Hotel de Rome, Berlin, Germany

This historic building on Behrenstrasse faces the historic square of Bebelplatz. You're just south of Unter den Linden, in a wealthy area at the heart of city life; Humboldt University is opposite and the restored St Hedwig's Cathedral is next door. Museumsinsel U-Bahn station is a short walk away.

The Berlin State Opera is nearby as is Gendarmenmarkt, home to the Konzerthaus Berlin and a charming Christmas market.

By plane: direct flights to Berlin Brandenburg from London (1 hour 40 minutes), Manchester (1 hour 55 minutes) and Edinburgh (2 hours 5 minutes). It's a 45-minute drive to the hotel. Parking costs €38 per day. Book flights to Berlin.

This impressive 1889 building was originally a bank and has imposing marble pillars, attractive mosaic-patterned floors and a grand staircase. Interiors add a bit of theatrical levity with touches such as silver-framed mirrors and a pink neon birdcage.

Arriving here is a pleasure thanks to the flags, doormen and smartly-uniformed staff. This is a popular hotel for weddings, launches and lifestyle events; make sure you take a peek at the grand, chandelier-filled ballroom which was once the central banking hall. There is a lounge for smokers and you can hire bikes - both standard and electric bikes.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Sun terrace
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Wellness suite
• Free Wi-Fi

Most rooms and suites look out over St Hedwig's Cathedral, Französische Strasse or an inner courtyard. Monochrome décor is sophisticated and contemporary, with chrome standard lamps and black and white architectural photos.

Room types: Classic Room, Deluxe Room, Junior Suite, Classic Suite, Terrace Suite, Signature Suite, Deluxe Suite, Historic Suite, Royal Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with bath and shower, Irene Forte Skincare toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, smart TV, free Wi-Fi

German TV chef Tim Mälzer has been the force behind bar and restaurant CHIARO since October 2021. It's a bustling, buzzy space with a summer terrace, striking art and a fashionable clientele. The menu promises 'Italian cuisine refined with Japanese flavours' while breakfast has more of a brunch feel with jazzy sounds and treats such as onion bread, chorizo and prosecco.

CHIARO: elegant restaurant, Italian-Japanese fusion cuisine. Open daily for breakfast and dinner. Open Mon-Fri for lunch, 12-3pm.