Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome

The grand 19th-century headquarters of Dresdner Bank, adjacent to the State Opera on grand Bebelplatz, have been converted into this impressive luxury hotel, which will appeal to jet-setting business folk and couples after a romantic weekend.

Many original features have been retained, including the speckled Terrazzo floors and wrought-iron handrails. The capacious guest rooms are high and handsome, while the old jewellery vault houses the Spa de Rome with saunas, glittering mosaics and lap pool.

The hotel’s restaurant serves some of Berlin’s most exciting Italian food in an ambience of relaxed wealth. The wine list is extensive and the service flawless. On the roof, there’s a rooftop bar for a pre-dinner cocktail.

The location is ideal for regulars, or a first-time sightseer – it’s barely a 15-minute walk to Brandenburg Gate, and five minutes to the nearest metro.