It’s All About Soul: The Ritz-Carlton Berlin

It all began with a warm greeting from the doorman, Asis.

“Guten Morgen, M’am! My name is Asis,” he beamed as I alighted from the taxi.

I replied with a “Morgen”, which set Asis off in a string of German words that I did not understand. I laughed, saying that I don’t speak the language.

“Ah, I thought you know German because of your reply,” remarked the cheery Asis.

With a swift yet graceful motion, he took care of my luggage, ensuring a seamless transition from the bustling city streets to the serene oasis of the hotel. His attentiveness was not just in his actions but also in his demeanour; he exuded a sense of pride and hospitality that immediately made me feel like a cherished guest rather than just another visitor.

The impeccable customer service and friendliness of Asis set the tone for my entire stay at The Ritz-Carlton Berlin. His genuine smile, coupled with a keen attention to detail, left an indelible impression on me and epitomised the exceptional standards the Ritz-Carlton has come to be known for.

Check-In

Housed in a 230-foot-tall sandstone building at Berlin’s popular Potsdamer Platz, The Ritz-Carlton Berlin is a masterpiece of contemporary design, blending modern elegance with opulent Art Dec touches. Upon entering the lobby, I threw admiring glances at the grand double staircase and the magnificent crystal chandelier that was an intricate cascade of illumination. Throughout the hotel, artwork and decorative elements pay homage to the Art Deco period, with stylised representations of flora and fauna – deeply evocative of a bygone era of elegance and style.

My 57-square-metre Deluxe Junior Suite was a sanctuary of comfort and luxury – so generously spaced that I wished at the moment to have a travel companion share it with me. The Art deco theme continued in the suite with a refined palette of gold and beige neutrals – opulent yet understated. The attention to detail was remarkable, from the plush furnishings to the high-quality amenities. I particularly appreciated the small dressing table that came equipped with the oh-so-familiar Dyson hair dryer.

The bed, with its sumptuous linens, promised restful nights, while the marble bathroom, complete with Diptyque toiletries, added a touch of indulgence. Fixtures and fittings in polished brass created a touch of vintage charm.

Dining

One of the highlights of my stay was undoubtedly the daily breakfast experience at the hotel’s restaurant. Each morning, I was greeted with the same level of warmth and hospitality that had become a hallmark of my stay. The breakfast spread was a feast for the senses, offering a wide array of options to suit every palate. From freshly baked pastries and artisanal breads to a selection of cheeses and charcuterie, the quality and variety of the offerings were exceptional.

The live cooking stations, where chefs prepared made-to-order omelettes and other breakfast delicacies, added an interactive element to the meal. Despite the delish buffet spread, I opted to order from the made-to-order menu instead. The service during breakfast was impeccable, with attentive staff remembering my order for tea for the subsequent mornings I had breakfast.

The Soul of the Hotel

Asis, the doorman, remained a constant presence throughout my stay. I found myself looking forward to his greeting every morning as I stepped out to explore the sights of Berlin. However, on the morning when I checked out of the hotel, he was nowhere to be found. In his place was Terry, who was as affable as Asis.

As I waited for my ride to arrive, Terry – an American who married a German years ago – proudly showed me photos of his grandchildren and related stories of them. He instantly felt like a friend.

All too soon, my ride arrived. I wished I had more time to chat with Terry. It’s these sincere encounters with hotel staff like Asis and Terry that elevate a stay from mere memorable to unforgettable, lending soul to The Ritz-Carlton Berlin.

The Ritz-Carlton Berlin is located at Potsdamer Platz 3, 10785 Berlin, Germany. For details on The Ritz-Carlton Berlin, visit the website here.