destination UPDATE BERLIN EAST MEET WEST + DRESDEN

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1 destination UPDATE BERLIN EAST MEET WEST + DRESDEN GENERAL INTRODUCTION It's over twenty years since the Berlin Wall fell uniting the city for the first time in over 50 years. The changes are truly amazing, and there is now just a small section of around 200 yards, of the original Berlin wall. To understand Berlin fully it is useful to have a rough idea of how the city used to be divided. Basically if you compare Berlin with London, former West Berlin was geographically similar in location and size to the SW postal districts including areas as far afield as Wimbledon, with the Brandenburg Gate being approximately at Hyde Park Corner. As one can imagine West Berlin was really made up of the suburbs of the former capital with the major places and buildings of interest mainly in East Berlin, exactly as it would have been with the West End and City of London had been similarly divided. Today with the city reunited unlimited access is available to areas that previously, although not prohibited to visitors, were often ignored because of some unseen fear that seemed to prevent people exploring areas even just slightly off the main thoroughfares of East Berlin. The former East Berlin also contains most of the areas of historic interest and it also has a greater choice of quality hotels. I prefer both the hotels and the original centre of the city rather than its newer counterpart that was the western sector. That said the quality of service and all round professionalism shown by all the hotels was amongst the highest that I have experienced at any destination I have visited.

2 WESTIN GRAND HOTEL - An elegant hotel very much in the style of a Palace. Centrepiece of this 5 star property and its 349 rooms is a magnificent marble staircase leading to the first floor and looking up to a hexagonal Atrium. 'Grand' is the ideal description for this hotel of exceptional quality. Best used in our opinion as an incentive hotel it does have 7 conference/banqueting rooms for persons. Other facilities include 4 restaurants, a boulevard cafe, Viennese coffee shop, 2 bars, a 2nd floor garden and courtyard, squash court, leisure club with an indoor pool attached to a conservatory with breakfast service where you can enjoy a swim followed by breakfast without having to change. INTERCONTINENTAL - The 5 star Intercontinental offers 511 rooms and suites in two tower blocks. In between these towers are the public areas plus the 'Trigon Convention Centre', the largest hotel convention centre in Berlin with multipurpose rooms for persons, all with sophisticated technical equipment to cater for all conference/convention/meeting/banqueting and exhibition needs. Other facilities include 5 restaurants, 3 bars, a business centre, swimming pool, sauna etc. The Intercontinental is very much a conference hotel. HOTEL PALACE - This delightful city centre hotel has 300 quality rooms, 4 conference/banqueting rooms and 5 breakout rooms. Best for incentives or small conference groups, there are two restaurants and a leisure centre. A small intimate hotel where quality counts.

3 OTHER PROPERTIES RECOMMENDED BY CPO HANSER BUT NOT VISITED BY US THE RITZ CARLTON The new Ritz Carlton tower is reminiscent of the golden age of art deco skyscrapers familiar in New York and Chicago and so far unparalleled in Berlin. Its interior, on the other hand, reflects Berlin s long history and grandeur it pays tribute to Karl Friedrich Schinkel; the royal Prussians favourite architect and designer. The hotel opened in January 2004 and is located in the centre of Berlin, on prestigious Potsdamer Platz. The hotel offers 302 guest rooms including 38 suites and 1400 square metres of meeting space. The meeting facilities were rebuilt under ecological aspects where the economic comfort plays an important role. All the materials used have a tradable permit. KEMPINSKI BRISTOL BERLIN Destroyed in World War 2 and rebuilt in 1952 as the first major hotel in Berlin, the Kempi is a renowned Berlin classic hotel. Located on Kurfürstendamm, the shopping boulevard of the former West Berlin, it has a wide range of stores and fine boutiques, as well as the famous KaDeWe and theatres at its doorstep. 303 rooms and suites await guests. All of them are luxuriously decorated and have marble bathrooms. Two restaurants accommodate the guests - the gourmet restaurant Kempinski Grill, with the finest international and seasonal cuisine and the Reinhard s im Kempinski, with its spacious summer terrace which offers regional specialties. Cocktails and live piano music can be enjoyed at the Bristol Bar. NHOW HOTEL Hotel (4*) Europe s first music hotel is here, in the heart of Berlin. Located directly on the banks of the river Spree, and at the epicentre of the music, fashion and creative scene, a new lifestyle hotel opened in November 2010 that has yet to meet its match in Europe; the nhow Berlin. nhow stands for a new generation of hotels: offbeat, lively, dynamic and with a local flair that simultaneously has worldwide appeal. nhow centres on music and design and is the only hotel in Europe offering two professional music studios. Thanks to the spectacular design and cutting-edge technology, every one of the 304 rooms is a source of inspiration and at the same time the perfect retreat from the city s hustle and bustle. In seven different meeting rooms and Berlin s only conference hall with a direct view of the river Spree through floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as direct access to the terrace, you will find a spectacular and unique location for your event. There is space here for up to 600 people in an area of 964 sqm.

