Berlin is a city which spends much of its time gazing forwards, dreamy eyed, into the future; Future innovation, future commerce and future politics. However, during one’s visit due deference should most certainly be paid to the city’s past. The hotel was built more than a century ago, in 1911, and yet in terms of accessibility it is a short walk or an even shorter taxi ride to the absolute centre of the city. This extraordinary palace was created in a French Renaissance style and is set amongst the idyllic lawns of its own private, and generously proportioned, leafy gardens.
The justly awarded five star hotel, in which the restaurant is set, is located in the Grunewald region of Berlin and is notable for many things, primarily for its natural beauty and impressive nature, but also for its miraculous tranquillity. It is truly an oasis of calm in the heart of this vibrant and vivacious capital city.
The palace was handsomely refurbished in a ‘no expense spared’ sweeping renovation under the aesthetically gifted eye of renowned German fashion guru, Patrick Hellman. Patrick is somewhat of a martyr to monogramming, and his initials may be found tucked away at strategic intervals throughout the hotel itself. Former owners of the hotel include Karl Lagerfeld, the last Creative Director of little known brand ‘Chanel’, though it is Patrick Hellmann who has licked the hotel into the breathtaking, slick temple to elegance that it is today.
The hotel brims with prestigious amenities, all of which combined have earned it the well earned reputation as a truly extraordinary hotel. The spa’s glamorous opulence has an art deco Manhattan feel and is extremely well proportioned (especially given that there are just 22 rooms in the hotel). The heated pool is impressive and the Finnish sauna is equally well presented. There are smart little private treatment rooms for guests and visitors to enjoy a massage or skin treatment and in the warmer weather the french windows of the spa are opened directly into the garden to give a deliciously al fresco feeling.
The GQ Bar at the hotel is utterly divine. Its walls are wood panelled in a dark, chevron design and the oversized monochromatic sofas and armchairs lend a brooding and seductive sense of majesty to this exquisite den of vice. The Patrick Hellman Champagne Lounge immediately adjacent is, in some respects, the polar opposite. The walls are still wood panelled but in a light, natural lacquer which results in a rich, warm golden glow issuing into the room. One thing that both bars have in common is that the drinks flow plentifully, and irresistibly.
The icing on the cake at Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellman is of course the restaurant. The high ceilings and stunning chandeliers give an almost Versailles-esque character to the dining room and the service is every bit as polished as you would expect from an environment of this majesty.
The restaurant revolves around a modern Mediterranean culinary concept and the wine menu is equally impressive.
The starters include a beautifully prepared veal, duck breast with wild mushrooms and an enticing lobster panna cotta. Should you be in the mood for giving both barrels to your meal then the truffle pasta or lobster risotto as an intermediate course should not be missed. Real stand outs from the main course selection are the beef tenderloin rossini with apple, foie gras and truffle and also the succulent pork belly with yellow beetroot. There are some well considered desserts for those for whom no meal is complete without something sweet to round off proceedings, but the cheese selection will always be a personal firm favourite. The service at both the hotel and in the restaurant is utterly exemplary. Assistance is always on hand should diners require a little extra guidance when it comes to choosing a well matched wine, or perhaps even requesting of the sommelier that a wine pairing be delivered along with the meal. The hotel clearly prides itself on its polished and endlessly helpful staff, for whom no request is too arduous.
Whether you should be staying for a long weekend, a week, or just for a perfectly prepared meal, the Schloss Hotel Patrick Hellman is committed to providing absolute excellence.
Brahmsstraße 10, 14193 Berlin, Germany
