Where To Stay for the Berlin Marathon

Adlon Kempinski

Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

I stayed at the opulent and iconic Adlon Kempinski for the first few days. You simply can’t get closer to the action!

You can see the finish line at Brandenburg Gate from your breakfast table while munching on luxury delights like caviar and champagne (included in the breakfast buffet that is free to guests who book with me!)

Since you are right by the start and finish line, the Adlon Kempinski is also a great location for spectators.

I loved the world-class spa at the hotel. They offer discounted massages for runners and offer several helpful services--including a pool, sauna, ice packs, and cold plunge--to prepare for and then recover after the race!

The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin

Ritz-Carlton Berlin

I stayed at the modern and glamorous Ritz Carlton at Potsdamer Platz after the race. It’s a beautiful 1920s-inspired Art Deco-style hotel and exudes high levels of service.

The Ritz-Carlton is about ten minutes’ walk from the start and finish line, making it a great race location.

The breakfast was high quality and included lots of options. I was staying in a lounge access room, which meant I could also eat my meals in the lounge. I highly recommend adding this on to your booking because it features excellent service, snacks all day, great meals, and a quiet space to escape.

The hotel also has a great gym, small pool, and spa to prepare and cool down after the race.

The Westin Grand Berlin

Westin Berlin

If you prefer to be in the heart of athlete activities, The Westin is for you. Approximately ten minutes from the Brandenburg Gate finish line, The Westin is also super convenient.

Because Westin is an official partner of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, they offer a highly specialized “Marathon Zone” experience with gear lending and shake-out runs. Several of the Abbott events are also held here, including the Six Star finisher breakfast.

InterContinental Berlin

InterContinental Berlin

Some of my clients stayed at the InterContinental Berlin. Located on the opposite side of Tiergarten to the start line, the area feels a bit less busy.

• Top tip: This hotel is very close to the Adidas store selling official marathon merchandise. It’s also an ideal place to spectate. Runners pass right by the hotel at kilometers 2, 34, and 35!

The InterContinental Berlin offers a great breakfast, a special marathon pasta dinner, and a 1,000 m² spa area, which is one of the largest in Berlin.

The service here is wonderful—I heard nothing but rave reviews. And, because it is a little further from the start and finish line than the above hotels, the prices tend to be much more competitive.

• Secure your room reservations as soon as you receive entry into the race. Prices skyrocket quickly after entries are announced.

• Ask your hotel if they include a “Marathon Package” which includes discounts on massages, early breakfast on race day, pasta dinners the night before the race, and late checkout.

• Make dinner reservations—especially for the night before the marathon—as early as possible because restaurants get very booked up!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Berlin page.