4 In addition, you will find a fitness and spa area, the restaurant fabrics offering modern German-French cuisine with a regional accent, as well as the bar that regularly hosts both international and local DJs. WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO SEE The main half-day excursions are based on the city which can be divided up to include a number of variations including more detailed visits to the museums and the lake areas of the city etc. These permutations can form either a couple of separate half-day excursions or combined with lunch to make a full day 'Super City Tour'. THE CITY TOUR OF SENSES Enjoy a city tour that will not only introduce you to Berlin s culture but also stimulates your senses. During this city tour you will make two stops enjoying typical German food and the finest chocolate. The chosen places are in Berlin s historical centre and while driving from one place to the other a guide will explain the sights en route. Get an impression of how the former East has changed over the last 20 years. Enjoy the bustling life of this quarter, where artist s designers and other creative people settled down. Here guests will make their first stop and enjoy the first and main course in a Berliner restaurant. Continue to the most beautiful historical place in Berlin; The Gendarmenmarkt, and enjoy the dessert at the largest chocolate house in the world. The city tour includes Berlin s major sights at the Kurfürstendamm with its Memorial Church, Tiergarten and Victory column. You will also pass by the Reichstag - seat of the German parliament - which has been reconstructed from and got a huge new glass dome, Brandenburg Gate and the boulevard Unter den Linden. See the State Opera House, Humboldt University, the Museum of German History, the Red City Hall and Museum Island. EXCURSIONS WITH A DIFFERENCE CITY TOUR BY TRABI Discover Berlin from West to East by this typical GDR vehicle "Trabant" (or Trabi ). Driving these cult objects is a great fun for everyone. After brief instructions about the mystery of the unusual manual gearshift, the tour can start and your participants creep - one after the other - with 26 HP and 30 km/h through Berlin. 3 or 4 guests will share the driving experience per Trabi and groups of approx. 3-4 Trabi's will be formed and enjoy a guided tour through the city by a leader Trabi with a guide. They will pass many sights and attractions on their way. Your guests will receive directions and information on the major sights on route via the car radios.

