Soho House Berlin

Soho House Berlin, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, offers a unique blend of luxury, art, and an exclusive club atmosphere in the heart of the German capital's Mitte district. Housed in a beautifully restored Bauhaus building, it's celebrated for its distinctive design, comprehensive amenities, and vibrant social scene.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Soho House Berlin generally garners a highly positive sentiment, frequently described as stylish, chic, and a central hub for Berlin's creative community. Guests often praise its exclusive ambiance, though some recent feedback suggests that the rapid expansion of the Soho House brand might be impacting its perceived exclusivity, particularly concerning crowded communal areas like the rooftop pool. Nevertheless, it remains a sought-after destination, embodying a "casual luxury with Berlin's raw glamour".

Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Rooftop Pool: Berlin's only rooftop pool provides dramatic panoramic city views, especially stunning in warmer months.
• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel masterfully blends stark concrete walls (some still with bullet holes) and restored wooden floors from its Bauhaus heritage with retro bohemian-luxe furnishings, Art Deco-inspired lighting, and 1970s-inspired interiors. Original artwork, including a Damien Hirst piece in the lobby, adds to the artistic flair.
• Amenities: Beyond the pool, the property boasts a well-equipped gym, a tranquil Cowshed Spa (offering a full menu of treatments, hammam, sauna, and cold room), a plush screening room, and various bars and restaurants. The concept of a "city within a building" resonates with guests, providing almost all desired amenities on-site.
• Club Experience: As a private members' club, it offers a distinct, lively, and easygoing "homelike atmosphere" on the Club Floor, evolving with the time of day.

Room Quality

Soho House Berlin offers 65 bedrooms, 20 apartments, and four lofts across six categories: Tiny, Small, Medium, Big, Large, and Extra Large, with some lofts being up to 250 sqm. Rooms are frequently described as "absolutely amazing," "spacious and stylish," and "exceedingly comfortable".

• Comfort & Design: King-sized beds are noted for extreme comfort, often complemented by luxurious blackout velvet curtains for optimal sleep. Interiors feature Art Deco-inspired lighting, statement furniture, and rich fabrics, with exposed concrete beams and traditional panelling.
• Amenities: All rooms are equipped with full-size Cowshed therapeutic products, often lauded by guests. Minibars are notably well-stocked with local beers and spirits, and a kettle for tea, often accompanied by freshly baked cookies, adds a quaint British touch. Larger rooms and apartments may include freestanding roll-top baths, walk-in rain showers, and even fitted kitchens and dining areas.

Dining Experience

The dining options are a significant draw for guests:

• House Kitchen: Located on the Club Floor, the House Kitchen offers a seasonal gourmet European menu and a selection of "House Regulars" in a comfortable, easygoing atmosphere.
• Cecconi's: The ground-floor Cecconi's serves Northern Italian cuisine, including handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas, and is open to both members and the public.
• Breakfast: Breakfast, whether from a buffet or à la carte, is generally praised as "delicious," "very fresh and homemade," offering a selection of mueslis, yogurts, fruits, bakery items, cheese, ham, or made-to-order eggs. Room service breakfast is also highly recommended.
• Cocktails: The bar on the Club Floor is a central feature, and cocktails, including local and Italian variations, are highly regarded.

Service & Staff

The service at Soho House Berlin is predominantly lauded as "impeccable," "exemplary," and "first-class". Guests highlight the friendly concierge service that goes "the extra mile" and a "very professional staff". Staff are generally multilingual, with many speaking English. Housekeeping is noted for being consistent and considerate, with attention to detail like organizing clothing and even dusting off sneakers. Some older reviews, however, mention minor inconsistencies, such as toiletries not always being replaced or coffee/water not being refilled automatically.

Location & Accessibility

Soho House Berlin is situated in Mitte, Berlin's vibrant cultural district, which is a cool neighborhood for creatives. It occupies a Grade II listed Bauhaus building with a rich history.

• Neighborhood: The area is known for boutique shops, eclectic bars, and restaurants, with Hackescher Markt nearby for shopping and cafés.
• Transport: It's a short walk from Rosa Luxemburg Platz U-bahn station and centrally located near Alexanderplatz, making it accessible to many attractions. However, some guests have noted that it can be "a bit of a walk to the next metro line" for reaching all top sights.
• Parking: A minor point of criticism is the lack of a dedicated parking area directly in front of the hotel, requiring guests to walk to catch a cab.

Value & Pricing

As a Michelin Key Selected property and an exclusive members' club, Soho House Berlin is positioned at a premium price point. Room rates can start from approximately €280 per night, with Tiny and Small rooms often cited as offering good value for money. Guests staying at the hotel gain access to most members' club facilities. While the cost reflects the luxury and extensive amenities, some members have expressed concerns that the increasing number of guests has diminished the exclusivity, questioning the value of membership benefits in relation to the price. Non-members have the option to add a Soho Friends membership for €140 for a year, which grants benefits at spas, restaurants, and access to bedrooms.

Common Complaints

Despite its many accolades, Soho House Berlin faces some recurring criticisms:

• Decreased Exclusivity/Overcrowding: The most consistent complaint revolves around the perception that the club has become less exclusive due to its rapid expansion and increased number of visitors. The rooftop pool, in particular, can become very crowded, with some guests feeling it's less of a private sanctuary.
• Service Inconsistencies (Minor): While overall service is praised, some guests have reported minor issues such as housekeeping not consistently replacing toiletries or refilling coffee and water without being prompted.
• Dining Consistency (Breakfast): Some older feedback indicated that certain breakfast items, like eggs, could be overcooked, and some dishes lacked overall coherence.
• No Photography Policy: The strict "no photos" policy in public areas is a "downer" for many guests who wish to capture the hotel's unique aesthetics.
• Location Nuisances: While in a vibrant district, the distance to some major metro lines for top tourist sights can be a minor inconvenience, as can the lack of a doorman or direct parking.
• Employee Feedback: Employee reviews, while not directly guest feedback, highlight significant issues with management, work-life balance, and communication, suggesting a challenging internal environment that could potentially impact service quality, though this isn't consistently reflected in guest reviews.

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