THE FACTS ABOUT KU'DAMM 101

Germany Berlin

Ku'damm 101, named after its location on the famous Berlin shopping street, is in a nondescript former office block. Turning it into a cool 'lifestyle' hotel is some achievement. Designers Kessler and Kessler have repackaged the original structure efficiently but effectively. Inside, the ubiquitous, minimalist white has been rejected for a palette of greys and light blues, greens and mauves based on that of Le Corbusier. The graphics are arresting too, from the huge apostrophe - the hotel's logo - above the entrance, to the Seventies-style floor numbers. This precision extends to the furnishings: Series 7 and Tongue chairs by Arne Jacobsen; Fifties-style TV cabinets in zebrano wood by Munich design group Lemongras. The rooms feel spacious and the beds are supremely comfortable. The facilities are similarly streamlined: no mini-bars, no room service, just a complimentary bottle of mineral water. For snacks and drinks, guests are directed towards a vending machine on the ground floor and the retro lounge bar designed by Vogt and Weizenegger. But there's nothing stingy about the lavish buffet breakfast, presented Oriental-fashion in neat little pots and trays by the young, obliging staff. And you're on the seventh floor too, so the views are great. The proximity to the trade-fair building, coupled with the hotel's flexible conference facilities and IT capabilities (including wireless LAN in every room) will appeal to a business clientele, but Ku'damm 101 is also hoping to attract the lifestyle-conscious with its aromatherapy steam room. It's a pretty cool place for the price. WHEN TO GO Avoid the winter, when Berlin is at its bleakest. Unless it's during the Berlin Film Festival in February, of course WHICH ROOM TO BOOK The choice is yours: smoking or non-smoking, with or without air conditioning, there are even rooms for the blind. The Upper Class rooms are 35 to 40 metres square and the higher up you go, the better the views CONTACT Kurfürstendamm 101, Berlin (00 49 30 520 0550; fax: 5200 55555; www.kudamm101.com Doubles €118-€218