5 BERLIN FROM SPREE CANALS Berlin was once Germany's second largest inland port and the city still has more bridges than Venice! Travel by coach to the landing pier Schlossbrücke. There you will board a public sightseeing boat. See Berlin from an unusual and fascinating perspective during this cruise through some of the Spree River canals. You will see Charlottenburg Palace, and then travel along the Spree to Berlin-Mitte, the historic heart of the city. Pass such famous sights as the Reichstag, the Berlin Cathedral and the Museum Island, site of one of the world's richest museum complexes, and the Nikolai Quarter. FULL DAY TOURS DAY EXCURSION TO POTSDAM Depart by coach to Potsdam; the city which best reflects the brilliance of Prussian history in many different periods. Visit the New Palace, being one of the palaces of Sanssouci, and the beautiful garden. The whole complex has been built as summer residence for the Prussian royal family. The New Palace is situated on the western side of the Sanssouci royal park in Potsdam. The construction of the building began in 1763, after the end of the Seven Year War, under Frederick the Great and was completed in It is considered to be the last great Prussian baroque palace. Lunch will be arranged at the Palace Cecilienhof. After lunch you will visit the Palace Cecilienhof, built between 1913 and 1917 in the style of an English country manor for the family of the Crown Prince. In 1945 the Potsdam Agreement was signed between the Allied Powers here. After the visit of Sanssouci a short coach tour through Potsdam will take place before your guests head back to Berlin. Pass the early 18th century settlement Holland Quarter with its colourful houses and the Russian colony Alexandrovka.

6 EATING OUT RECOMMENDED LOCAL RESTAURANTS RESTAURANT AIGNER This restaurant is located in the historical centre of Berlin next to the Gendarmenmarkt. The interior is a perfect mixture of traditional and modern style. The complete original Jugendstil furniture of the famous Viennese Café Aigner has been beautifully restored. Combined with the impressive glass facade and the warm colours it provides an individual and elegant ambience. The restaurant serves excellent international cuisine with regional specialities. The lounge with the old billiard table provides the right ambience to enjoy a private dining for up to 16 guests, separated from the rest of the restaurant by a glass door. ALTES ZOLLHAUS The picturesque Zollhaus in Kreuzberg is a wonderful place to daydream. The garden is beautiful in the summer on the Spree canal where the ships float by. During the winter months one can comfortably sit by the tiled stove in the large, rustic guestroom. The guestroom, offer a comfortable atmosphere and has space for 50 guests. The Schmugglerscheune (smuggler s barn), unique in Berlin, is an event room with space for 30 to 90 guests. The entire house can be rented for private events with as many as 160 guests. Conferences can also be held here, individually designed, with the use of modern technical equipment. THE HEISING The Heising is located near the famous Memorial Church in the Western city centre. Heising is a small and very exclusive restaurant, where Mr. and Mrs. Heising personally take care of their guests. The interior, with its velvet curtains and big rose bouquets on Biedermeier tables, looks like a typical turn-of-the-century Berlin living room and offers an elegant, yet informal ambience. Excellent international cuisine with a French touch is served by the hosts on beautiful traditional porcelain. The excellent 4-course dinner will be created using fresh seasonal ingredients. Very good selections of wines are offered.

7 RESTAURANT GANYMED This restaurant is located next to the river spree, in the lively quarter between the Boulevard Oranienburger Straße and the cultural corner with the German Theatre and the Berliner Ensemble on the one side, and the busy train station Friedrichstraße on the other. The restaurant has an air of discreet elegance; wooden chairs, chandeliers and the finest ceiling moulding, and impresses with a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Your guests will enjoy a 3-course menu of high international standard with regional ingredients. REICHSTAG ROOF GARDEN RESTAURANT KÄFER The location itself turns the Roof Garden Restaurant into one of the most prominent venues available in Berlin. The Reichstag, in which the restaurant is situated, is the seat of the German Parliament and one of Berlin s most historical landmarks. It was initially built at the end of the 19th century, but almost completely destroyed in 1933 and at the end of World War II. The central dome was removed during the reconstruction after the war. When, after the reunification, the decision was made to move the parliament from Bonn back to Berlin, a glass dome over the plenary hall was added by the famous architect Sir Norman Foster. On the top of the building, by the dome, you can find the Roof Garden Restaurant. It offers modern German and international cuisine, combined with an elegant atmosphere and a breathtaking view of the city. The food is very creatively decorated and a good selection of German and international wines are at hand. The restaurant can accommodate a maximum of 160 guests (70 persons in the Wintergarten and 90 persons in the restaurant). Weather permitting a reception could be arranged on the terrace. BANQUETING VENUES WATER WORKS A dinner at the Wasserwerk (water works) is about the most unusual and unique experience Berlin has to offer. The concept has been successful in Paris, London and Amsterdam and was started in Berlin in For off-the-wall events there is no better place than this old, yet modern location with its industrial design, a ceiling height of more than 13 metres and 1,000 square metres of space. In 1906 the former water works was activated for the first time and was extremely progressive for that time. In 1999 the old water works was substituted by a modern one. It is one of the most interesting venues in Berlin for Lounging, Clubbing and Dining. The elaborate light and sound system can be used for your requirements of any kind.

