavazza espresso machine, chefs kitchenette with Bosch appliances Square footage | 2,368 number of rooms in suite | Two number of bathrooms | one and one half-bath number of rooms and suites in hotel | 195, including 39 suites Whos slept here? | Tom cruise, Bruce Willis nightly rate | From $4,000 Location | charlottenstrasse 49, Berlin Contact | General Manager Stefan Athmann, 49-30-2033-6001; stefan.athmann@regenthotels.com; www.regenthotels.com/berlin

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liViNG ArEA / dAiMlEr SUiTE

grand hYatt berlin

daiMLer Suite Key selling points | The use of natural materials in this top accommodation lends itself to a homey ambience, allowing the hotels collection of contemporary art to shine. Works by Gert rappenecker and Sybille Ungers grace the suite, which also has a pianoperfect for lively cocktail gatherings. Standout service | one famous U.S. singer requested that all the windows of the suite be completely darkened. Style | Artistic contemporary, by New york-based architect Tony chi, 2011 Special amenities | Access to the exclusive Grand club lounge, private concierge, Bang & olufsen flat-screen BeoVision TVs, Aveda bath amenities Square footage | 592 number of rooms in suite | Two number of bathrooms | one and one half-bath number of rooms and suites in hotel | 342, including 16 suites and two Presidential Suites Whos slept here? | Mariah carey, Grace Jones, claudia Schiffer, Pink nightly rate | From $4,800 Location | Marlene-dietrich-Platz 2, Berlin Contact | General Manager Fred Huerst, 49-30-2553-1701; fred. huerst@hyatt.com; www.berlin.grand.hyatt.com

german secret service

The luxury travel planning team of U.S. professionals at Culture trip, Germany have been using their enviable contacts throughout Germany since 1995 and have met the needs of elite travelers like George lucas, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Henry Kissinger. Whether its an after-hours private walk through the Neues Museum to view the bust of Nefertiti or an iron curtain chauffeured city drive led by the guide who managed Tom Brokaw during the fall of the Berlin wall, trust that they have access to the inaccessible. Contact | co-owner Virginia Giordano, 49-30-305-3890; virginia@culturetrip.de; www.culturetrip.de

stYle in the sKies

Lufthansa launched their A380 and new first-class cabins in May 2010. located on the upper deck, they are equipped with a first of its kind air humidification system to help fight off jet lag, two luxurious bathrooms with separate changing areas and eight ergonomic seats. For those traveling to Munich, Berlin and beyond in Europe, these long-haul flights connect seamlessly with Lufthansa Private Jet service, which offers a round-the-clock personal event management team who will coordinate the itinerary from start to finish. Contact | director, Global Premium customer Management Sabine drflinger, (888) 261-0814; serviceteamprivatejetus@dlh.de; www.lufthansa-private-jet.com