Arrival/Check-In: The InterContinental Berlin’s chessboard façade lit up in the distance as I approached. The hotel was fully booked the evening of my arrival; a convention was taking place. Naturally, the lobby was bustling. The front desk attendant proceeded swiftly through check-in, pointing me in the general direction of the elevators, and I found my way to my room.

Guest Quarters: My room on the 12th floor offered stunning views of Berlin, including the iconic Victory Column. I indulged in the view and a bar of dark chocolate as I settled in. Ample storage space allowed easy access to my belongings. Desk space was less ample but adequate for my needs. Low-speed WiFi is complimentary for the first hour; anything beyond comes at a fee.

Speakers in the large bathroom sync with the television. I didn’t miss a word of my program as I dressed for dinner. I appreciate guestrooms with a variety of lighting options: Green, purple and yellow bulbs near the bed gave a soft or warm effect when I needed to wind down in the evening. Turndown service is available only upon request.

Services/Amenities: Boasting 558 guestrooms and suites, the InterContinental entertains business guests with a variety of meeting spaces and unique catering options. The easily convertible space in the meeting facilities can host between five and 5,000 guests. Beyond standard hors d’oeuvres, the InterContinental arranges different food bars upon request. I sampled from a tomato bar and watched as the chef created bite-sized treats from ripe tomatoes and other fresh ingredients. A make-your-own doughnut bar option is popular among guests.

A meal at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Hugos, is a must during your stay. For dinner, Head Chef Thomas Kammeier prepared a veal dish with cabbage, parsley root and truffle. It was divine. Dessert was a delectable banana ice cream. As my dining companions and I began eating, a silence fell over the room — a true sign of an outstanding meal. In addition to dinner service, Hugos hosts private dining parties. Marlene Bar, named after German actress Marlene Dietrich, is a popular spot for business travelers unwinding at the end of the night. A cigar lounge lies just beyond the bar. Surprisingly, when smokers are absent, so is the aroma of cigars.

Situated near the city zoo and shopper’s paradise KaDeWe, the InterContinental offers something for everyone.

The Experience: In a rush one morning after breakfast, I left my favorite ring on the sink in the lobby restroom. I realized it when I arrived at a meeting across town. When I returned later in the day, I inquired at the front desk. My ring awaited me in an envelope. This was a small courtesy, but one I am reminded of every time I look at my ring. I highly recommend the InterContinental Berlin to new and returning Berlin visitors.

GT Checklist

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• State-of-the-art fitness center

InterContinental Berlin

Budapester Strasse 2
Berlin, 10787
Germany
tel 49 30 26020
ichotelsgroup.com