8 Your guests will enjoy an excellent cuisine that combines Indian and Italian flavours. A 3-course dinner or a buffet dinner will be served. The historical industrial architecture of the 100 year old water works creates a special ambiance that is unequaled and awards your event a totally new dimension. DZ BANK On Pariser Platz, next to the famous Brandenburg Gate, DZ BANK has built a multifunctional office centre with a conference area. The architect Frank O. Gehry really created an architectural masterpiece. On Pariser Platz, Gehry's facades comply with the directives issued for the ensemble, but his startling interior structure opens up a whole new dimension of design paving the way for the architecture of the future. The modern styled banquet room is located in the basement of this building with a light glass roof. The red carpet, wooden walls and the roof decoration give this room its special atmosphere. Your guests will enter the foyer and will be greeted by waiters with a welcome cocktail. Afterwards an excellent buffet dinner will be served in the banqueting room. Musical entertainment could be provided by the Saxophone quartet First Ladies, providing Jazz music as well as current hits. BÄRENSAAL / ALTES STADTHAUS The construction of the Old Town House started in 1902 and the building was inaugurated in As the Red Town Hall was too small for the ever growing Berlin administration at the turn of the century, the government decided to add another building. Only a few steps from Alexanderplatz, the heart of the former East Berlin, this building is located behind the Red Town Hall seat of Berlin s government. During World War II the Old Town House was badly destroyed. In GDR times, the Old Town House was the seat of the East German Council of Ministers. The architecture of the Bärensaal is straight and clear. The high ceilings add to the impressive character of the hall. The Bärensaal is named for the bear (also a symbol of Berlin) that sits in the rear of the hall. It was removed in 1959 and taken to the East Berlin Zoo. In the 1950 s a lower ceiling was put into the building; a typical feature of GDR architecture. In 1994 the Altes Stadthaus and the Bärensaal were reconstructed and regained their old appearance. Upon arrival your guests will enter the Bärensaal through the vestibule, where a welcome reception could be arranged. The banquet hall will be set up with round tables where a 3-course dinner will be served. A jazz band can also provide background music.

