The newest hotel gem in Berlin is the Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome, close to the Brandenburg Gate and opposite Humboldt University. We were among the very first guests at this fine establishment - the building was originally constructed in 1889 and served as a bank until its reincarnation as a five-star hotel. Inside, we found 146 guestrooms designed by the famed Olga Polizzi, a health and fitness center complete with a swimming pool, a restaurant with a large outdoor terrace for alfresco dining and the grand Opera Court, a wonderful spot for coffee and afternoon tea.

Rocco Forte's Hotel de Rome opened in the heart of Berlin in October 2006. Hotel de Rome is located on Bebelplatz, off Unter den Linden. It is a conversion of an existing building constructed in 1889 by architect Ludwig Heim (appointed master builder of the government), which housed the head office of Dresdner Bank until 1945. This is one of the few luxury hotels in Berlin located in an original building making use of its full architectural splendour and thereby offering guests an authentic Berlin experience.

The ornate and classical design of the original building has been given a contemporary twist by designer Tommaso Ziffer, who also designed the Hotel de Russie in Rome. Tommaso Ziffer has been assisted by architects Aukett + Heese with Olga Polizzi and her design team at Rocco Forte Hotels.

Hotel de Rome in Berlin has 146 large bedrooms including 72 classic rooms, 29 deluxe rooms, 32 junior suites, nine executive suites, three deluxe suites and a 105m2 presidential suite. Most of the rooms have high ceilings and classical proportions. The presidential suite at Hotel de Rome has a full-length terrace which overlooks Bebelplatz. Most bathrooms have separate walk-in showers and mosaic marble detailing above double ended baths.

The restaurant seats 120 and looks onto a large external terrace which will be used for al fresco dining during the summer months. Our chefs offer a cuisine based on traditional Mediterranean cooking. The bar has a contemporary feel. It features a long bar overlooking Bebelplatz and a colonnaded area with an original mosaic floor. The Opera Court is a grand room with its original glazed ceiling. It is the focal point for coffee and afternoon tea.

The impressive ballroom has a double-height ceiling with a glazed roof and accommodates receptions for up to 250 people. Hotel de Rome in Berlin has five meeting rooms and can accommodate up to 160 people. All have natural light, are equipped with the latest technology, and can be accessed via a separate entrance.

The Spa has a plunge pool, steam, sauna and relaxation area, and a fully-equipped gym. The original vault of the bank has become a 20 metre swimming pool. A range of therapies and health and beauty treatments are provided in the six treatment rooms.

• Number of Rooms: 146
• Children's Programs: No
• Private Club/Floor: No

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