Arrival/Check-In: Arriving from an overnight flight from New York to Berlin without having slept, I reached the Maritim proArte Hotel Berlin before 9 a.m., exhausted. Official check-in was at 3 p.m., so I wasn’t surprised when the desk clerk initially said there were no vacant rooms. Then he added, “We do have one available, but it’s a smoking room.” I normally avoid smoking rooms, but I accepted it to rest. Despite the lingering nicotine scent, I fell asleep within minutes. By early afternoon, well before 3 p.m., the hotel moved me to a non-smoking room, and I woke refreshed and ready to explore the city.
Guest Quarters: My non-smoking room featured a large triple-paned window, pale ivory walls, light-toned furniture, a speckled green carpet and a coordinated ivory-and-green bedcover. The room included ample closet space with plenty of hangers, a comfortable upholstered chair, a substantial desk and a well-appointed bathroom. Most important, the room smelled fresh and clean. Superior rooms and suites offer complimentary Internet access and a large flat-screen television.
Services/Amenities: Opened in 1995, the Maritim proArte Hotel Berlin is a four-star property with 374 guest rooms and 29 suites. What distinguishes this hotel is its integration of contemporary art throughout the property. During renovation, Maritim commissioned 11 Berlin artists collectively known as the Wild Youth to produce pieces for the hotel, so the lobby, bar, restaurants and each of the 11 floors—named for the individual artists—display paintings and sculptures. Although the hotel faces the busy Friedrichstrasse, guest rooms are oriented toward two quieter side streets for a calmer stay.
The hotel features two main restaurants. In 2007 it became the first hotel in Berlin to receive an organic certification covering all foods served at breakfast and lunch. Its formal dining room, Restaurant Atelier, is well regarded for both cuisine and service and operates for dinner service.
The Experience: The proArte Hotel Berlin delivers a comfortable stay with one standout advantage: a highly attentive and helpful front desk. Equally valuable is its central location—just two short blocks from Unter den Linden, Berlin’s historic main boulevard—placing many businesses, restaurants and cultural attractions within easy walking distance.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet: yes
Less than 10 minutes for check-in: yes
Separate tub and shower: no
Large vanity: yes
High-quality towels: yes
Powerful, unattached hair dryer: no
High-quality bed linens: yes
Large, flat-screen television: yes
Large desk with convenient outlets: yes
Large, complimentary laptop safe: yes
Complimentary in-room WiFi: yes
Complimentary bottled water: no
Stocked minibar: yes
Ample lighting: yes
In-room coffeemaker: no
Iron and ironing board: no
On-site restaurant: yes
24-hour room service: no
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center: no
Turn-down service: no
Maritim proArte Hotel Berlin
Friedrichstrasse 151
10117 Berlin, Germany
tel 49 30 2033 5
maritim.com