Fodor's Expert Review Hotel de Rome

Discreet service and a boutique atmosphere make the Hotel de Rome, part of the luxury Rocco Forte group, a major draw for the Hollywood jet set. The general feel is traditional, but eccentric design details like oversized furniture and brightly colored accents add an undercurrent of excitement. Rooms run the gamut from classic to ultramodern, though all share fantastic views of Berlin landmarks around Unter den Linden. Formerly a 19th-century bank, the hotel offers a unique spa experience in the old vault, with the relaxation room hidden behind original safe doors.

room

Individually designed in elegant cream or soft gray tones with pops of bright blue or red, rooms strike an ideal balance between contemporary and historic. Some suites maintain much of the building’s original detailing, like the oak-paneled Banker Suite, a one-time bank conference room. All have plush robes and slippers, mini-bars and free Wi-Fi for up to five devices. Some suites have balconies.

Upgrade to a suite and you’ll get all kinds of free perks, including a one-way limousine transfer, a bottle of wine, clothes pressing and in-house movies.

bathroom

The extremely spacious bathrooms are decorated with mosaics and have a separate bathtub and shower as well as Malin + Goetz products.

lobby

The imposing skylit marble lobby—its grandeur hearkening back to its history as a bank—has a smattering of curvy black sofas.

Be sure to take a peek at the original bank staircase, with its splendid ironwork and dramatic modern lighting.

pool

The former jewel vault of this bank building-turned-luxury hotel is now home to 65-foot heated indoor pool, surrounded by original marble columns.

dining

The ground-level La Banca restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner and has a generous breakfast buffet; in summer, the terrace is open for al fresco dining. In the marble-columned Opera Court, you’ll find an exemplary formal afternoon tea—which also includes a huge candy selection.

drinking

Contemporary neon artwork enlivens La Banca Bar, with a nice selection of cocktails and wines by the glass. Come summer, it’s all about the rooftop terrace, with unsurpassed views of the newly renovated State Opera House, the dome of St. Hedwigs Cathedral and the TV Tower in the distance. Champagne cocktails are a specialty here.