The welcome
In contrast to the hotel’s austere exterior, the welcome by the multilingual staff is warm, cheerful and efficient. The double-height lobby sets the stage for what isn’t a run-of-the-mill business hotel. A large staircase swirls down to tall, brightly coloured seats clustered in groups, all backed by a shimmering wall of what looks like a turquoise waterfall.
The neighbourhood
This newest addition to the Steigenberger group is on one side of the vast Washingtonplatz that faces the gleaming main railway station, Hauptbahnhof. The area is in the middle of regeneration, rather like London’s Canary Wharf in its early days. From here, you can see the German chancellery, the Bundeskanzleramt (hence the hotel’s name), and Norman Foster’s audacious Reichstag. The Brandenburg Gate is a 15-minute walk through the Tiergarten’s tree-shaded paths.
The room
My first impression is of the standard-issue contemporary decor you find in most modern hotels. But then I notice lovely design touches, such as textured wallpaper, unusual lighting and curvy comfortable chairs (note the plural – there’s actually more than one chair, which makes for a refreshing change). The well-organised bathroom makes the most of a relatively compact space, with a large walk-in shower and thoughtfully planned basin area. My floor-to-ceiling windows look out over Washingtonplatz and, in the distance, the retro-futuristic Fernsehturm TV tower. If you want to push the boat out, stay in the spa suite with its own sauna and private terrace overlooking the internal courtyard.
The service
Staff members were unfailingly friendly and helpful without being obsequious.
The scene
Although it’s a very business-focused hotel with full conference facilities, there were plenty of people obviously on holiday – couples, families with children – all contributing to a relaxed atmosphere. The chilled-out feeling extends to the spa, a wonderfully serene space with saunas, hammam and lots of comfortable loungers on which to sprawl. There’s a gym with views high above the square if you’re feeling more energetic.
The food
The spacious and light-filled breakfast room has a huge buffet with an impressive selection of hot and cold dishes. In the chic, cosy ground-floor restaurant, the imaginative menu mixes German with other European cuisines. Four-course menus cost €69 (Dh287), with à la carte starters about €11 (Dh46) and mains €25 (Dh104). I had a beautifully fresh starter of smoked buffalo mozzarella with rocket and apricots, plus a deliciously rich saddle of lamb with pickled beetroot.
Loved
The ambience is pleasant and easy-going, and everything just seems to work with no fuss and pretentiousness. Although there are 339 rooms in total, I didn’t feel like another faceless guest.
Hated
Feeling like Goldilocks regarding my pillows: the first set flattened in seconds, and its replacement was too hard. The bright temperature-control panel served as an unwanted night light and undid the good work of the blackout curtains.
The verdict
There’s so much more style, dash and warmth than you expect in a business hotel, and it’s in a central area that’s only going to increase in importance.
The bottom line
Double rooms at the Steigenberger Hotel am Kanzleramt (en.steigenberger.com; 0049 30 740 7430) cost from €159 (Dh661) per night, including breakfast.
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