15-Minute Vacay: Berlin

Back by popular demand: The 15-Minute Vacay!

This edition, we’re focusing on one of Europe’s great capitals (and Mr. Anthology’s favorite): Berlin.

We absolutely love, love, love Berlin - the food is amazing, you’re immersed in history and culture everywhere you turn, everyone is so nice but exact the right amount of nice, and there are terrific hotel options.

My top choices?  

Orania.Berlin, a 41-room boutique located in Kreuzberg.  If you’re into spacious rooms, a cozy living room feel, spectacular food, and jazz nights in the lounge, this is the spot for you.  Super reasonable rates and lots of rooms suitable for families.  This is #katesfave for Berlin.

If, on the other hand, you want something a little grander, you can’t go wrong with Hotel Adlon Kempinski.  Directly opposite the Brandenburg Gate, Hotel Adlon is one of the most historic hotels in Europe.  Although almost completely destroyed in 1945 (so the current building is modeled on the original), the original Hotel Adlon played host to the Who’s Who of Europe for decades.  If you like a classic itinerary, this is going to be the hotel for you - super centrally located and especially well-situated for museum lovers.

Last, but definitely not least, is the Ritz Carlton Berlin, beloved of my Mr. Anthology for a long rainy afternoon we spent in the bar years ago.  We were the only patrons and before we knew, one of us was doing an impromptu vodka tasting.  Classic design and terrific location right at Potsdamer Platz, where the Berlin Wall once stood. You’re also really close to the Tiergarten, the city’s largest park, and the Reichstag, with an incredible view of the city from its glass dome.

As for things to do?  With Berlin, I think you have to start with art…they have a collection of amazing museums showcasing masterpieces of traditional European painting as well as their fair share of imperial plunder.  In addition, the gallery scene in Berlin is sublime and there is no shortage of opportunities to connect directly with artists.  We’ll definitely be doing a street art tour on our next visit, and I’ll weigh the pros/cons of staying up late enough to try to get into one of Berlin’s notorious nightclubs.