9 EVENTCENTER AIRPORT TEMPELHOF Those familiar with German history will surely remember that in 1948/1949 Berlin was cut off from the rest of the world by the Soviets. The Western Powers sustained the 2.5 million Berliners for 11 months by the so called airlift. They sent aeroplanes to drop packages with tons of food and supplies. Tempelhof is therefore one of the most meaningful places in Berlin. The Eventcenter Flughafen Tempelhof is a magnet for top class events. The neighbouring hangars, the charming air terminal as well as the imposing free surfaces present unique possibilities for capital city events of every scale. On account of lounge ambiences or big events for up to 50,000 guests, everything is possible. The breathtaking panoramic look at the airport Tempelhof during day and night is included in any case and will be unforgettable for your guests. The Hangar 2 is situated on the ground of the Airport Tempelhof, near the city centre of Berlin. Behind the carefully restored facade of the historical hangar hides a modern and comfortable venue with modern heating and recently built sanitary facilities, cloakrooms and bars. Hot air heating warms up the hall to a pleasant 22 Celsius. In the many-sided Hangar 2 galas or receptions with up to 3,500 guests and big events or concerts with up to 5,000 guests can comfortably take place. The Hangar 2 with its sqm is dividable, so that an ideal space situation can be offered to events with lower company numbers. But a group size of 1,000 persons fits perfectly into this location. In the upper floor there are 20 rooms which can be used as an office, artist's cloakrooms or meeting rooms. For your gala dinner the ground floor with approximately 3,600 sqm s will be set up with banqueting tables. The gallery could be used as reception area, and could also be set up with cocktail tables. An invitation in the form of flight tickets can be sent to guests. The hostesses handling transfers as well as on site service staff could wear flight attendants uniforms and the decorations on the tables and in the hall could reflect the theme aviation, e.g. wings, nuts and sweets in small bags as little starter. The chairs could have the slip covers on top as you find them in aeroplanes, of course this time your logo is printed on them. E-WERK The E-Werk was built in 1885 and was one of the first power stations in Berlin to provide electricity for the street lighting. It is situated in the eastern city centre not far away from the famous Gendarmenmarkt and the Potsdamer Platz. It closed in 1985 and reopened in The E-werk offers three different event areas: Hall C, Hall F and the Roof with terrace. Your event will take place in Hall C, which has despite its industrial charm a warm atmosphere. It was reconstructed in great detail and offers space of 600 sqm s a perfect setting for various types of events for 200 up to 1,500 persons. The gallery is 150 sqm s and offers additional space for your event. In addition, Hall F with a size of 600 sqm s can be rented. Hall C and F are situated opposite from each other and can be connected via a tent. The Roof of the E-Werk is 410 sqm s and was opened in Your guests will enjoy an incredible view of the city skyline with the TV tower, the churches on Gendarmenmarkt, the Potsdamer Platz and other landmarks. If the weather is nice the cocktail reception and the dinner will take place outside. In this extra ordinary surrounding a 3-course or 4-course dinner of a very high standard will be served.

10 KARLSSON Above the rooftops of the Gendarmenmarkt, the KARLSSON provides not only a modern and high-quality ambiance, but also a unique view of such historic Berlin landmarks as the Schauspielhaus concert hall and the German and French Cathedrals. The U-shaped venue on the sixth floor of the Science Forum meets the most demanding requirements for equipment, materials and furnishings. Its 400 square metres of space provide the ideal infrastructure for any event, with a bar, smokers' lounge and cloakroom. For your guests square, round or one long table will be set up near the panoramic windows. This way all your guests can enjoy the marvellous view onto the Gendarmenmarkt. Upon arrival a reception is arranged at the bar where cocktail tables are set up and your guests will be undisturbed enjoying the location and the atmosphere. A delicious 4-course dinner is served. Experience Berlin from its modern and historic site at this wonderful location, which will be booked exclusively for your group. KAISERSAAL The former Grandhotel Esplanade, which was originally built on the Potsdamer Platz at the turn of the century, has been reconstructed after the fall of the wall and first opened its doors during the Berlinale 2002 ; Berlin s famous film festival. After the ruins were spectacularly moved by 75 metres on air cushions, it is now part of the Sony Centre building. Within the modern Sony complex, which is surrounded by skyscrapers, the old Kaisersaal appears in new style but has not lost its charm of former days. Due to the combination of history and contemporary architecture embedded in one of the liveliest areas of Berlin, this building is the ideal surrounding for a very special evening. Your guests will have their gala dinner in the famous Kaisersaal which is frequented by international film stars. The group will be seated at round tables which are festively decorated. A 5 course dinner of the best quality will be served. Furthermore you will enjoy corresponding wine. Classical music by a harpist could entertain your guests.

