KPM Berlin Hotel & Residences

"Why book? Cutting-edge architecture, mod interiors, and cool amenities like the free use of Porsches elevate this Charlottenburg four-star to the next level. Set the scene Set on the grounds of the 250-year-old Royal Porcelain Manufactory Berlin (Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur), just west of Tiergarten park, this architectural stunner opened in late 2019 is only now attracting an audience. Guests are a curious mix of business travelers—given the hotel’s long-stay apartments—and artsy international visitors drawn to its edgy architecture and cool interior design. The backstory KPM is the vision of Berlin banker Jörg Woltmann, who helped save the 18th-century Royal Porcelain Manufactory Berlin complex, on which the hotel stands. He enlisted German architecture firm Axthelm Rolvien to design the ultra-modern, cube-like building, which has picked up multiple design and architecture prizes. Along with high-quality design, the interiors—common spaces, rooms, and the restaurant—feature porcelain sculptures handmade in the adjacent factory. The rooms Rooms are minimalist, chic, and smartly designed, with functional desks, high-tech wall control panels, and clever built-ins that make the spaces seem larger than they are—aided by the floor-to-ceiling windows. Custom-made sofas and armchairs and sleek lighting fixtures elevate the design, as do the porcelain pieces crafted by the neighboring KPM factory. Entry-level SMART rooms measure around 270 square feet with California King or Queen beds, and top out at 430 square feet for Executive rooms. For an extra €15 per night, you can access a fully-equipped, in-room kitchenette (locked behind a sliding door), but otherwise there’s a mini-fridge with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and a pod-coffee machine with Nespresso capsules. Food and drink The restaurant, Dong A, serves refined Asian cuisine—including a number of Vietnamese specialties—beautifully presented on KPM porcelain dishes. The menu, especially at lunch, is quite well-priced for a hotel restaurant, and there are a good number of vegan choices. The neighborhood/area The immediate area surrounding the hotel is quiet and not particularly interesting, but major sites like Tiergarten and the Berlin Zoo are 10 and 15 minutes by foot, respectively. For architecture fans, the nearby Hansa district (Hansaviertel), a 1950s-era model estate of high-rise and single-family houses designed by masters including Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier, is a must-see. The service Friendly staff can arrange for the use of bikes, e-bikes, and even a limited number of electric Porsche cars—all free of charge. They can also reserve tours of the adjacent porcelain factory and book hands-on workshops where you can create your own porcelain masterpiece. Accessibility There are some rooms adapted for guests who require wheelchairs. Anything left to mention? If weather permits, take advantage of the rooftop terrace with great views over Berlin—just remember to bring your own drinks, as there is no bar." - Jennifer Ceaser