Rath checks in: Suite instead of pneumatic tube: The Hotel “Telegraphenamt” Berlin

I love hotels with history. The building doesn't necessarily have to have a long history as a luxury hotel. There are magnificent buildings that were originally banks, prisons, train stations, clinics, and brothels. Or, of course, a telegraph office. And while I'm not always convinced by how the new uses are put into practice, the designers have created a masterpiece with this hotel in Berlin Mitte. They masterfully combine the charm of the technical achievements of the late industrial revolution with the comfort and design of a modern luxury hotel, with a keen sense of the building's past.

After a lengthy renovation period, the Telegraph Office opened in 2022 and was immediately recognized as one of the new hotspots for young Berlin visitors. Models and designers crowded here during Fashion Week, the who's who of the film industry came to the Berlinale, and artists, gallery owners, and patrons came to Art Week. In between, style-conscious representatives of the start-up scene populated the hotel.

Things have quieted down a bit since then; Managing Director Gunnar Gust has brought calm to day-to-day business, which is good for the hotel. Gust is experienced, sophisticated, and operates with both intelligence and consideration. Best of all, he has a lot of respect for his employees and knows how to manage them. I met two former colleagues during my visit, including Martin Menzel, with whom I opened the Kameha Group in 2009.

I'm equally impressed by the Telegraph Office and the investment that went into it. It's likely at least half a billion euros, which demonstrates a great vision and greater courage, both of which will hopefully be rewarded. After all, after a lively opening phase and a brief dry spell, the luxury hotel is once again the first choice for guests whose interest in design brings them to the capital.

The imposing building was erected in 1910, between Oranienburgerstrasse and Monbijoupark. At that time, the city of Berlin boasted the largest pneumatic tube network in all of Europe, with over 400 kilometers of tubes. Whether messages, letters, telegrams, or postcards – anything that would have taken postmen days to transport back then could be sent back and forth beneath the city in a flash using compressed air. Of course, telephone calls were also connected. A miracle that must have had the same effect on people as the invention of text messages and email many decades later. A quantum leap in the speed of dissemination of information and knowledge.

In addition to the regular "Rath Checks In" columns, Capital is publishing the anthology "The 101 Best Hotels: Germany 2025" in collaboration with hotel expert and editor of " 101 Best ," Carsten K. Rath. The book can be ordered by email at [email protected] or online at www.die-101-besten.de/buchband .

The renovation of the listed building, however, was significantly more time-consuming. While its construction took only six years, the conversion into a hotel took over ten. A mammoth project, but one that, in my opinion, was worthwhile.

The largest suite in the house is the "Graham Suite." Located in the attic, it spans 40 square meters across two floors. The bathroom and bedroom are upstairs, while the spacious living area is downstairs. A large oval window offers unobstructed views across the city's rooftops to the TV tower. The furnishings, dominated by black steel and wood, reflect the history of the house. The light is perfectly placed, and the linen curtains are heavy and dense. The wardrobe can be opened from the dressing room and bathroom—what a clever idea. Everything is perfectly thought out, practical, and tastefully combined.

The management of the fitness area and spa may be familiar to the sports enthusiasts among you: Kofi Amoah Prah became German long jump champion in 2000 with an impressive 8.19 meters and placed fifth at the Sydney Olympic Games that same year. The former track and field athlete and personal trainer with Ghanaian roots is still a model athlete at 50, as well as charming and passionate about service. Just like his CV, his "empire" is impressive; the gym alone, at 1,200 square meters, is probably one of the largest hotel studios in Europe. Its design is extraordinary, the equipment is high-quality, and the training options are extremely diverse. Prah, however, remains the USP for me; I have rarely met a better instructor and spa manager. If ever.

Do I have any criticisms of the Hotel Telegraphenamt? No, not really. I'm just not entirely satisfied with the breakfast. It's good, but I think there's still a lot of room for improvement, especially with the buffet.