Concierge tips for a golden city trip in autumn

The trees in Berlin's park are colourful and Berliners are enjoying sitting in their favourite cafes again. Just the right time for a trip to the city because there is a lot going on in Berlin. But where can you relax and enjoy the last rays of sun, discover Berlin's art scene, or discover autumn trends in the fashion scene? Concierge Christoph Hundehege from the Hotel Waldorf Astoria Berlin, the luxury hotel in a top location near the Kurfürstendamm, has put together four great tips for a special luxurious day for your trip to the capital, which you should definitely try out.

To start: Who is Christoph Hundehege?

You walk into a foyer and meet a charismatic gentleman who has lived in New York and Paris, and whose calendar is filled with classical concerts and rock music in Berlin. This is Christoph Hundehege.

Other distinguishing features are:
Four golden keys on his lapel indicate that he belongs to the select group of some 4,500 of the world's best concierges working in luxury hotels. He heads the concierge lodge of the Waldorf Astoria Berlin and he and his team take care of the guests' special requests. He can get you exclusive theatre tickets, organise private catering on a yacht, or candle light dinners in the park, all within 60 minutes. One thing is certain, he and his three colleagues, who are also all members of Les Clefs d'Or, are not easily flustered.

Which private insider-art tour can you offer to guests in Berlin and where do you like to go yourself? 

The exhibitions and especially the galleries in Berlin are so fast-moving and offer such a wide range that it is not easy to choose. I myself would visit Eigen+Art, the Blain|Southern and KW Institute. But the "Luxury Experience" of three selected art galleries accompanied by an excellent art expert is ideal for guests. The great thing about this experience is that it is tailored to the wishes of our guests and also includes an extremely comfortable transfer. I think it is a varied experience with valuable insights into the Berlin art scene and therefore my best recommendation.

A guest would like to go to a restaurant that serves modern Berlin cuisine. What address would you give them?

Since I like cooking in my spare time, I would recommend local cuisine. I think the Nobelhart und Schmutzig restaurant in Friedrichstraße is very good. Why? Regional products and a modern concept with seating directly at the counter of the open kitchen make guests part of the culinary staging. The wine list is also an absolute highlight. I can't tell you a favourite dish there, because there is usually a new menu as it is constantly changing due to the regional products. This is a trend in Berlin: Compared to New York, for example, with its huge gastro empires, Berlin's gastro scene increasingly uses regional products for a modified German cuisine with a modern touch.

Where is the best place to drink champagne in October?

For me the Library Lounge is unique: you have a spectacular view from there of the "Indian Summer" in autumn in Berlin. You overlook the zoo with its beautifully coloured trees. In the lounge on the 15th floor of the Waldorf Astoria Berlin, you can enjoy a glass of champagne in a relaxed atmosphere with an offer of over 800 illustrated books.

Where do guests expect the best shopping experience to discover the autumn trends of the fashion scene?

My tip: City West. Guests can find first Bikini Berlin there with many interesting pop-up shops, individual shops, and striking architecture. From there it is only a stone's throw to Kurfürstendamm and the world-famous KaDeWe. But do you know what I find particularly exciting about Berlin and its fashion scene? That Berliners have their own fashion trends compared to other cities. You will find a different fashion or style in each district. It's really worth exploring.

A look behind the scenes with a personal question about your job:

What was an unforgettable experience for you as a concierge?

That's not an easy question. There are so many exciting tasks and interesting guests every day. There are always unusual requests. An exciting challenge, for example, was organising various musical instruments including amplifiers for a world-famous band, which were suddenly and immediately needed in the middle of the night. The band's equipment had not yet arrived in Berlin and the artists absolutely wanted to make music in their suite.