Elegance and Escape: Timeless Charm of The Westin Grand Berlin
Arrival: A Step into Berlin’s Living History
Arriving at the Westin Grand Berlin, you are welcomed by the monumental corner of Unter den Linden and Friedrichstraße, two of Berlin’s most famous streets. This hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s a landmark with a storied past that dates back to its opening in 1987, during the final years of East Germany. Originally known as the Interhotel Grand, it was commissioned to celebrate East Berlin’s 750th birthday and designed to showcase a level of luxury that the government of the DDR hoped would rival the finest hotels in West Berlin. The grand opening was attended by East German leader Erich Honecker himself, who perhaps unknowingly christened a hotel that would soon become emblematic of a country on the brink of monumental change.
Getting to the hotel is easy, whether you’re arriving by air or train. From Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), a taxi ride will have you at the Westin Grand in about 30-40 minutes, while the airport’s S-Bahn connection to Friedrichstraße station makes for an efficient 45-minute journey. Once in the Mitte district, Berlin’s U-Bahn and S-Bahn system is easily navigable, and the hotel is just five minutes from the Französische Straße U-Bahn station. Friedrichstraße, a 10-minute walk, connects you with key train lines for broader city access.
Outside, the streets bustle with a blend of tourists and locals, and it’s easy to see why: Friedrichstraße is lined with high-end boutiques, and just south of Unter den Linden, cultural treasures beckon. The Brandenburg Gate is a short 15-minute walk, as are other attractions like the Reichstag, Museum Island, and the Gendarmenmarkt. This area’s energy invites you to stroll the tree-lined boulevard, where history merges seamlessly with modernity.
Grounds: Where Cold War Grandeur Meets Modern Luxury
Stepping into the Westin Grand Berlin, the grandiose architecture immediately transports you back to a different era. The building retains much of its original stone façade, which gives it an air of classical Berlin even though it was only built in the 1980s. Inside, the octagonal lobby is a breathtaking sight, crowned by a 100-foot glass dome that floods the space with light. It’s a blend of architectural splendor and historical nostalgia, with the iconic marble staircase spiraling up like a tribute to DDR opulence. This is the staircase featured in films and known across Berlin for its sheer beauty.
The lobby bar and restaurant, set at the base of this staircase, is a perfect vantage point for admiring the vast atrium, which remains the largest in Berlin. Soaring 30 meters high, this atrium is a remnant from a time when extravagance was celebrated, even in the strict context of the DDR. The entire space serves as a nod to its past, mixing classicist styles with modern Westin touches. One especially interesting feature is the massive orchid motif on the glass ceiling, a tribute to Erich Honecker’s favorite flower, retained as a quiet salute to the hotel’s heritage.
The grounds also boast a hidden garden, a quiet oasis with fountains, pavilions, and manicured flower beds. During the warmer months, the garden transforms into a lush outdoor dining area where herbs and vegetables grown on-site add a fresh touch to dishes served at the restaurant. The attention to detail in the landscaping invites guests to pause, relax, and reflect—a slice of tranquility in a busy city.
Interiors: A Blend of Old-World Charm and Contemporary Comfort
The Westin Grand’s interiors have been updated since its DDR days, but they retain an old-world charm that adds warmth and character to the stay. The 400 rooms and suites are spread across multiple floors and were thoughtfully renovated in 2022 to blend classic elegance with Westin’s signature comforts. The décor is sophisticated, with a neutral palette of light greys, coffee tones, and whites, complemented by herringbone wood floors and sleek, modern furniture.
Rooms are generous in size, especially by Berlin standards, and they come with all the modern amenities expected of a luxury hotel. Every room has an espresso machine, plush Heavenly Beds, flat-screen LED televisions, blackout curtains, and spacious bathrooms equipped with rain showers and underfloor heating. Higher-category rooms like the Linden Superior and Garden Deluxe offer additional square footage and special views: some overlook the bustling boulevard of Unter den Linden, while others offer serene vistas of the garden.
