Fabulous Berlin palace turned hotel in lush, upscale suburb with sleek, seductive design

Schlosshotel / Berlin / Germany

When we stayed at La Bandita Country House Summer of 2021 we met Tanja and Chris from Berlin. We hit it off during the weekly pizza party and it seemed we shared the same love of hotels. They are the people behind German travel book guides ”Glücklich in…” and Nectar & Pulse Travel. When we were going to Berlin we asked them what their favorite hotel in Berlin is, and Chris recommended this one, Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellman.

It is a swish historic palace in the upscale neighborhood of Grunewald, a mere 10 min drive from the western parts of town and major thoroughfare, Kurfürstendamm. This swanky building was commissioned by Walter van Pannwitz in the beginning of the 20th century. Work began in 1911 and was completed in 1914. It is built in a beautiful Italian Renaissance style and is located right on the doorstep of the forest that shares the same name as the neighborhood, Grunewald. This is a lush area full of hiking paths and lakes. A place that is really popular among the Berliners, especially in the Summer when they come here for a dip and a barbecue.

This palace has seen several different owners, it was the Croatian Embassy right after the Great War and was also owned by world renowned fashion designer Karl Lagerfeldt. In 2015 another German fashion designer, Patrick Hellman took over the reign and gave this hotel a full makeover.

The hotel is one of those great examples of when a historic building has been brought into the next part of its journey without erasing its rich heritage. The interior feels modern and sleek but still has a connection to the grand, classic exterior. Many of the historic elements have been preserved and are paired with more modern features. One of the best examples of this is the PHC Bar. It is a dark, almost seductive affair with contemporary photo art, but where some more palace-like features have been brought in, like the crystal accessories by Lalique to remind us that this is indeed a hotel with a grand past.

This is a city hotel where you are covered. Everything you might need is with the four walls of the hotel, but you didn’t come to Berlin just to stay in, did you? That’s right! But when you have had all your fun downtown, it is a treat to come back to this glamorous palace where your are treated like a king, queen or a non-binary royalty of your choice.

Welcome to Schlosshotel Berlin! Located in the upscale suburb of Grunewald in the outskirts of Berlin, next to the Grunewald Forest.

Everything is big at the Schlosshotel Berlin. A real power entrance.

The palace is built in Italian Renaissance style, and was completed in 1914.

This grand hall is the first thing you encounter when entering the hotel. Polished, classy and majestic.

There are some contrasting styles at the hotel. This old main hall feels more like a typical Central European castle compared to some of the others that feel more typically Southern European.

There are different room styles at the Schlosshotel. We decided to go for one of the older looking rooms that to us feel more in line with the whole castle. If I have been correctly briefed, these older rooms were designed by Karl Lagerfeldt and weren’t touched when Patrick Hellman took over.

Love the vintage furniture in our room, like this old wooden desk.

I am obsessed with this wall paper (or I am not really sure it is wallpaper or something else). Don’t think it would look good at home but here it is stunning.

Many of the original features from when the palace was built in the beginning of the 20th century are still intact, like this wood-carved lion.

There are two different bars at the hotel. This is the champagne bar…

…and this is the darker, sexier PHC Bar.

We have been seated and are waiting for something to drink.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…are one of those who likes to stay in a calm, leafy (upscale) residential setting when visiting a big city. If you like old palaces that have been transformed into contemporary hotels without erasing any of the past then this could be a really good option for you.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the contrast. You are in one of the most hedonistic, fun-loving, crazy and alternative cities in the world and to stay in a hotel like this is such a great experience. It is like a mind-f*ck where it is difficult to wrap your head around that you can have these two experiences at the same time, in the same town.

What not to miss when staying here is…

…to go for a walk in the huge Grunewald Forest. It is right at your doorstep and is well worth a visit. And if you (unlike us) stay here during Summer you can do like the Berliners and go for a swim in the Havel. A great way to cool off after a visit in downtown Berlin.

If you like this hotel you might also like…

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Birch Community, Greater London, England

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