Stay Here: Hotel Zoo, BerlinBy Katrina Mirpuri

Berlin is a melting pot of culture; there’s endless bars, galleries and eateries scattered across the city, open 24 hours a day to satisfy curious minds and mouths. For a city that’s notorious for round the clock fun it’s easy to get carried away – making it all the important to find a good balance of rest and fun to ensure maximum enjoyment. Enter Hotel Zoo: a five star bolthole which combines the city’s madness with style and luxury. If you’re heading to Berlin soon, we think it’s about time you checked out Hotel Zoo. Here’s what you need to know:

Hotel Zoo: The Location

Situated in the city’s famous retail district of Kurfürstendamm in West Berlin, Hotel Zoo sits on a vibrant main street full of theatres, showrooms and bars – all of which are walking distance from the hotel’s main neighbouring attraction, Berlin Zoo.

And if you want to spend your Euros – you can step out of the hotel onto the fashion parade which boasts high-end brands and popular high street names all along the long bustling stretch. The Western location adds extra convenience, as it’s easy to see the rest of the city if you hop on the nearest U-Bahn station which is only a short walk away.

Hotel Zoo: The Hotel

The hotel, which opened in 1911, has a history of fun, especially during its heyday in the roaring 20s. Parties occupied the hotel and accommodated some of Hollywood’s elite and film stars during the Berlin International Film Festival. It’s pretty incredible to think that celebrity guests including Sophia Loren and Romy Schneider once strolled in straight from the red carpet into the corridors of the hotel. Hotel Zoo recently underwent a refurbishment – but hasn’t lost any of its character – and still seamlessly blends its notorious classic style with modern features and fixtures.

Still maintaining their reputation, Hotel Zoo aren’t shy of a good party as the lounge area switches from a casual space to party hub when the sun sets. A short ride up a few floors will transport guests straight into the hotel’s own private party which is a lively spot featuring daily resident DJs and bespoke cocktails. If you’re not a fan of planning ahead or waiting in queues, the lounge party is the ideal solution to any night. The private open air smoking area is arguably the hotel’s best feature as it invites smokers to have a cigarette next to the bar whilst gazing through its glass walls, and doubles up as another great social spot if you want to take a break from the music in the lounge.

Hotel Zoo: The Food

Breakfast is served in the swish Grace Restaurant which welcomes guests to enjoy culinary delights against the back drop of leather banquets and plush green velvet seats.

In the morning, follow the smell of the freshly baked breads and you’ll be rewarded with table tops full of German cheeses, cereals, yogurts, baked goods and everything else your continental breakfast heart desires. And for hot food, pancakes and egg variations are available to order fresh from the kitchen.

Hotel Zoo: The Rooms

A large spacious bed is usually the main attraction in a hotel room, however, the slick furniture and large mirrors win first prize at Hotel Zoo as they give the room a refined cozy look. Each of the 144 rooms possess unique designs with different furnishings, meaning every room in the hotel gives guests a different experience each stay. Staples like the espresso machine and fully stocked mini bar add extra comfort but sticking to the theme of stylish quirks, each room has its own signature Hotel Zoo pot of nail varnish.

In the corner of my room hung a chic oversized nightshirt designed by Belgian fashion designer Martin Margiela. I ditched the pajamas I packed for the baggy white nightshirt, which made lounging that extra bit more comfortable. Also designed by Margiela are the towels, which hang like artwork on the rails putting shame to the regular hotel towel. Bath time is a luxury in the deep tub accompanied by the organically sourced bubble bath and products by April Aromatics, which fill the air with soothing scents.

Hotel Zoo: The Verdict

Hotel Zoo is suave and happening – making it the perfect stay for party goers and shoppers. The hotel staff are friendly and full of recommendations for first time visitors, and the location is amazing especially if you’re a lover of the Zoo. We highly recommend staying here if you want to be surrounded by West Berlin’s opulence whilst enjoying the perks of a highly equipped hotel.

For more information on Hotel Zoo and to book a stay, visit the website here. 

Kurfürstendamm 25, 10719 Berlin, Germany