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Newest 5-Star Hotel in Berlin Belongs to Concorde; Striking German Design, Innovative French Cuisine and the Largest Guestrooms in the City

Elegant, understated design, the largest guestrooms in Berlin, one-of-a-kind suites, innovative French cuisine with a Mediterranean touch, contemporary German artwork and cutting-edge touches, such as flat screen TVs and high-speed Internet access, characterize the newly opened 311-room five-star Hotel Concorde Berlin.

To celebrate the Grand Opening, introductory rates through February 28 are offered at substantial savings, starting at 109 Euros ($134 US at press time) per night for a superior room (rack rate is 230 Euros), 129 Euros ($158 US) for a deluxe room (normally 260 Euros), 179 Euros ($219 US) for a junior suite (normally 310 Euros). Rates are per room (not per person) based on double occupancy and include all taxes and service charges (breakfast is not included).

Location, art and architecture

Located on the fashionable Kurfuerstendamm in the heart of West Berlin, 20 minutes by taxi from the airport, 100 yards from the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, among elegant shops, restaurants and cafes (Cafe Kranzler is across the street), the new hotel was designed inside and out by renowned Berlin architect Jan Kleihues. The tapering 17-story exterior with its rounded edges and delicately shaded shell limestone façade commands attention.

The generous use of wood, featuring American chestnut furniture, warm accent colors, contemporary German artwork and soothing minimalist design create a modern, but inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Sophisticated lighting, epitomized by the concealed lighting of the lobby's silver leaf-covered ceiling, is another hallmark of the hotel.

Sculptures by Dietrich Klinge and specially-commissioned paintings by Junior Toscanelli grace the spacious 2-story lobby. Guestrooms and suites are hung with exclusive prints by German modern artists (the originals are in Duisburg's Kuppersmuhle Museum).

Largest rooms in the city

The large size of the Concorde Berlin's guestrooms will be welcome news to American travelers, in particular. All 267 Superior and Deluxe rooms measure a surprising 40-50 sq. meters (430-538 sq. ft.), the 44 Junior Suites and Suites -- each uniquely decorated with prints from contemporary German artists and floor-to-ceiling windows -- are 60-100 sq meters (645-1,076 sq. ft.).

On the 10th and 11th floors are the two luxurious executive floors, a "hotel within a hotel," which has its own dedicated check-in and exclusive club lounge with breathtaking view over Berlin.

Guests can also take advantage of a fully-equipped business center and exquisite spa and fitness center, with a sauna, steam bath and cold plunge pool. All rooms are fully air-conditioned with flat-screen satellite TV, high-speed internet access, bathrobe, slippers, safe and minibar.

French cuisine with Mediterranean accent

For those looking for a change of pace from heavy German cooking, the sleek brasserie restaurant "Le Faubourg", headed by Chef David Bonnefoy, features innovative French cuisine with a Mediterranean accent. Open 24 hours a day, Le Faubourg offers "Après Midi" snacks, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner (price range 8-32 Euros/$10-39 US).

The "St. Germain" restaurant with panoramic windows and open cooking station is where most guests enjoy a buffet breakfast. The "Lutèce Bar" is next to the 2-story "Lobby Lounge", where beverages and snacks are available.

Meeting facilities

The combination of art, architecture, cuisine and state-of-the-art equipment is appealing for meetings, special events and conventions, as well as individual leisure and business travelers. There are 7 meeting rooms with daylighting, 6 breakout rooms and a 5,059 sq. ft. (470 sq meter) ballroom with spectacular wood parquet floor, capable of accommodating up to 460 people. Business travelers will appreciate the proximity of the hotel to the ICC Convention Center and Fairground/Messe Berlin, both 2.5 miles away.

"Berlin is a fascinating, rapidly-changing destination for North American leisure and business travelers, alike, always showing us cutting edge design and concepts," notes Anna Karas, Vice President and head of Concorde's North American sales office. "Concorde's new 5-star hotel combines the best of contemporary German architecture and art with refined French gastronomy and the high-level of personalized attention and service that distinguishes all Concorde Hotels & Resorts. It's simply the best in Berlin."

Concorde Hotels & Resorts comprise 60 luxurious hotels around the world, each with its own personality and style, all sharing a commitment to high-quality and attentive service. Concorde is the deluxe hotel group of Societe du Louvre, recently acquired by Starwood Capital. Among the best known are the Hotel de Crillon, Hotel du Louvre and Hotel Lutetia in Paris, the Hotel Martinez in Cannes.

The new Hotel Concorde Berlin may be booked at www.concorde-hotels.com or by calling Concorde's North American reservation center at 1-800-888-4747. Concorde's North American sales office, headed by Anna Karas, is located in New York City and may be reached at 1-800-777-4182.

Photos: photos are available on http://www.concorde-hotels.com/html/travel_pro/press_room/index.html For high-resolution photos, contact ajl@ajlazaruspr.com or chris@ajlazaruspr.com

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