Hotel Luc: Prussian Style, Modern Berlin

Dark interiors, cathedral views, and a quiet upper-floor spa make this Friedrichstadt hotel a rewarding city base.

Dark blue bar with Prussian-inspired portraits at Hotel Luc in Berlin

By Samantha Leal

Why it works

When it comes to Berlin, there’s so much to explore — the culinary scene is incredible, the bar scene is even more incredible, and there is a ton of history to explore. (Plus some wild adventures should you be up for it.) The best part about trying out all there is to offer in a city like this is having the best starting (and ending) point to explore. Meet Hotel Luc, the 5-star hotel that is exactly that.

Blue guest room with a portrait above the bed at Hotel Luc

A Neighborhood With History

Hotel Luc, located in the neighborhood of Friedrichstadt, is ideal for Berlin adventures. I loved how convenient everything in the city was to it, and the views couldn’t be beat. Friedrichstadt is named after Prussian king Frederick I, and the hotel nods to that heritage with its color palette, art, and opulent details — but with a modern twist. It felt cool without being too over the top.

Heritage restaurant with blue chairs and upholstered booths at Hotel Luc

Rooms With a Cathedral View

I was greeted with a glass of champagne (G.H. Mumm, to be exact) in real glassware (thank goodness), and was told all about the amenities before I hit the elevator to head up to my standard room. Featuring 75 rooms (with different bed sizes, as well as some with balconies) and 17 suites, the standard room was perfectly sized, and came with a beautiful window that overlooked the Französischer Dom, or French Dom, attached to the French Cathedral where the earliest parts date back to 1701. There are a lot of historical buildings and embassies in this neighborhood and surrounding this city square, making it so fun to walk around. Plus, it’s easy to get to other hot neighborhoods and attractions either by Uber or their very easy-to-navigate train, the U-Bahn. (Getting to the East Side Gallery, for instance, took less than 10 minutes by Uber.)

Spa lounge beneath sloping windows at Hotel Luc

From Heritage to the Spa

They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the restaurant hotel Heritage, which offers indoor and outdoor seating (highly recommend sitting outside for an aperitif and people watching). The gym is amazingly sized with plenty of equipment, but the real winner is going up the staircase in the gym (or taking the elevators all the way up) and entering the yoga room, filled with plenty of spots to meditate or do yoga, before opening up to the spa which is both for treatments you can book, but also for just relaxing — there are lounge chairs with views of the French Dom, as well as a small sauna and steam room. I didn’t see one person up there when I was using it, so it feels very private. There’s also a terrace, though it was closed when I stayed there.

Hotel Luc is also an Autograph Collection property (aka Marriott), and I loved that I am able to use my points on return visits (and get guaranteed late check-out thanks to being a Marriott Bonvoy member.) All in all, Hotel Luc was the perfect place to take on Berlin, and the perfect spot to lay my head at night. I’ve recommended it to all my friends thus far who are visiting, and can’t wait to go back.

Fast Facts

Location: Berlin, Germany

Rating: Five-Star

The Vibe: Prussian-meets-modern vibes

Food + Drink: Eat at Heritage without even leaving the property, or head to Bellboy for drinks and the time of your life.

Amenities: Restaurant, bar, spa, fitness center, room service

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The Prussian-inspired artwork and dark interior design concept is cool without being too much.

5 Nearby Attractions: Französischer Dom, The Gendarmenmarkt, The Brandenburg Gate, East Gallery, Unter Den Linden

Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? There’s a speakeasy in Bellboy that should be checked out, and the coffee shop next door, Bonanza, is a favorite among Berliners and tourists alike.

Rooms: 75 rooms and 17 suites

Pricing (at original publication): Rooms start at $219/night

Closest Airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

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