Concierge tips for lovers in Berlin

Whether it be magnificent castles, untamed, picturesque lake landscapes or sunsets looking over the city – Berlin has a lot to offer. We wanted to find out more and so we asked Nina Bergmann from SO/ Berlin Das Stue for her tips for lovers on a journey of discovery in Berlin and where to make an unforgettable marriage proposal.

To start with: Who is Nina Bergmann?

Nina Bergmann is with the dedicated, wholehearted Front of House Manager of SO/ Berlin Das Stue. She has gone through all the classic steps of a hotel career and has enjoyed a long history with this hotel in particular. From the beginning, she realised that her passion lay in communicating with guests. And she has remained true to her instincts. So to this day we witness how Nina Bergmann, with her excellent knowledge of art and culture, provides guests with special events and unforgettable experiences.

What extraordinary location or place would you recommend to a guest who would like to propose to his/her loved one in a setting of undisturbed togetherness?

A marriage proposal is in some ways always a reflection of the relationship – I can give you three suggestions for three different types of proposals:
For the complete surprise: pull out the ring during a pedal boat ride on the Wannsee.
For the grand performance: an excursion to that Italianate dream on the banks of the River Havel – Glienicke Palace.
 For those newly in love: in a photo booth, the partner making the proposal suddenly holds up a sign saying “Will you marry me?” The moment is captured for eternity – could there be a more beautiful memory? There’s a wonderful old photo booth at the C/O Berlin Foundation in the Amerika Haus, which is located at Bahnhof Zoo just ten minutes away from us.

What romantic activities would you suggest to guests for 14th February?

The most beautiful thing is when romance is reflected in small gestures, a glance or a touch that says it all. That’s why I recommend going ice-skating and holding hands here in Berlin. The ice rink in Lankwitz, which remains open until mid-March, offers a beautiful opportunity to enjoy being together in the open air with music.
We recommend a Mini-Moon package to our guests, which gets the heart beating faster. What can you expect with this? In addition to two overnight stays including breakfast and an upgrade, you will receive a massage for two, a bottle of champagne, a bottle of bath oil as a gift and a Sweet Moon Treatment. You’re in for a pleasant surprise!
For me, the real classic is walking in Berlin: strolling around scenic lakes like the Schlachtensee or the Krumme Lanke can be very romantic. Afterwards, the Fischerhütte at Schlachtensee is the ideal place to warm up.

Can guests get married at your hotel? What makes a wedding at your hotel unique?

One of my favourite corners in SO/ Berlin Das Stue is the first sofa on the right by the window: it’s the ideal place for couples to cuddle up. Or you can have a hot chocolate brought to one of our three libraries by room service. You can spend time there together in real comfort and laugh about everything and anything, just as it should be for those newly in love.
The entrance to the Berlin Zoo is just across from our terrace. Here you can escape as a couple and forget the stresses of the big city. Our hotel also loves the zoo. And we sponsor an animal there: the little kangaroo Stuy, who would no doubt be pleased to see you.

Wedding trends for 2019. What three trends do you suggest to the bridal couple?

First trend: plants, plants, plants! The botanical trend is particularly in fashion, with large floral patterns and lots of greenery.
Combining elements is a real winner! Clearly another trend is opposites that attract. They are an absolute eye-catcher with rustic elements such as wood combined with metallic details. Cosy and stylish at the same time!
Another new trend is for photogenic cakes, such as amethyst cakes – the cake is decorated like an amethyst or other geodes and gemstones. The fondant decoration is usually kept very simple and smooth. We always like to recommend “Der Kuchenladen” on Kantstraße to our guests.

A romantic tour through Berlin: what three locations would you visit?

I recommend three wonderful spots in Berlin that can get you in a romantic mood: a walk along the Rummelsburger Bucht, an ascent of the Teufelsberg or wrapping up warm and taking a ride on a rickshaw tour along the Spree. The Bode Museum is particularly beautiful; you can stop there with the rickshaw and walk over the beautiful bridge to the Alte Nationalgalerie. This is one of my favourite places in Berlin with the colonnade in front of the museum – which is also perfect for a selfie.

A personal question: what is the most romantic request you have had from a guest?

One of our guests asked me to send a love letter he had written, bound to a balloon, to his girlfriend in Hamburg. We took care of the special shipping and she was surprised in her office in Hamburg.