Berlin’s Westin Grand Offers ‘Heavenly’ Accommodations

A remarkable example of the "New Berlin" can be found in the historic center of the city at the corner of Friedrichstrasse and Unter Den Linden Boulevard. It is an octagon-shaped hotel that was first constructed by the communist East German government as the top hotel for visiting party members. It was completed in August 1987 to mark the city’s 750th anniversary. After reunification of the city, the property underwent massive renovations that included removal of secret listening devices that had been installed by the secret police. The Westin Hotels & Resorts chain took over management of the property to in 1997.

The former Grand Hotel reopened as the Westin Grand Berlin in grand style and it has already attracting such notable guests as The Rolling Stones, actress Isabella Rosselini, actress Pamela Anderson, French President Jacques Chirac and Queen Nor of Jordan. The Westin Grand is one of Berlin’s finest hotels. Belle epoque accents blend seamlessly with contemporary styling. The magnificent lobby of the hotel features a soaring six-story high colored glass atrium, polished brass accents, a sweeping staircase and richly decorated wallpaper. The hotel features 358 rooms including 35 individually furnished suites and 99 "Westin Guest Office Rooms" that feature office amenities within a luxurious private guestroom. The setting, facilities, location and architecture of this grand hotel make it a preferred choice among international business travelers. Businessmen from all over the world can be seen relaxing at the hotel’s elegant bar. There is a classic piano bar and lounge in the lobby, several restaurants and shops, and the Stammhaus, an old-fashioned German beer pub. Guests should not miss the luxurious indoor pool area that features fitness club, whirlpool, a marble swimming pool, saunas, solarium and a deluxe hairdressing salon.

As part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts worldwide hotel network, the Westin Grand Hotel is also receiving accolades from its guests for another reason: beds. According to a survey of frequent travelers conducted for Westin Hotels by a New York-based market research polling firm, 63 percent of travelers said that a good night’s sleep is the most important service a hotel can provide. Sleep is so important to them that more than twice as many travelers said they’d take a great night’s sleep over great sex, according to the poll. By far, travelers said that a comfortable bed is the most important item in a hotel room (49%). The bed is "mission control central" in a hotel room. In response to this survey, Westin launched a $30 million program called "The Heavenly Bed" to put 52,000 plush new beds in every one of its hotel rooms. Guests at the Westin Grand Berlin will be able to experience the new all-white "The Heavenly Bed" – custom designed firm Simmons mattresses with a cozy down blanket, ultra-soft linens, a comforter, duvet and five of the best down pillows in the hospitality business. Wunderbar!—