Just opened and already the talk of the town: Hotel Luc. It is the new jewel of the "Autograph Collection" on Berlin's Gendarmenmarkt.
Hotel Luc, Autograph Collection
Charlottenstr. 50, 10177 Berlin,
Tel.: +49 30 5870 97710
marriott.com
Double room from 310 Euro
Here you will stay directly at one of the most beautiful places in Europe, experience the Prussian way of life and learn about the potato order of Frederick the Great.
Straightforwardness - the word characterizes the style chosen by interior designer Oana Rosen for the 70 rooms and 22 suites. She establishes the connection to Frederick the Great through the color Prussian blue, which defines the interior of the rooms and goes back to the colors of the Prussian uniform. It's complemented by eye-catching paintings by Hungarian photo artist Andras Dobi. Some rooms have great views of the French Cathedral and include a small balcony. Highlights include the corner suites and the 160-square-foot Luc King Suite.
"We stage Friedrich" and bring hospitality in the style of the Prussian king into the hotel with a little wink and frivolity. There are rectilinear grid shapes that form an impressively designed wall shelf in the lobby, but are also found as patterns in the carpets. They reflect the layout of the historic Friedrichstadt, where the hotel is located. There are also the decorative vases from the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin (KPM) and a 32-centimeter-high portrait bust of Frederick II, which is still made by hand at the historic manufactory site. After all, Frederick the Great was also the owner and patron of the manufactory and gave it the scepter from the Brandenburg coat of arms as a trademark still used today. And at the reception desk is a large vase of porcelain potatoes, which refers to the king's famous potato order.
If you look at the restaurant's lunch menu, you will find a number of simple but also innovative potato dishes under the heading Potato Order. This potato order actually existed - in 1756, Frederick II ordered his officials that, in view of recurring famines, they were to "make Prussians understand that they should grow potatoes wherever possible". In any case, it is gratifying that the potato has made it onto the plates of a noble restaurant. Of course, there are plenty of other delicacies, including popular dishes such as Strammer Max, made of course with the very best ingredients.
Breakfast is served until 3 p.m. and served on etagères. There are several variations to choose from, and it's hard to decide. In the afternoon, there is then oven-fresh sheet cake or Berlin love bones - simply delicious.
Am Abend kommen im Restaurant Heritage selbst verwöhnte Gäste auf ihre Kosten. Im stilvollen Ambiente werden vom Team um Küchenchef Florian Glauert Klassiker wie ein Shrimp Cocktail, Tuna Tatar oder saftige Steaks serviert. Neugierig machen Kreationen wie „Blogger Bowl“ und „Don’t call it Schnitzel“ für Vegetarier. Dazu gibt es eine exzellente Weinkarte, viele Tropfen werden auch glasweise angeboten. In der warmen Jahreszeit können sich die Gäste auch auf der schönen Terrasse verwöhnen lassen.
"We're all really up for it," admits a Berlin employee, who is delighted that things are finally getting underway and the first guests are arriving. And they sense a special warmth that permeates all areas of the Luc. It's all in keeping with Frederick the Great's motto: "When it comes to friendship, I can't be outdone." The king would probably be very pleased.
Under the roof on the 7th floor you can train well with a view of Berlin. The fitness room features state-of-the-art cardio equipment, weights and dumbbells. In the spa area, which is lined with fine granite, guests can take a sauna as they please and then relax under sloping ceilings in the relaxation room. Those looking for a beauty boost will find what they are looking for at the neighboring BARBOR Institute.
The location is simply brilliant - the hotel is located in the Mitte district, directly on the Gendarmenmarkt. There, three historic buildings dominate the square - the French Cathedral, the Concert Hall and the German Cathedral. Lindenoper and Komische Oper are in the immediate vicinity, and Brandenburg Gate and the museums of Museum Island are also within easy walking distance. Friedrichstraße with its exquisite shopping is just around the corner, and numerous restaurants, cafes and wine bars enliven the neighborhood.
Try something new for breakfast - the onsen egg "Benedict". The egg cooked at 64.5 degrees comes to the table in a bowl together with cooked ham cubes, nut butter crumble and delicate hollandaise sauce - a perfect start to the day!
Hotel Luc, Autograph Collection
Charlottenstr. 50, 10177 Berlin,
Tel.: +49 30 5870 97710
marriott.com
Double room from 310 Euro
