Regent, Berlin, Germany

This is Berlin at its most cultured and wealthy with grafitti-free streets and fancy shops selling designer treats and luxury chocolates.

In the cultural heart of the city, you'll find the Gendarmenmarkt square a short stroll away. Berlin Cathedral is also within walking distance.
By plane: direct flights to Berlin Brandenburg from London (1 hour 40 minutes), Manchester (1 hour 55 minutes) and Edinburgh (2 hours 5 minutes). It's a 40-minute drive to the hotel. Parking costs €40 per day. skyscanner.net

This hotel suits shoppers. There's an outpost of Galeries Lafayette close by along with designer malls like Quartier 205. Numerous cultural sights are within walking distance from Brandenburger Tor to Museumsinsel. So many Berlin hotels are desperately trendy, but the Regent remains unashamedly old school. If you've had enough of cutting edge, come here to step back in time.

This is a posh hotel, with waiters, concierges and door staff who like to converse with guests.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Free Wi-Fi

The Classic Rooms on the first to fifth floors are the same size as the Premium Rooms on the floors above. Televisions are tucked away inside wooden dressers and the king-size beds are blissfully comfortable with high quality linen.

Classic Room, Premium Room, Executive Suite, Superior Suite, Deluxe Suite, Gendarmen Suite, Linden Suite, Presidential Suite
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

Breakfast in Charlotte & Fritz is a refined affair with sparkling wine, classical music and a modest buffet complemented by à la carte dishes. We loved the apple and celeriac soup followed by Berlin meatballs with mash and pickles, plus a glass of red wine from Rheinessen.

Charlotte & Fritz: traditional dining room with terrace. International cuisine, seasonal ingredients. Open daily for breakfast and dinner.
Lobby Lounge: cosy lounge, serving afternoon tea. Open Thu-Sun, 2-6pm.