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Serenity in the Centre of Berlin“Louisa’s Place” beckons the discriminating guest to its oasis of calmBy Donald James Dunn
Sven Schimank, co-owner and Managing Director of this unique, fully restored and renovated 1904 turn-of-the-century villa in the heart of Berlin, describes the property as “an exclusive five star ‘Chambre d’hôte’ with individualized service for the discriminating guest who desires to be ‘at home’ while travelling.” And indeed, I felt as if I were quite at home during my brief but eventful stay at “Louisa’s”, a member of the “Romantik Hotels and Restaurants” chain.
Should you care to “dress for dinner” and be served rather than serve yourself from your kitchen, then there is “Wolter’s”, a wholly separate restaurant yet fully integrated within the structure of “Louisa’s”. The restaurant, specializing in French “Grande Cuisine”, shares its kitchen with “Louisa’s” and as such can also handle most “Room Service” desires on an individualized basis. But if you are a passionate hobby-cook and wish to take advantage of that gorgeous “home away from home” kitchen in your suite, then there is a “Delicatessen-Bistro” gourmet food shop right next door. Breakfast in Europe, and especially in German Hotels, and most certainly at “Louisa’s”, is a sumptuous affair. It should not be rushed, but rather enjoyed to the full. Served in the “Gartenzimmer” (Garden Room) with a tranquil view of “Louisa’s” inner courtyard, you are asked if you would like an egg or two in addition to the platters of cheeses, cold-cuts, breads, fresh fruit, “Quark” (a very German dish something like a cross between light cream cheese and yogurt) and jams arrayed on your table (this is personalized service here – don’t look for a breakfast “buffet”!). And if your palate requires coffee different from the norm, the staff will accommodate your need and prepare the java to your particular taste.
Reference: Picture #1 = copyright Donald James Dunn |
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The blaring of automobile horns and screeching of tires,
the constant drone of traffic, hordes of people pressing by one another as they
head single-mindedly towards predetermined goals, barking dogs, a chill wind
blowing, the light patter of raindrops – I am unaware of all these minor
“nuisances” as I relax in my suite at “Louisa’s Place” on the famous
Kurfürstendamm in Berlin. With articles to write, meetings to schedule, phone
calls to make, emails to check, people to receive and interview – at the same
time, in different rooms – I never break into a sweat or get “frazzled” as all
is handled with ease and comfort, and a touch of elegance, in this oasis of
serenity in the centre of Berlin..jpg)
While very brief stays at this apartment-hotel are
absolutely no problem, it is ideally suited to the longer staying guest who
wishes to have all the amenities of home while on the road plus the added
benefit of a 24-hour personalized “concierge” service. There are no “rooms” but
rather only Suites ranging from Junior through Superior and Deluxe to Grand.
Each suite consists of several rooms, with sleeping quarters wholly separated
from the living, bath and kitchen areas. The living area, which includes a DVD
player and stereo system in addition to TV, sofa and dining table, also sports a
large desk with ample space to spread out your papers and hook up your laptop
computer (a very welcome amenity for those of us who need to work while we
play!). And the kitchen is to die for – fully outfitted with ample cupboard
space, with every “tool” needed to prepare and serve an elegant “home-cooked”
gourmet meal, including dishes, pots and pans, ample flatware, a ceramic
hotplate stove with oven, a sizeable fridge, a coffee-maker and even a
dishwasher to spare yourself the blight of “dishpan hands”..jpg)
And then there was that glorious shower... Fully
glass-enclosed and large enough to host a party of three or four, it was the
first “body cleansing facility” I have encountered in all my travels where I
could stand with arms fully stretched out from my sides and turn 360° in a
circle without hitting anything, be it a wall, the showerhead or the dish
holding my shampoo. Close your eyes and imagine standing naked in an open field
during a rainstorm....jpg)
If your day has been particularly harrowing, go down to the
Spa and “Wellness” area and get a massage, take an aromatherapy steam bath or
hit the sauna and sweat your cares away. Then glide into the elegant pool, swim
a few laps and afterwards relax on a comfortable chaise lounge while you dry
off.
The most important thing to remember is that everything at
“Louisa’s” can be personalized to suit your particular needs. Security (all
entrances are locked; a security system is built into each suite) and absolute
discretion are assured (quite a few instantly recognizable international
celebrities regularly stay at “Louisa’s” – but I am under oath not to mention
their names!). Only superlatives such as “exquisite”, “delightful”, “of highest
quality” and “absolute elegance” do “Louisa’s” justice. I call it a private
sanctuary, an oasis in the heart of Berlin, and here I’ll stay again when next
I’m back in town.
