Some 21 years after the reunification of Germany, Berlin has developed into an important economic centre with many companies having headquarters or representations in the city.

In recent years, Berlin has developed into a major city break destination, attracting a large number of national and international leisure and business travellers.

As ITB Berlin draws closer, the world’s tourism professionals will descend upon Berlin. BTN takes a look at some of the latest hotel openings in the city.

Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz

The Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz, which opened on 1 October 2010, recently became the first hotel in Germany to meet the EU’s stringent environmental criteria and become certified according to the official EU Ecolabel.

Thomas Borsbach, General Manager of Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz. “The hotel is packed with intelligent environmental solutions. For example, we use 100% renewable energy, district heating and district cooling, low-energy bulbs throughout and integrated window blinds that ensure an even indoor climate. In the kitchen, we only use low-energy induction hobs and the ventilation uses UV light technology to clean the exhaust air, which is then recycled.”

Leonardo Hotel Berlin hotel

The new Leonardo Hotel Berlin hotel, which opened in July 2009, is located in the heart of Berlin - between the International Congress Center of Berlin and the Memorial Church on the Kurfurstendamm. The 346 room property includes luxury suites and a spaciously designed restaurant, Vitruv as well as loungebar Leo90 with an emphasis on elegant design.

The exclusive executive lounge overlooking Berlin offers a highclass service, meanwhile guests in the wellness centre can enjoy a breathtaking view of the wellness tower.

The property close to the Wilmersdorfer Strabe shopping centre and only a few minutes walk from the famous Kurfustendamm and 5 minutes 2 underground stations from the fairground Berlin

Rocco Forte’s Hotel de Rome

Rocco Forte’s Hotel de Rome, which opened in 2006 is in the Bebelplatz close to the Brandenburg gate.

The hotel is housed in the former head office of Dresdner Bank, and comprises 146 rooms measuring a minimum of 35sqm (72 classic king rooms, 29 deluxe king rooms, 32 junior suites, 6 executive suites, 3 deluxe suites and a high security presidential suite).

Designed by Tommaso Ziffer and described as “contemporary chic meets old-world Teutonic grandeur”, the rooms include sound absorbing doors, separate bath and shower, heated bathroom floors, wired internet access (wifi available on the ground floor) and flatscreen TVs, while all suites will have iPod docking stations.

There are five meeting rooms, all with natural daylight and 4m high ceilings, and a ballroom for larger events. Those familiar with the Rocco Forte brand will know spa and leisure facilities always figure strongly, and the Hotel de Rome is no exception - there is a 20m swimming pool housed in the former jewel vault, as well as spa facilities and a gym.

Ivbergs Hotel Berlin Messe

The newly-opened Ivbergs Hotel Berlin Messe enjoys a convenient location on the Theodor-Heuss-Platz Square, with easy access to Messe Berlin ICC Conference and Exhibition Center

Best Western Premier Hotel Moa Berlin

As part of its expansion in Germany, Best Western’s newest premier hotel has opened its doors. The four star property is located in Berlin-Tiergarten, within close proximity of the central station,  Charite and Berlin Zoo. The 196 room hotel features a spacious atrium with green- and water areas - a place with private atmosphere & high standard of service.

Business travellers can take advantage of special family apartments for up to four people and exclusive suites with separate living- and bed rooms. The property offers state of the art meeting facilities with 4 meeting rooms with capacity up to 400 persons.

Best Western now provides 189 independently owned and operated hotels in all main touristic spots and key cities in Germany.