As part of a last minute business trip to Berlin, I booked at the Ritz-Carlton, next door to the Marriott, which was the same price.
Booking
I made the reservation via the Marriott Bonvoy app using my business’ corporate code. The price difference between a standard room and a club room being minimal, I chose the second one to try the famous Ritz Club which I have been praising for a long time (for information, Marriott Bonvoy members do not have access to the lounges in the Ritz-Carlton regardless of their status).
It will be a Club room for 245€.
Arrival
A few days before my arrival, I check-in online via the Marriott Bonvoy app.
The hotel appears to be full until the day I arrive, so I don’t expect any upgrades.
On the day of my arrival, the app still shows me the room as originally booked and even receives my virtual key, but I find that junior and executive suites are available when I board for Berlin.
So I use the chat features to see if they can upgrade me… And no, I receive a categorical no, despite the possibility of booking suites. I don’t like to be mistaken for a fool!
I arrive at the hotel at 7:30 pm and try to use my virtual key to use the elevator, and I fail… So I have to go to the front desk, where the usual formalities are carried out (so what’s the point of offering the virtual key…).
The receptionist is adorable, tells me that they could not upgrade me because they are almost full and tells me the conditions of access to the Club.
So I head to my room with physical keys.
Room
My Club room is located on the Club floor. I think it does not differ from the standard rooms, but since we’re at Ritz-Carlton, they are very beautiful!
A large entrance is available, and leads immediately to the bathroom.
The bathroom looks older in design, but is still elegant. It has a bath, two washbasins, a separate toilet and a large shower.
The entrance is equipped with an integral mirror and a large closet.
In the room itself, the king size bed is extremely comfortable and I slept like a baby.
Opposite, the television and the mini-bar, well equipped, as well as the courtesy tray with espresso machine.
The desk is also very practically designed with many outlets in every conceivable size.
Finally, a sofa completes the equipment of the room.
Note that the bed’s contours are also well designed, with equipped bedside tables and USB outlets on both sides.
A welcome service with cream puffs was provided for me, as well as a welcome note.
To finish, the visit of the room in video :
Hotel facilities
The hotel is equipped with a fitness room and a spa, both located in the basement of the property.
The spa is only accessible with your room key. It has a nice size stream pool and a jacuzzi.
A mixed sauna and steam room are also available.
The locker rooms are of good quality and have been recently renovated.
The fitness room is quite small, but the equipment is varied and of the latest generation.
Club Lounge
The Club Lounge is located on the 10th floor of the property. It is staffed from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and a small self-service area stays open all night.
Dinner service
I arrive at the Club Lounge in the middle of dinner service. I am greeted by an employee who seats me at a table and asks me what I want to drink.
I’ll have a glass of champagne.
The buffet is very appealing.
As a hot dish, an Asian-inspired vegetarian stir-fried rice and steamed fish with potatoes.
Various cold cuts and cheeses are available, as well as appetizers. Salads can also be made.
The desserts are a little less appetizing because you have to take them from the refrigerator.
Breakfast service
After my turn in the fitness room, I head to the Club Lounge to take advantage of the breakfast offer. Contrary to my expectations, the place is almost empty. As soon as I arrived, a waiter came to take my order of hot drinks and juice and I went to the buffet.
This one is very well stocked, with a hot and cold selection, pastries, cold cuts, smoked salmon and dairy products.
I decide to start light and limit myself to my few morning espressos.
Departure
The departure formalities will be simple since I will use the mobile check-out. My invoice will be sent when I am transferred by cab to the airport.
Bottom line
An excellent stay, although the treatment of repeat customers (especially at the highest status) could be improved.