This 5 star hotels opening day was the 12th October 2006.The day we arrived in Berlin for the first time.I had paid a cancellation fee on my existing hotel reservation and accepted an opening offer rate,with extras included.
New hotel so taxi drivers dont know it.
New door man but he takes care of the bags.
New reception staff,well I say new but it seems staff were brought from all over the chains empire,even England.
Mid afternoon,opening day,but room not yet ready.First drink on the house came with last bar snax I ever saw.Due to very poor communications from central reservations (Germany) I had already complained and was told at the hotel that they had a nice room to show me.Room 402 is extra pleasant,if small, (there are about six room grades).Roof top views,private sun deck,three windows (including two patio doors).The hotel is on the famous square of the Nazi book burning,surrounded by fabulous buildings,but is itself dour and somber.If it were not for flags you could miss it.The mini bar was filled after we entered the room,and a security gaurd spent each day near our door.There was no in room information,no room service advice,no building history,no mention of breakfast was ever made except at reservation,when 26 euros each was quoted.The bathroom (as with the complete hotel)was lavish.Large bath,seperate shower,the heated floor often too hot or off.Volume control from TV,magnifying mirror,but alas hum drum toiletries.
The bedroom too appeared fabulous,curtain and decor wise,but we found the mattress too firm,the air con difficult,the chairs uncomfortable.The generous fruit plates were due to my earlier complaint I think.The next day the room was not made up by our return at 3,30pm,we retreated to the sombre bar for cocktails on the house.The basement swimming pool in the old bank vault basement looked good,but as a T shape is not built for passing,and the water was cold.We were shown the sauna and steam as we left.There was no recepticle for used towels but plenty lockers and a large gym.
The following day the room was not made up again, this time by 4.30pm,despite the lit up door indicator being set.We were given a bottle of Champagne that evening.We did not use the restaurant,but had expensive bar drinks,no snax provided.It felt like half of Berlin had wandered arround the hotel by this time,just to check it out.
Despite pointing out to reception that my reservation offered,room upgrade if available,welcome drinks with canapes,plus a welcome gift, we recieved none of them,so on departure ,when presented with a higher rate than booked,I opted for a lower room rate than the one I had reserved after a difficult negotiation.
At no time were we clear if a hotel manager existed.
The concierge service was excellent.