Berlin is different. Urban lifestyle, extravagant nightlife and colourful people meet centuries of history, culture and art. Big city meets gardens and parks, the Spree meets the Brandenburg Gate. And each of its neighbourhoods (Kieze, as Berliners call them) conjures up pictures of its own. Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg in a young, hip atmosphere. Or Grunewald, a name synonymous with nobility, wrapped in the patina of bygone, elegant times. And that’s exactly where you’ll find the Schlosshotel Berlin. A 5-star hideaway de luxe that offers a retreat lacking nothing, for upscale business travellers and classic holidaymakers alike. With a mix of elegant period architecture and modern interior design, the hotel is in a category all of its own. And the scenting isn’t left to chance here either. We spoke with Eric Debrah, the hotel’s marketing manager, about the property, the rooms and AROMEA scent marketing.
Elegant, classic and yet modern, and set in the middle of the Grunewald: the Schlosshotel Berlin doesn’t really fit in a box. How would you describe the hotel and its ambience?
Debrah: Even the arrival is impressive. The park-like garden framing the hotel speaks for itself. Inside, you’ll find a stylish interior by designer Patrick Hellmann. The glitz and glamour of the past 100 years simply come together here. And that’s what makes the hotel so unique. Then as now, the enchanting Schlosshotel is a popular meeting place for guests from home and abroad.
What do guests love about the Schlosshotel Berlin?
Debrah: An oasis of relaxation awaits our guests here. A stroll through the garden, several thousand square metres in size, is gloriously relaxing. The stylish rooms and suites are a home away from home, where it’s a joy to arrive. And despite its long history and tradition, guests can expect a family-run 5-star+ establishment in a quiet, beautiful location in one of Berlin’s most exclusive districts.
What should you be sure to try as a guest at the hotel?
Debrah: Our weekly events in the PHC bar are definitely worth recommending! There’s the Champagne Wednesday, for example, with DJ sounds and champagne specials from 7 to 8 pm every Wednesday, and the Thirsty Thursday after-work drinks, because here Thursday is already the new Friday! The bar opens at 5 pm. So there’s really plenty going on.
There’s now an AROMEA diffuser in the lobby. How did that decision come about?
Debrah: Of all the senses, smell makes the most intense impression. And that’s exactly what we wanted to put to use. We want to reach guests on every level. And that includes a good, inviting scent.
How do guests and staff perceive the scent?
Debrah: It’s been very well received. We find it very pleasant, yet subtle.
How does scent marketing fit with the Schlosshotel Berlin’s concept?
Debrah: It’s classic, but modern. That’s why we also chose “Velvet Wood”, a scent that radiates exactly that.
Eric Debrah on the effect of scents.