11 FUN NIGHT OUT DINNER VENUES MEDIEVAL CITADEL The citadel was formerly a moated castle and was almost completely destroyed. Only the Julius Tower dating from 1200 A.C. still exists. The castle was reconstructed in the 16th century. A museum and a restaurant are found today inside the castle. The heavy, dark wood tables, benches and chairs, old pewter, and colourful wall and table decorations lend a rustic tone to the medieval atmosphere. Upon arrival a special cocktail will be served by waiters and waitresses dressed in medieval costumes. Afterwards a 5 course dinner will be served. Musical entertainment will be provided by balladeers. The restaurant offers seating in 3 different rooms (90 pax, 30 pax and 20 pax) and in addition there is a private room for up to 130 pax called Tonne. KaDeWe For very special clients it is possible to arrange an evening of surprise at the KaDeWe; Kaufhaus des Westens. It is the biggest department store on the European continent with an outstanding food court on the top floor. It offers more than 40,000 different products from all over the world over 7,000 sqm s. At the French booth of Paul Bocuse you will find a French musette accordion player, at the Lenôtre praline booth you will find a classical trio dressed in rococo costumes. At the Champagne booth a silhouette cutter will astonish the guests with his skills and will prepare amazing side-faces. In addition walk acts such as magicians, jugglers and caricaturists will entertain your guests. Seating for all guests will be available in the different areas of the food section, as well as on the 7th floor which can be reached by escalators. Guests will enjoy mingling, and strolling around the food court, where they will find a choice of different food booths such as: - Petit Bistro and Paul Bocuse - (French specialities) - Pasta et Pomodori - (Italian specialities) - Lenôtre Café bar - (Desserts) - Bouillabaisse (Fish soup) - Fisher s home (fish and mussels) This evening is like a dream of your childhood coming true. Spending one night at a luxury department store and being allowed to try and taste all the exclusive food. TIPI DAS ZELT Between the Chancellery and the House of the Cultures of the World, located in the middle of the inner city park Tiergarten, your guests will have an enjoyable evening at Tipi das Zelt. It stands for high standard amusement, charm, passion, show, chanson and cabaret. TIPI DAS ZELT is Berlin s newest stage for changing art performances and concerts.

12 TIPI DAS ZELT offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere to both artists and guests. Your guests would enjoy a 3 course dinner; the first two courses will be served before the show starts. The dessert would be served during the interval or after the show. FLIGHTS Primarily the major airlines serving Berlin are Lufthansa and British Airways (Tegel). CONCLUSION An excellent destination for both incentive and conference groups (especially large conventions). The city since reunification offers a broad appeal to all age groups, with the added surprise of the charm and quality of both the city and the hotels in the former eastern part. So what is Berlin like without the wall? It was a fascinating experience to see how two parts of a city can follow such different courses in their development to a point where it was like visiting two very distinct countries, but now there is not that much difference between East and West Berlin. Ironically it strikes me that on previous visits I found it hard to imagine how the city could still retain its level of interest of the 'Days of the Wall'. The new first-time visitor will find it difficult to understand what additional attraction the wall could offer over the beautiful, interesting and fun-filled city it is today, past visitors will know different and will miss a little of the intrigue and trepidation of those 'days of the wall'. DRESDEN Although almost completely destroyed at the end of World War 2, many of the city s magnificent have been completely rebuilt and give some idea of the former grandeur of this the Capital of the Saxony. Although Dresden has many new hotels including Hilton, SAS Radisson and Steigenberger in my personal opinion it is as a full day excursion that it comes into its own. As well as rather large Teutonic buildings, Dresden also has the oldest fleet of steam driven side-wheeled paddle steamers, the majority of which are over 100 years old and in immaculate condition. The other must visit is to nearby Meissen, the home of the world famous pottery of the same name. Not being overly fond of visits to potteries and the like I can only say that this visit is an absolute must. I have never seen craftsmanship, culture, art and technology combined to offer such an enjoyable and rewarding Meissen Porcelain factory visit. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on the variety of incentive, conference and special interest itineraries please contact us for a copy of CPO Hanser's excellent incentive and conference manuals covering the northern part of Germany including Frankfurt, Cologne, Leipzig, Dresden, Berlin and Hamburg. Copyright 2013, destinations UNLIMITED - All Rights Reserved.