Nearly two decades since the Iron Curtain opened, this metropolis of 3.4 million embraces modern life on the cutting edge. The city’s free-spirited ambiance is flush with constant change and an exciting appeal for visitors.
Nearly two decades since the Iron Curtain opened, this metropolis of 3.4 million embraces modern life on the cutting edge. The city’s free-spirited ambiance is flush with constant change and an exciting appeal for visitors.
Nothing speaks more to Berlin’s cultural division than the words intoned by my guide: “She is so East Berlin,” complained Andre Sommerfeld (pictured), responding to the stern woman who had barked at us for running a red light on bicycles.
There was no traffic to hinder us, no cars to run us down, but that didn’t matter. East Berliners grew up learning to follow the rules, and even though things have changed dramatically in the past two decades, many Ossis (as the East Germans are colloquially called) still have an inherent sense to always obey authority. They wait at crosswalks, they stand patiently in lines.
Many of them, Andre says, still have the “Mauer im Kopf” or “the wall in the head.” To get a sense of what they’re like, think of the Italians and imagine their opposites.
Over lunch at Berlin’s trendy Restaurant Diekmann at Weinhaus Huth, Nicole Röbel tells a story that grandparents might tell their grandchildren.
Over lunch at Berlin’s trendy Restaurant Diekmann at Weinhaus Huth, Nicole Röbel tells a story that grandparents might tell their grandchildren.
“We had no phone when I was a child,” she says, after finishing a bite of her Nicoise salad. She speaks of a childhood characterized by deprivation, with small rewards only on special occasions. When she performed well on her report card, for example, her parents sometimes took her to a special bakery, Intershop. It was an exceptionally rare extravagance. Smiling, she says, “I still remember the smell of the shop and the fresh-baked goods.”
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Nicole Röbel, who represents Berlin’s official tourism department, lists five things visitors must do to say they’ve truly been to Berlin.
How do you experience the real Berlin? Nicole Röbel (pictured), who represents Berlin’s official tourism department, lists five things visitors must do to say they’ve truly been to Berlin.
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The InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam was chosen as Netherlands’ Leading Business Hotel during the World Travel Awards 2009 ceremony, which took place in Obidos, Portugal, in October. This year’s poll was the highest in the World Travel Awards’ 16-year history, with more than 170,000 industry professionals casting their votes for what they consider to be the [...]
The InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam was chosen as Netherlands’ Leading Business Hotel during the World Travel Awards 2009 ceremony, which took place in Obidos, Portugal, in October. This year’s poll was the highest in the World Travel Awards’ 16-year history, with more than 170,000 industry professionals casting their votes for what they consider to be the very best travel, tourism and hospitality products and services in Europe.
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognize, reward and celebrate excellence in all sectors of the global travel industry. Over the years they have become among the most prestigious awards in the travel industry, referred to by the Wall Street Journal as the travel-industry’s equivalent of the Oscars.
The 2009 cruise season in Stockholm set a new record. More than 440,000 cruise passengers visited Stockholm this year, which is an increase of 60,000 compared to 2008.
The 2009 cruise season in Stockholm set a new record. More than 440,000 cruise passengers visited Stockholm this year, which is an increase of 60,000 compared to 2008.
Situated in the city center, just steps away from Town Hall Square and Strøget, the popular pedestrian walking street, Hotel Twentyseven is Copenhagen’s no-nonsense hotel with great rates and lots of included goodies, including: a dinner buffet, with at least two hot dishes, plus salads, cheese tray, bread and dessert a sumptuous buffet-style breakfast specialty [...]
Situated in the city center, just steps away from Town Hall Square and Strøget, the popular pedestrian walking street, Hotel Twentyseven is Copenhagen’s no-nonsense hotel with great rates and lots of included goodies, including:
- a dinner buffet, with at least two hot dishes, plus salads, cheese tray, bread and dessert
- a sumptuous buffet-style breakfast
- specialty coffees, free of charge all day long
- free WiFi and computer terminals for those who don’t have their laptops
- one free refill at the adjacent Icebar next door (the cost of a cocktail is normally DK85, about US$17 at current rates)
Moreever, rates at the four-star TwentySeven are comparable to rates at three-star hotels. Average room double rates at TwentySeven run about DK930 (US$183), a good value when you consider that two of your meals are included.
Opened in 2007, TwentySeven boasts a modern, trendy atmosphere that caters primarily to couples, singles and business travelers. With three bars (and a fourth outdoors during summer), the hotel is not the ideal choice for families.
Rooms are “cozy,” perhaps a bit on the smallish side but stylish, well-designed and definitely adequate. Larger deluxe rooms are available.
