Hotel review: Waldorf Astoria Berlin review
Founded in New York in 1893, the Waldorf Astoria was the first hotel in the world to offer running hot water and electric lighting. In addition, it is considered the inventor of “in-room dining”. With the opening in Berlin, the hotel brand came to the capital in 2013, 35 years later than planned. Because after the turnaround, the capital of investors flowed first not to the West, but to the new center of the city. Today, the 118-meter-high building is perched at the Zoological Garden.
What to Expect in the Rooms
The 232 rooms—including 80 suites starting at 61 square meters—reflect the Art Deco style of the original hotel. I am staying in a Deluxe Room, the most popular category among business travelers; the name certainly lives up to its promise. My suitcase has arrived ahead of me and my personal concierge, Nadine. With the Memorial Church straight ahead and the zoo to the left, I am lucky enough to enjoy a dual view—and I am only on the eighth of an impressive 31 floors. The Presidential Suite sits at the very top, overlooking everything.
With a private entrance, whirlpool, fireplace, and Bechstein grand piano, the top-tier suite combines discretion with decadence across 280 square meters, offering a 360-degree city panorama that remains etched in my memory.
Whether it is the elephants at the zoo, the bustling activity on the Kurfürstendamm, or the Neo-Romanesque ruin where a technician is adjusting the clock at a dizzying height—wherever I look, something captivates my gaze. Beyond the view, the suite’s interior elevates luxury to new heights with a gold-leaf-clad wall, stingray-skin door paneling, and two marble bathrooms featuring televisions embedded in the mirrors. This blend of unexpected—perhaps even extravagant—luxurious touches defines the “Waldorf experience” and reflects the high room rates typical of Berlin.
Great views: Here’s what the hotel looks like from the inside
On the second floor—the dedicated events level—there are five conference rooms accommodating between ten and 250 guests. I reach this area via Europe’s largest spiral staircase, which spans two floors from the lobby. Behind each heavy door I open lies a light-filled salon; tall panoramic windows and comfortable upholstered chairs create a pleasant working atmosphere for me.
Beautiful views abound, from the meeting rooms to the spa. It comes as no surprise, then, that the only Waldorf Astoria spa in Central Europe was named “Germany’s Best Hotel Spa” at the 2025 World Travel Awards.
The hotel also has plenty to offer in terms of cuisine: on the ground floor, the Roca restaurant impresses with an outdoor terrace facing Breitscheidplatz. As the menu puts it, New York style meets Italian soul here. I try a Waldorf classic—tender New York beef tagliata with green asparagus, paired with a Californian red wine—a delicious combination.
All rooms and suites are equipped with an impressive marble bathroom, a Nespresso coffee machine, a television, a dining table, Wi-Fi, and a safe.
Conclusion
Under the stewardship of General Manager Christian Schwenke, this hotel which is steeped in tradition has regained its former splendor. It impresses with exquisite luxury in every detail and light-filled rooms; thanks to panoramic views from every room, it offers guests a city tour without them ever having to leave the hotel.
Ideal for: Business meetings offering sweeping views of the city’s west side.
Must do: Treat yourself to the “Berlin Chic” massage—invented here and inspired by the city’s history.
Prices: From €400 per night for a Deluxe Room to the Presidential Suite, starting at €12,500 per night.
Photo Credits: Waldorf Astoria Berlin
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