A luxury hotel in the heart of Berlin with grand design, historic charm, and a rooftop view to remember — but with service that didn’t quite match the setting.

A central base in Berlin

We picked the Hotel de Rome, a luxury Rocco Forte hotel, for two reasons: one familiar, one practical.

First, it’s the sister property to The Balmoral in Edinburgh, a hotel that has set the benchmark for us in recent years. That Rocco Forte connection gave us confidence — in the brand, the service, and the sort of understated comfort we look for.

Second, the location. Just off Unter den Linden, Hotel de Rome gave us direct access to Friedrichstraße Station — ideal for our train to the Berlin Olympiastadion to see Bruce Springsteen concert. And while the hotel is central, it’s set just back from the main road, offering a surprising stillness.

From the front steps, you’re a few minutes’ walk to Brandenburg Gate, past the Hotel Adlon (which we’d considered booking), and onward to the Victory Column. Or head the other way: to Museum Island, the State Opera, and the TV Tower, which continues to fascinate me every time I see it.

Berlin TV Tower from the steps of Hotel de Rome against a blue sky — View from the steps of Hotel de Rome

Between the location, the reputation, and the quiet elegance of the building, it felt like the right choice — and it mostly was.

The Room

We booked a Junior Suite, and it ticked all the boxes. Spacious, quiet, and well considered, the room had a slightly masculine feel, with a bold palette of reds and blacks that felt both striking and stylish. Think deep tones, lacquered finishes, and the kind of decor that makes you feel like you’re stepping into a modern city apartment rather than a generic hotel room.

Despite the drama of the design, it remained light and liveable. There was plenty of natural light, a generous amount of flat surfaces, and ample wardrobe space — more than enough for two people to properly unpack.

There were two chairs, a sofa, and a very large, supremely comfortable bed. The bathroom was spacious and well-equipped. And crucially, we slept well. In a busy city like Berlin, that matters.

The **view** was unremarkable — a glimpse of a building site and the edges of the adjacent cathedral — but it was blissfully **quiet**. And when the **bells rang**, it was lovely.

(looking onto the roof of Sankt Hedwigs-Kathedrale.)

The Rooftop Bar

This is one of the hotel’s highlights.

The rooftop terrace is a beautiful space, bathed in evening light, with views out across Bebelplatz to the Berlin Cathedral, State Opera, and in the distance, the TV Tower — always compelling, always a little surreal.

It’s the kind of place you could spend a whole evening. The vibe is modern and relaxed, with a stylish setting. You can sip your cocktails whilst the DJ plays from their USB stick as the sun sets across the city.

The view from Hotel de Rome rooftop bar across to the Berlin state opera and further to the domes of Musuem Island and the TV tower against a blue sky — The view!

Our first round of drinks arrived quickly and we pushed our table back to linger a little longer. But then we were forgotten.We tried, gently and then more obviously, to catch the attention of our server — to no avail. Even asking to adjust our dinner reservation downstairs felt like a chore for the staff. It’s not a reason not to visit — we’d go back — but temper your expectations. The view’s worth it. The service may not be.

Dinner at Chiaro

On our final night, we dined at Chiaro, the hotel’s Italian-inspired restaurant.

We sat outside under a trellised canopy strung with lights — an urban oasis tucked inside the hotel’s central courtyard. With a bottle of Rosa dei Frati rosé chilling beside us and the sound of cathedral bell practice floating through the air, it was one of those lovely, quiet moments you only get when travelling and reminded us of happy dinners in Nice.

Dining on the terrace at sunset in the Hotel de Rome — Chiaro terrace set out for dinner

The menu focused on seasonal asparagus dishes and classic Italian mains. We enjoyed artichoke with mint and parmesan, calamari, linguine al limone, and a well-prepared turbot with asparagus and truffle. Dessert brought a surprisingly fun touch: Spaghetti Eis — ice cream shaped like pasta, a nostalgic nod to Berlin summers.

The food was good. Not exceptional, but satisfying. The service here was much improved — warm, attentive, and quietly efficient. The restaurant wasn’t busy, but it did play host that evening to a familiar face: Carlos Santana, dining quietly in the corner ahead of his concert the following night.

Service

This is where Hotel de Rome struggled.

The stay began promisingly — we were greeted by name on arrival, checked in early, and escorted to our room without delay. That Rocco Forte polish was on full display.

But then came the slips.

At breakfast, we were never brought our teas or coffees.

At the rooftop bar, we were forgotten.

And when I requested help adjusting our dinner reservation, it felt like an imposition.

In the room, there was no kettle, no tea — just an espresso machine. Remembering our experience at the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg, I asked if we might have some tea brought up. To their credit, a handwritten note appeared alongside a tray of mugs and teabags, apologising that there were no kettles in the building(!) A lovely gesture. But it was never restocked. No refilled mugs, no extra tea — as if it were a one-time favour rather than part of the service. I know this wouldn’t happen in the Balmoral.

At checkout, a more frustrating moment: we were mistakenly billed for the full stay, despite having prepaid a large portion via British Airways. It was resolved quickly, but again, the impression lingered — not careless, but not careful either.

None of these moments were dramatic, but at this level — and with this price point — consistency matters. Especially when you’re comparing it to the effortless standard set by the group’s own Balmoral.

A Quietly Grand Stay – With Room to Improve

This was a very good luxury hotel, and we’re glad we stayed.

The location was excellent — calm, elegant, and incredibly well situated for both exploring the city and travelling around it. It’s not as close to Brandenburg Gate as the Adlon, but that may be a strength. It felt more relaxed. More our pace. And while the service didn’t live up to the Rocco Forte name, we’re willing to give it the benefit of the doubt.

We loved Berlin, and Hotel de Rome helped frame that experience. A little more polish, a little more attentiveness, and it could be truly exceptional.

As part of our growing series of luxury hotel reviews, this stay joins others that have left their mark — from the iconic Le Negresco in Nice, to the classic elegance of the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg, and the standout experience at The Balmoral in Edinburgh.

Hotel de Rome Berlin Review – A Grand Stay in Mitte