Regent, Berlin, Germany

Located just south of Unter den Linden, the Regent sits on the corner of Französische Strasse and Charlottenstrasse. One of the city's most attractive squares, Gendarmenmarkt, is nearby along with two impressive18th-century churches, Französischer Dom and Deutscher Dom. It's a short walk to the closest U-Bahn station (Unter den Linden) and the hotel has underground parking.

Watch a classical concert at Konzerthaus Berlin or an opera at Komische Oper. At Christmas time, visit the Christmas market in Gendarmenmarkt.

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 40-minute drive to the hotel. Parking costs €40 per day. Book flights to Berlin.

This is a five-star hotel that brims with traditional elegance thanks to glistening chandeliers and gilt-framed oil paintings. The décor is striking, from the fabulous flower displays and shiny grand piano in the marble-floored lobby to wood-panelled lifts and plushly-carpeted corridors. Guests are well-dressed and well-behaved.

The welcome letter promises exceptional comfort and care, and that's what you get. Regent Health Club has a fitness centre, male and female saunas and two treatment rooms offering beauty therapies and ayurvedic and aromatherapy massages.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Free Wi-Fi

Soom rooms and suites have a balcony and look onto the street, others face an inner courtyard, and are furnished with warm woods, creamy hues and Biedermeier furniture. Impressive bathrooms have terracotta marble, a separate bath and shower and L'Occitane en Provence toiletries.

Room types: Classic Room, Premium Room, Executive Suite, Superior Suite, Deluxe Suite, Gendarmen Suite, Linden Suite, Presidential Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

Savour a grown-up menu in Charlotte & Fritz, which has dishes such as grilled trout and saddle of veal. The Regent Bar serves snacks accompanied by jazzy sounds and antique maps on the walls; take afternoon tea in the palatial Lobby Lounge, which opens onto a summer terrace.

Charlotte & Fritz: traditional dining room with terrace. International cuisine, seasonal ingredients. Open daily for breakfast and dinner.

Lobby Lounge: cosy lounge, serving afternoon tea. Open Thu-Sun, 2-6pm.