Berlin’s International Film Festival, the Berlinale, is underway, drawing filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinephiles to the German capital. As the festival gains momentum, demand for accommodation in the city rises, with several hotels catering specifically to those connected with the event. This year, several establishments are proving particularly popular, offering a blend of luxury, convenience, and a touch of Berlin’s unique character.
The Ritz-Carlton Berlin, located a short walk from the Berlinale Palast, is a long-standing favorite. The hotel, described as the “grand dame of the city’s American hotels,” boasts an Art Deco design filled with references to German cinema. Its opulent interiors feature a sweeping marble-and-iron staircase and crystal chandeliers intended to evoke the flash of cameras. The hotel’s Curtain Club offers a martini trolley, and the Ritz-Carlton Suite, with its two bedrooms and fireplace, is a particularly sought-after option.
For those seeking a more contemporary experience, Soho House Berlin, situated in Mitte, offers a different atmosphere. Approximately a 15-minute drive from the Berlinale Palast, the building itself has a history, originally constructed as a Bauhaus department store in 1928. The Soho House experience is fully present, with amenities including a rooftop pool, gym, Cowshed spa, screening room, and Cecconi’s restaurant. With 65 bedrooms, 20 apartments, and four lofts, it can accommodate groups of varying sizes, providing a balance between proximity to the festival and a degree of seclusion.
In contrast to the classic elegance of the Ritz-Carlton, the Waldorf Astoria Berlin presents a more modern profile. Located in the Zoofenster skyscraper, about a 10-minute drive from the festival’s central location, the hotel offers panoramic views of the city and the Berlin Zoo. The Presidential Suite, situated on the 31st floor, features a grand piano, a fireplace, and a bathtub with views of the zoo, offering a unique and private experience. A dedicated elevator ensures discretion for high-profile guests.
Château Royal, with a fascinating past as a former East German state security hub, offers a boutique experience. The hotel’s mascot, a pencil-drawn ghost, reflects its intriguing history. Located just 10 minutes from the Berlinale Palast, the Château Royal features 93 guestrooms with contemporary art and custom-made furniture. Its past also includes serving as a filming location for the 2008 film, The Reader, starring Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes.
Hotel Wilmina, a restored former courthouse and women’s prison, provides a discreet retreat for those seeking access to the festival but desiring a more private setting. Located in Charlottenburg, approximately a 15-minute drive from Potsdamer Platz, the hotel offers 44 minimalist guest rooms, ranging from Cozy to Penthouse Suites, and a Garden Loft. The hotel’s unique history and understated elegance appeal to those seeking a quieter base during the bustling festival period.
The Berlinale’s enduring appeal continues to drive demand for accommodation in Berlin, with these hotels offering a range of options to suit different tastes and preferences. From the grand tradition of the Ritz-Carlton to the contemporary cool of Soho House and the unique histories of Château Royal and Hotel Wilmina, visitors to the festival have a variety of choices to enhance their experience in the German capital. The Waldorf Astoria provides a modern, high-rise alternative, offering panoramic views and a sense of secluded luxury.
The selection of accommodation reflects the diverse nature of the festival itself, catering to both the high-profile attendees and those seeking a more intimate experience of Berlin’s cultural landscape. As the Berlinale continues through , these hotels are expected to remain in high demand, providing a comfortable and convenient base for those involved in the celebration of cinema.
