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Luxury Hotels in Germany

Where to Find 5 Stars in Germany

By , About.com Guide

Money is no object and you want to experience the best of what Germany has to offer? Here is a list of the best hotels in Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, all offering 5-star luxury.

1. Top Luxury Hotels in Berlin

Berlin is one of the most affordable big cities in all of Europe, but doesn't mean you can't splurge. Here are some of the top 5-star luxury hotels in Berlin, from designer boutique hotels to old-world chic (and, of course, fabulous in-house gourmet restaurants). One of my personal favorites is the Mandala Hotel in Berlin; set in the center of Potsdamer Platz, a rather hectic and busy area in the German capital, it is a relief to step into the tranquility of the boutique hotel. Mandala features chic suites that are stylish as well as purist and spacious. The on-site gourmet restaurant FACIL, a modern glass cube with floor-to-ceiling windows that look into a bamboo garden, is the culinary talk of the town, and Mandala Spa, voted one of the “Best Boutique Spa in the World”, offers panoramic views from the 11th floor.

2. Top Luxury Hotels in Munich

Looking for a luxury hotel in Munich? Here are the top 5-star hotels in the Bavarian capital; from old-world chic, to modern luxury, all of the listed Munich hotels offer first-class service, outstanding amenities, and a picture perfect location. Such as the Bayrischer Hof, which opened in 1841 and has a long-standing tradition of luxury: From the lavishly decorated lobby, and the 345 rooms, to its six bars and five restaurants, the hotel combines the charm of days gone by with modern elegance. Take your pick between six different style (from "Country" to "Cosmopolitan"), or choose from differently themed suites, including “Paris”, and “5th Avenue”. Indulge in the hotel’s “Blue Spa”, which is set on the rooftop and offers a breathtaking view of the church Frauenkirche. The swimming pool has a sliding glass roof, so you can swim under Bavarian skies in summer.

3. Top Luxury Hotels in Hamburg

Hamburg in the north of Germany is known for its elegant shopping arcades, gourmet restaurants (especially sea food) and first-class museums; if you want to match that with a luxury hotel experience, check out these 5-star hotels in Hamburg that cater to every taste. One of Hamburg’s latest additions is SIDE, which prides itself in being the world’s only design hotel with 5 stars; spread over 11 floors, the purist building is made of glass, steel, and natural stone - an ubercool contrast to the old-world chic of other luxury hotels. A dramatic light choreography created by artist Robert Wilson plays out in the soaring atrium and lobby; the rooms, designed by Matteo Thun, are spacious and airy, filled with light furniture and the latest technology. There is a color-coordinated spa in the basement, offering bright yellow treatment rooms, emerald showers, an orange fitness area, and blue pool and saunas. For spectacular views, head to the Sky lounge on SIDE's rooftop.

4. What to Expect From Five Stars

A personalized greeting in your room with fresh flowers and little gift, turn down service in the evening, multilingual staff - just a few of the things you can expect when staying at a 5-star hotel in Germany. All German hotels are rated with a star system, from 1 star (tourist) to 5 stars (luxury), depending on quality and price. And while some countries lack a unified star system, German hotels are classified by the hotel industry association Dehoga according to 300 criteria, from objective facilities such a hygiene, and amenities, to subjective criteria like atmosphere. Here is the lowdown of what to expect from the German hotel rating system, so you know exactly how to read the stars.

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