For a city as cool as Berlin, an awful lot of its top hotels are a bit stuffy (and expensive). But Radisson RED Ku’damm by Radisson Hotels, newly renovated and reopened for September 2024, is a breath of fresh air.
Whether you know the brand’s collection or not, there’s something exciting in the air here; be greeted by the delightful staff, give a customary hello to the iconic Radisson RED bear statue, and start spotting the art on the walls; much of it surrealist photography with a splash of red. Since the refurb, it’s got the sparkle to prove it, including a brand-new gym and a very nice bar with cocktails and a DJ, but the whole place even smells fresh – a signature Radisson scent throughout smells more like you’re at a spa for the day.
There are 133 rooms, ranging from about £70 to £120 (we said about – we’re talking about hotels here). So these are actually affordable rooms, probably what you’d pay for an Airbnb, but they feel uber-luxurious; big fluffy beds, some very striking art (even in the shower), a coffee machine, USB-C ports, a clothes steamer and a very large TV. If you’re lucky, your room might even have a view of the courtyard below. In summer, you’ll be lucky enough to eat out there yourself at the hotel’s restaurant, but the restaurant’s interiors are just as cosy in winter. Exec chef Giovani’s food is something to shout about wherever you eat it, serving up perfect, often untraditional Italian plates with a modern twist, from risottos to silky, meaty pastas. See what he’s serving up that day.
Neighbourhood
You’re in one of our favourite neighbourhoods in Berlin here, in the Ku’damm – or Kurfürstendamm – area of the Charlottenburg district. It’s probably most well known for its shopping scene, including KaDeWe shopping complex, one of Europe’s largest department stores, but there’s loads of culture to get stuck into too.
Nearby
1. Berlin Zoological Garden: wondering why there’s a ‘zoo’ in Berlin Zoologischer Station? Yep, it’s because Berlin’s zoo is just down the road, and it’s actually one of the city’s best attractions.
2. Lon Men’s Noodle House: a no-frills Taiwanese spot nearby with a cult following in Berlin. Walk-ins only, it’s almost always packed, but don’t let that dissuade you – you’ll be seated in no time.
3. Café am Neuen See: a ridiculously beautiful restaurant right on the lake in Tiergarten, with both outdoor and indoor seating.
Time Out tip
On your way to the station, stop by the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the ruins of a century old church that was destroyed during a bombing by Allied Forces during WWII.