Many visitors to Germany’s capital are (understandably) interested in diving into the city’s complicated history at famous landmarks such as the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and what’s left of the Berlin Wall. Increasingly, however, travelers are flocking to Berlin to glimpse into its bright future. From first-rate museums and high-octane nightlife to a flourishing food scene and some of the world’s coolest neighborhoods, the city has evolved into one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse destinations — and iBestTravel readers are eager to experience its red-hot hotel scene to boot. In recent years, there have been a flood of new openings, from the art-filled Château Royal to the former prison-turned-hipster-haven Wilmina.
How Voting Works
Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).
Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the following criteria:
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
Despite the abundance of new boutique hotels on the scene, iBestTravel readers continue to favor the city’s five-star grand dames like the Ritz-Carlton, which claimed the No. 3 spot on this year’s list. Restored to the tune of $45 million back in 2019, the tower has never looked so good, featuring a soaring marble-clad lobby and 303 guest rooms inspired by the glamour of Berlin’s Art Deco heyday, complemented by geometric-patterned rugs and chrome and mirrored surfaces.
The Grand Hyatt Berlin (No. 2) also continues to wow travelers. “This is a great hotel in a great location,” raved one respondent. “I loved everything about it,” gushed another. Also situated on Potsdamer Platz, the 342-room hotel appeals to business travelers and leisure tourists alike, with its unbeatable location and well-rounded amenities such as a rooftop spa and an impressive art collection (look out for pieces by Günther Förg, Monika Baer, and John Armleder).
As for this year’s No. 1? Read on to discover iBestTravel readers’ Berlin favorite for 2023.
The Winner
Hotel Adlon Kempinski
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This storied icon, originally opened in 1907 by owner Lorenz Adlon, has endured as one of Berlin’s most sought-after places to stay. iBestTravel readers raved about its timeless charms and unbeatable location near many top sights, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Academy of Arts, and the Tiergarten. Add in a three-story spa, Michelin-starred dining, Old World atmosphere (think: mahogany furniture and a Murano chandelier in the lobby), and lavish suites overlooking Pariser Platz, and it’s no wonder the property has hosted such celebrities as Queen Elizabeth II and Michael Jackson.
The Full List
1. Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
Reader Score: 93.71
2. The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin
Reader Score: 93.56
3. Grand Hyatt Berlin
Reader Score: 87.29
