One of Europe’s most stimulating and energetic capitals of contemporary lifestyle, Berlin is buzzing with its prosperous fashion and art culture. History aside, the lively nightlife, cafes, trendy clubs and bars and numerous museums and palaces, it is easy to enjoy 4 or 5 days exploring.

We love Rocco Forte properties and their Hotel de Rome is centrally located within walking distance to the main touring sites. The Hotel is a short walk from the central boulevard of Unter den Linden in a building that was once the head office of the Dresdner Bank. Designers Tommaso Ziffer and Olga Polizzi have respected the rich history of the building, maintaining its architectural splendor while adding a contemporary twist.

Children will love the world-class zoo, the endless toy stores featuring an amazing assortment of metal wind up toys and wooden toys. Germany is the capital of darling dollhouses! An enjoyable walk with children begins at the Reichstag, and continues along the edge of the Tiergarten, the central park which was originally the hunting ground of Prussian kings and winds up at the 200-year-old Brandenburg Gate, where thousands gathered to cheer the breakdown of the Berlin Wall. Bike riding in the city is easy and fun.

Museum Island hosts a cluster of museums, located between the Spree River and the Kupfergraben canal. A morning of touring, followed by lunch; don’t miss Pergamon Museum with its 2nd Century B.C. altar from the Greek city of Pergamon. The Museum at Checkpoint Charley features a museum dedicated to the Berlin Wall. Some of the holocaust museums are not suitable for children, haunting in their reminders of Jewish history. Trendy art galleries, excellent shopping in the Miette neighborhood, dynamic and fashionable Berlin is one of the hottest summer destinations.

Hotel de Rome, an architectural gem, is centrally located in Mitte, the heart of historic Berlin, opposite the Humboldt University and next to the “Staatsoper unter den Linden” Opera House. Many attractions including Museum Island and the Brandenburg Gate are within walking distance of Hotel de Rome.

Highlights include the hotel’s indoor pool, which is housed in the original bank vault, four historic suites with high ceilings and wood-paneled walls, which were once the offices of the bank directors.

Enjoy Italian-Mediterranean cuisine alfresco on the restaurant terrace, drink in the vibrant bar overlooking Bebelplatz and admire the spectacular view from the rooftop terrace.

Photos Courtesy of Rocco Forte Hotel de Berlin