Steps away from Kurfurstendamm and a few blocks from the city zoo is the first-rate Savoy Berlin, an elegant hotel in downtown Berlin. I stayed there four nights in early May 2003. Four things that struck me about this inn were the cigar lounge, the stylish rooms, the excellent buffet breakfasts, and the admission of guests’ pets.
Connected off the lobby was the cigar lounge, and yet there was only a hint of cigar smoke in the air. Near the bar are leather sofas and chairs. Soft lighting and a comfortable ambiance, I passed on a snifter of brandy and a smoke, but took advantage of the availability of Cuban cigars. I bought a few from the side shop, where a walled humidor kept the rolled tobacco fresh. I also purchased a leather cigar case there as gifts for my husband.
I shared a charming room with my two sisters. (My brother and his wife shared another room.) A cot was brought in as rooms are typically set up for two. We vowed to take turns each night in the cot, but the sister who first slept in it, said she was comfortable and claimed it all four nights. Linen was luxurious. The bed pillows, goose feather-filled, were oddly square shaped and large, and yes, luxurious. The room was adequate in size (read: on the small side) but classy and clean, bright and cheerful, and quiet for a good night’s sleep. Complimentary water and snacks were set in the room along with a mini refrigerator. We found chocolates on our beds every evening.
Every morning we were treated to a fine buffet breakfast (included with the stay) in the dining room; a high ceiling room with sunny windows. The food was excellent. The spread always included an array of fresh fruits including halved grapefruit and cut pineapple, and juices. There were a variety of fresh cheeses, including creamy Brie, and sliced breads and rolls, hot and cold cereals, and a chef to cook eggs to order. Coffee pots were brought and left at individual dining tables along with cream. It was my favorite meal of the day while in Germany.
Tables in the breakfast room were first come, first serve. One morning my party had to split up as we just couldn’t find seating together for the five of us. I sat with one sister and another guest at the hotel and her small dog. I wasn’t used to seeing dogs in a dining room, but the waitress allowed the patron to put a blanket on one chair for her poochie. He curled up and took a snooze, never barking or begging for table scrapes. And I enjoyed my breakfast in conversation with the pet owner. It was a good way to meet another foreigner and shared touring recommendations. One thing both of us didn’t need to recommend to each other was staying at the Savoy. We already knew that.
Here's a link to the Savoy Hotel.