SO/ Berlin Das Stue

"Set the scene: What's it like to walk into this place?A grand 1930s neoclassical stone building, once home to the Royal Danish Embassy, is the setting for this luxurious boutique hotel, with an enviable location next to the Berlin Zoo and Tiergarten park. The high-ceilinged lobby, with its magnificent original white marble staircase, wows upon entry; designer Patricia Urquiola has made the dramatic space cozier with comfortable modern furnishings of her own design and quirky leather animals throughout. The hotel’s public spaces resemble a gallery, with mesh sculptures of monkeys by Benedetta Mori, an enormous crocodile head from Quentin Garel, and photos by celebrated shutterbugs including Diane Arbus and Helmut Newton gracing the walls. Who stays here?As you might expect at a five-star design property, the fashionable will feel right at home here. We've checked in, we've made it to our room. What can we expect?The 78 rooms, 20 of them suites, are spread throughout the landmark building and a newer annex. There are seven different categories, and each is slightly different in layout, but all are remarkably spacious, even the entry-level SO Stue room. Patricia Urquiola worked her magic with the interiors, resulting in a fusion of high-end modern and classic furnishings, rich fabrics, and warm woods. Some rooms feature lofty ceilings and huge windows with views of the zoo and Tiergarten; 11 have balconies or terraces. Bathrooms have rain showers and/or freestanding bathtubs, plus Diptyque toiletries. Anything of note among the amenities?The higher-end suites include copious freebies, such as complimentary laundry service, a free mini-bar, and free limousine transfers to and from the airport. All rooms have Nespresso machines and mini-bars. If we're looking for a meal, or a drink, where should we go?Experiment with molecular gastronomy at the celebrated one-Michelin-starred Cinco by Paco Pérez; the Catalan chef’s 25-plus-course tasting menu is a whirlwind of flavors and textures. With a more relaxed (and far more affordable) tapas-style menu, Pérez’s aptly named Casual Restaurant doubles as the breakfast area (though breakfast isn't included in the room rate). The Stue Bar has a vintage, salon-like vibe, with a list of classic and seasonal cocktails as well as rare whiskies and cognacs. There’s also the zoo-adjacent Stue terrace for alfresco drinks and dining. Any other features we absolutely must know about?The high-end Susanne Kaufmann Spa specializes in anti-aging treatments. A nice-sized indoor pool and sauna are ideal when the Berlin weather isn't cooperating. The hotel offers its guests exclusive access to the neighboring zoo via the bar’s terrace; you’ll still have to pay for a ticket, but you can skip the long entrance lines. Wrap it up—why come here?A stellar location, great design, and outstanding amenities, from a Michelin-starred restaurant to a top-notch spa." - Jennifer Ceaser