Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann

Luxurious five-star urban retreat

Set in the upscale Grunewald residential area, this historic palatial residence from 1912 was originally built for the lawyer Walter von Pannwitz and his wife Catalina Roth. With its original elegant Italian Renaissance design, today’s Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann is the perfect setting for glittering events. The prominent guests of the original owners included Emperor Wilhelm II, who was rumoured to be having an affair with Catalina Roth, the lady of the house.

Down the years, this palatial house can boast a veritable stellar guest list from Robert Kennedy to Josephine Baker, Peter Ustinov and Errol Flynn. German movie legend Romy Schneider liked it here so much she even held the receptions for both her weddings in the hotel. German actress and singer Hildegard Knef also wrote some of her first chansons in what is now the Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann, while in 1965, true to style, the Rolling Stones trashed some valuable vases and porcelain figures during their stay.

Berlin fashion designer Patrick Hellmann took over the Schlosshotel in 2014, completely redesigning its interior. The many paintings and art works now on the walls reflect the world of fashion, while the richly opulent fabrics in the rooms are largely taken from Hellmann’s own collections. But one of the rooms has been left entirely unchanged – the 110 square metre Karl Lagerfeld suite. Before Patrick Hellmann took over the hotel, German star designer Karl Lagerfeld had already especially created the suite’s interior.

The hotel’s own GQ Bar also has its own ingenious allusions to fashion. The large-scale black-and-white art photography is harmoniously integrated with the antique furniture, and the bar staff craft their own signature cocktails served in crystal glasses. And anyone wanting a breath of fresh air only needs to go outside in the beautiful garden – and walk in the footsteps of the hotel’s many famous guests.