Look up at the Brandenburg Gate.

A weekly series featuring luxury hotel expert Mary Gostelow’s hotel pick of the week. 

Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is Germany’s pride and joy, and one of the most iconic hotels in Europe. Literally 100 yards east of the Brandenburg Gate, it attracts sightseers every day of the year. But you can only step in to take photos if you are staying or dining at the property (try your luck at getting a seat in the magnificent lobby, with a central fountain that looks like an Asian tower). The 383-room beauty opened in 1907 as the Kaiser wanted a grand hotel. After the Berlin Wall came down, Hotel Adlon Kempinski reopened in 1998. It exemplifies white-glove service, with cute little female pages in button hats.

Looking up at the iconic Adlon Kempinski.

I went to an evening party in the Sra Bua bar, one of six “eatertainment” venues, and servers were making crème brûlées to order. The daily €42 breakfast buffet includes any kind of eggs and a colorful seafood section that is addictive. For real value, head for the €75 Sunday brunch which has lobster galore and as much Champagne as you can drink. This is a great leisure-break place, handy for the Reichstag, Tiergarten, nearby museums and the opera. It is essentially, however, a top business base and there are invariably national delegations staying (Mongolia, just last week). Best rooms give views to the Brandenburg Gate, and try to be near the dedicated elevator down to the subterranean pool, with classical decoration, and good gym. GM is Emile Bootsma.

Mary with the CEO of the Kempinski brand, Alejandro Bernabe

Check out last week’s Hotel of the Week.