Guerlain Spa, Waldorf Astoria BerlinThe Waldorf Astoria Berlin contains Germany's only Guerlain spa. On arrival at the spa, you are invited to sit down and choose one of the brand's signature fragrances for your treatment. As we waited for our therapists to arrive we took in the crystal chandelier, vast rows of Guerlain products and make-up available to try and the beautiful perfume bottles, used at least partly as decoration.
Soon, we were shown to the beautiful foot ritual welcome area - a series of comfortable silk-cushioned bench seats separated by curtains for privacy. All treatments begin with a relaxing foot wash, scrub and massage - the perfect way to be welcomed to the spa. Although common in Asia, the welcome foot treatment is more unusual in Europe, but we find it ideal to leave the stresses of the outside world behind. As we had changed into bathrobes in our room and had already used the facilities, we didn't need to use one of the private changing areas attached to the treatment room. TreatmentsThe spa offers a wide range of treatments; on this occasion, we both went for a one hour massage.
Our massage took place in the couple's treatment room, side by side. It was a shame that the spa didn't have more than one pair of disposable underwear available - it really spoils a massage having to wear wet swimming shorts, but the treatments themselves were very good and the pressure exactly as requested. We really appreciated the use of hot towels during the massage and it was a wonderful surprise that facial massage and a hydrating mask were included. Mrs d2t said that the massage was the best she had had in Europe. At €110 for an hour, it isn't a cheap experience but felt reasonable value. |
FacilitiesThe 5th floor spa is compact but beautifully done. A well-equipped gym (Technogym, no rowing machine) was empty whenever we saw it but clean and with amenities including chilled towels, cold bottled water and fresh fruit. The free-form swimming pool with jets to swim against at one end was the perfect temperature to cool off in after a session in the hot jacuzzi, sauna or steam room. Around the pool, a number of loungers were available, as well as fresh fruit and a choice of water (plain, lime and mint, lemon or elderflower). Upstairs, a sunny roof terrace beckoned, also with loungers and a view over Berlin.
In addition to 'normal' treatment rooms, the spa also has a Vichy shower room, where you receive an aromatic scrub before being pummelled with warm water by the multiple heads above you, and a room with a beautiful hydrotherapy bath. It was a pity that a couple's Vichy or bath wouldn't be possible, but this is nonetheless a wonderful facility to have. |
Overall Impression
The Guerlain spa in the Waldorf Astoria Berlin is a beautiful space with good service. The treatments we received were very good and we appreciated both the welcome foot ritual and the surprise mini facial during the massage. The facilities of the spa are nice, if not memorable; however, we couldn't recommend booking a day package due to the children's swimming times. Presuming you booked a day package, you would arrive at the spa at around 9 and leave at approximately 5, from 9-11 and 2-4, it would be difficult to relax in the pool facilities due to the presence of children. Take out the time for lunch, and you would have maybe 2x1 hour child-free gaps to use the pool, sauna and jacuzzi. After falling asleep in a relaxing massage or facial, there is little we can think of less relaxing than children trying to get their parents' attention whilst they jump in and and out of the pool. It is such a shame that the hotel didn't have a spa pool for adults only plus a children's pool on a different level - that would keep everyone happy.
If children's swim hours were reduced to 2 hours a day or shifted to co-incide with lunch, we would be tempted by the half day package The Waldorf, comprising 3 hours of treatment (combined face and body treatment, Vichy shower or hydrotherapy and manicure or pedicure) day use of the facilities and a picnic hamper for lunch - at €250 this would be a rare treat, but there is no way we would pay this amount and risk feeling frustrated by not being able to relax textilfrei in the sauna or doze by the pool. For couples, the Adlon Spa by Resense offers a much better experience - book a couple's spa suite and relax with a bottle of champagne. Our massage at the Guerlain spa was better and service felt more polished, but at least if you're in private you know you can relax.
If children's swim hours were reduced to 2 hours a day or shifted to co-incide with lunch, we would be tempted by the half day package The Waldorf, comprising 3 hours of treatment (combined face and body treatment, Vichy shower or hydrotherapy and manicure or pedicure) day use of the facilities and a picnic hamper for lunch - at €250 this would be a rare treat, but there is no way we would pay this amount and risk feeling frustrated by not being able to relax textilfrei in the sauna or doze by the pool. For couples, the Adlon Spa by Resense offers a much better experience - book a couple's spa suite and relax with a bottle of champagne. Our massage at the Guerlain spa was better and service felt more polished, but at least if you're in private you know you can relax.