Berlin
Germany


The Experience

In terms of location and star power, nothing competes with the Adlon in Berlin. Constructed in 1907 to be the most opulent hotel in world, the Adlon is where Greta Garbo famously wanted to be alone, and where Michael Jackson performed his baby- dangling stunt. The original property miraculously survived the Second World War, only to fall into disrepair and eventual demolishment in the mid-'80s. But in 1997 the new Adlon opened in all its old-world glory, just steps away from the Brandenburg Gate.

The Rooms

Think grand European style: heavy drapes, lots of polished wood furniture and acres of tastefully patterned bedspreads. The bathrooms are equally august, featuring dark wood floors, expansive mirrors and deep enticing bathtubs. In 2003 the hotel introduced a new annex, the "Adlon Palais," but the front-facing rooms in the older building still have the best views of the Pariser Platz. Presidential suites are 2,000-square-feet sprawling residences with adjoining steam rooms, private butlers and bulletproof windows.

The Service

When it comes to service, the staff at Adlon is timelessly polite and reserved. Needless to say, you won't find much casual bantering at the front desk. The concierges are almost eerily efficient and impressively multilingual; they've organized everything from fireworks to private gallery tours.

The Highlights

Adlon's chef de cuisine Thomas Neeser earned the hotel's restaurant "Lorenz Adlon" a Michelin star with his exquisite French-inspired dishes like a medium fried saddle of venison with artichoke sauce and apricot dumpling. When you're sated, take the special elevator located on every floor across room 28 to be whisked away to the Adlon Spa for a massage, or take a dip in the Roman-inspired pool.

-- Gisella Williams

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