For an elevated stay, the suites offer a range of luxurious perks. The Grand Spa Suite is a standout with its expansive layout, featuring a private sauna, whirlpool tub, and sweeping views of Berlin. The Westin has maintained the “heavenly” quality of its rooms while paying homage to the past with original DDR-era details like brass fixtures and high ceilings that hint at the grandeur of its former life.
Wellness: A Spa and Pool with German Elegance
The Westin Grand Berlin’s spa and wellness area is a highlight for guests seeking relaxation after a day of exploring the city. Located in the basement, the spa features a large indoor pool that provides a refreshing escape from the city’s pace. This pool area is particularly inviting, although it could benefit from additional lounge chairs due to its popularity with guests. A small whirlpool tub sits nearby, offering an ideal spot to unwind.
The sauna complex offers a uniquely German experience. Unlike many other luxury hotels, the Westin observes traditional German spa culture, with co-ed saunas and a nudity policy. Guests can enjoy a variety of sauna experiences, from dry saunas to steam rooms, each designed to rejuvenate and detoxify. For those new to the German spa experience, the hotel provides instructions and reminders of local etiquette, encouraging visitors to fully immerse themselves in this wellness culture.
The fitness lounge features an adequate selection of cardio equipment, though it’s not the most extensive gym you’ll find in Berlin. Nonetheless, it provides a sufficient range for those looking to keep up their fitness routine, with treadmills, elliptical machines, and a selection of weights.
Dining: A Taste of European Elegance with a Berlin Twist
Dining at the Westin Grand Berlin is an experience in itself. The main restaurant, Relish, offers a well-curated menu of European cuisine with German flair. The kitchen serves a seasonal menu that includes hearty German classics, such as schnitzel and duck with root vegetables, along with more refined dishes like entrecôte with Café de Paris butter. The chef incorporates fresh herbs from the hotel’s garden, lending an organic touch to each dish.
Breakfast is served on the second floor in an expansive dining area that captures the morning light. The buffet spans an impressive selection of items: fresh fruit, cereals, pastries, cold meats, cheeses, and hot dishes. There’s also an omelette station for custom orders. It’s a feast that fuels guests for a day of exploring Berlin, and the attentive staff ensure that each guest feels attended to.
For a more casual option, the Lobby Bar & Lounge is a hub of activity where you can enjoy a light meal, coffee, or a cocktail while watching the world pass by through the expansive windows. In the warmer months, the outdoor terrace on Friedrichstraße offers an inviting al fresco experience. The drinks menu is as varied as the bar itself, with classic cocktails, local craft beers, and wines from across Europe.
Special Features: A Window into the DDR and Modern Berlin
Staying at the Westin Grand Berlin is akin to stepping into a dual reality: the hotel’s Cold War origins remain visible, while the modern amenities ensure comfort at every turn. The octagonal lobby and its grand staircase harken back to the days when the Interhotel Grand was a crown jewel of East Germany, yet the sleek renovations and Westin branding bring it firmly into the 21st century. The hotel’s embrace of its historical roots is part of what makes it special; throughout the property, you’ll find subtle nods to its past, from the orchid motif to original brass fixtures.
The Westin Grand also offers an immersive experience of Berlin’s cultural landscape. Guests can arrange private tours or hire the hotel’s limousine service for a personalized city tour. For families, the hotel has child-friendly rooms with play corners and kitchenettes, available by request. Pet-friendly amenities ensure that dogs are as pampered as their owners.
Exploring the area around the hotel feels like peeling back layers of history. Just beyond its doors, you’ll find Berlin’s luxury shopping hubs, including Galeries Lafayette and Gucci, as well as Michelin-starred restaurants and lively bars. Berlin’s Call-a-Bike rental system, with a stand nearby, provides an easy way to explore the city at your own pace—a perfect option if you’re eager to soak in Berlin’s vibrant neighborhoods.
