HotelGrand HyattReviews

The Grand Hyatt Hotel is a relatively new addition to a modern development in the centre of Berlin. A low rise brick built (eight floors) multi-storey with a large neon sign at its summit, it is part of the lively environs of the Potsdam Platz. The approach to the main entrance once off the main road is somewhat unprepossessing but the streets around are girded by bistros (of which the hotel has its own), boutiques and a recently opened shopping arcade.

The foyer is a cavernous place, dressed in brown and quite dimly lit. There is valet parking and a multi-story car park is near by. Registration was quick and efficient and there is a well equipped concierge desk on the same level.

THE ROOM

Our spacious king bed room with en suite bathroom was on the eighth floor the non-smoking Regency floor. The interior décor again was quite startling quite dark, with browns, grey and black marble. Services included armchair seating, desk and telephone, safe, a mini bar (although it took some time to locate it), coffee maker and trouser press. There was a separate dressing area with vanity unit, fog free mirrors, hair drier and wash basin as well as a large wardrobe and drawer space. Towelling bathrobes were provided.

The bathroom was almost worth the trip in itself. Decorated in grey marble throughout, it was really a wet room. There was a full length bath with an overhead shower attachment. Next to the bath was a further full function shower effluent from which was led away through a drain in the floor. There was a full range of toiletries, shampoos and soaps provided.


RESTAURANTS

The hotel has three restaurants. The most formal is the Tizian which provides an eclectic mix of inventive dishes from around the world (they call it The Grand Classics menu). We chose European themes venison and game but the sushi is apparently renowned.

Down the corridor is the Vox Restaurant and its adjacent bar which has a range of draught and bottled beers and a well stocked wine cellar. On occasions the imbibers are treated to performances on the piano or guitar in a smoky jazz-flavoured atmosphere. (At least it was at the time of our visit. I dont know whether the Germans - or the rest of Europe for that matter - are getting caught up in the anti-smoking legislation that is sweeping the UK and the US)

On the other side of the rear entrance is the Dietrichs Bistro. This serves Italian and Mediterranean style dishes and pizzas at indoor tables and outdoor seating during fine weather.

THE REGENCY CLUB.

The Regency Club lounge was situated on our floor. Our room card granted us access to this area which had a sitting room, a library and its own dedicated concierge desk. Newspapers and cable television were always available.

The great advantage of the Regency Club is its complementary food and beverage service. Continental breakfast was served early to mid morning. Cereals, bread and pastrfies were laid out buffet style. Hot meals were cooked on request. A light repast was then served between 2pm and 5pm. This consisted of cakes, tortes, chocolates, wines and champagne. An evening service of canapés, cocktails and hot snacks was laid out between 6pm and 8pm.

We found ourselves 'nipping in' for a snack' and then 'popping out' for site seeing before 'nipping back' for relaxation. It would have been possible to treat the Regency Club as 'full board' - and exquisite fare at that.

THE ENVIRONS

Berlin is a youthful, vibrant and exhausting city that is actively under redevelopment. The area around the Potsdam Platz has several of the major cultural treasures (the Philharmonic Theatre, the New National Gallery and Picture Gallery) within walking distance. On the other side of the street is the truly incredible Sony Centre a high rise construction of concrete, steel and glass. This houses offices, restaurants and boutiques which surround a central piazza that is a meeting place and display area for the latest in multi-media technologies.

Wherever you look new buildings (offices, apartment complexes) are springing up apace. Massive infrastructure projects are going ahead (a new major intercity high speed train terminal). What is surprising is that within ten years of its demise, the division between East and West is very difficult to determine. Potsdam Platz is where you will find the interchange for the Metro, train and bus services (the U-bahn and S-bahn systems). Within ten minutes walk are the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden, the remnants of the Berlin Wall, the Jewish holocaust museum and the Nazi Topographies of Terror museum. In the opposite direction is the relative tranquillity of the Tiergarten park.

HOTEL DETAILS

The hotel has 342 rooms of which 48 are designated Regency Club. Two rooms have been designed specifically for disabled access. The hotel also has its own fitness club, gymnasium, sauna and solarium and indoor swimming pool (which we did not use!). As is policy across the Hyatt chain, this hotel now has in room high speed internet access.

Our stay cost 235 Euros a night (including tax). We booked over the internet using our Gold Passport card. A credit card was required as a guarantee.

The current rate (Hyatt.com) is 241.50 Euros per night. For special occasions they offer the Maybach Suite which is described as exclusive 210-sq.-metre suite features contemporary design and elegant interiors featuring living area with piano, dining area, fireplace, full kitchen with separate entrance, work area with wireless Internet, two luxurious baths and two king beds. Sweeping views of Potsdamer Platz add to pampering amenities such as plush robes, jetted spa tub and heated bathroom floor.

We arrived by air at Tegal International Airport. We went to the hotel by taxi (nine and a half miles) a cost of about 20 Euros. Check in time is 3pm; check out is noon. This was an all inclusive hotel experience to augment a visit to a truly awe inspiring city