HOTEL ZOO BERLIN is a decadent, eclectic and luscious stay… that also happens to be next to the Berlin zoo

Berlin’s extensive culture extends to many of the historic buildings that have been preserved and restored through the decades; and one such building stands tall in the neighbourhood of Kurfürstendamm. It was known as Hotel am Zoo, and this property fortunately survived the destruction of World War II, and even stayed open during the years of division before the Berlin Wall came down in 1989.

Above: the row of buildings where Hotel Zoo berlin resides in the neighbourhood of Kurfürstendamm. photo courtesy hotel zoo berlin.

In 2014, the property reopened as HOTEL ZOO BERLIN, and maintains many iconic features from the original architect, Alfred Messel’s 1891 design. There’s the original sandstone facade, neo-baroque details like the broad bay windows, triangular gables, and the gilt balcony railings.

Above: the impressive entrance to hotel zoo berlin. photo courtesy hotel zoo berlin.

With a name like Hotel Zoo, you’d expect to see lots of animal imagery — and you won’t be wrong. From the moment you step into the hall, Hotel Zoo greets with plush greenery, and animal prints and motifs throughout the public spaces; and it’s done very tastefully. The studio that worked on the interior previously worked in Hollywood on set and production design, and this is evident in the theatrics throughout the lobby.

Above: The lobby area, featuring the massive false door. photo courtesy hotel zoo berlin.

Above: the incredible chandelier in the lobby. photo courtesy hotel zoo berlin.

There’s the six-metre false door made entirely of walnut wood that has the whimsy of “Alice in Wonderland”; then there are the portraits of the hotel’s fictional owners that line the “catwalk” along the hotel’s entrance corridor. And while these touches may sound a bit much, they come together in a homely, yet decadent vibe that feels both welcoming and luscious at once.

Above: one of the paintings along the entrance corridor. photo courtesy hotel zoo berlin.

There are 127 rooms and 14 suites. We stayed in a Superior Room that was good for two adults, and it came complete with Maison Margiela bathrobes and towels, which were luxurious.

Above: a standalone bathtub with margiela bathrobes and towels.

Above: junior suite. photo courtesy hotel zoo berlin.

At the lobby level, do check out Grace Bar. We met interesting characters here on our first night, including door bouncers who looked like models, and a South African lady who kept dancing towards us. It’s a friendly atmosphere that you’d feel safe and confident going by yourself. Even if you’re shy by nature, someone’s likely going to strike up a conversation to ask where you’re from.

Above: baba was one of the bouncers standing outside grace bar. of course i had to take his portrait.

Hotel Zoo isn’t just an attraction to stay in; its convenient location is just a 10-minute walk down the road to the actual Berlin Zoological Garden, which also happens to be the oldest surviving and best-known zoo in Germany. Hotel Zoo got its name from its proximity to the zoo (clearly), and if you’re in Germany (or even just Berlin) for the first time, the national zoo is definitely worth a visit.

Just past the zoo, you’ll find the entrance to the subway, shops, restaurants, and the famous Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church that was badly damaged in a bombing raid in 1943, but you can still see the remaining tower that has been preserved.

Above: inside the lift, when it takes off from the ground floor, you’re given the celebrity treatment and greeted by a multitude of camera flashes.

When in Berlin, spend a few nights at Hotel Zoo, or if you’ve booked elsewhere, drop by for a drink at Grace Bar. The lobby, restaurant, bar (and model bouncers) are a sight to behold.

Above: Grace bar inside hotel zoo berlin. photo courtesy hotel zoo berlin.

Book Hotel Zoo Berlin online at HOTELZOO.DE.