Review of Bleibtreu Berlin, by Caroline Major

As with many of Berlin's fashionable places, the Bleibtreu could easily be missed when passing from the street. At first glance, it's difficult to spot beyond the busy rows of tables fronting the New York-style deli on one side and the Italian style coffee bar on the other. Through the centre and past the flower shop, though, a path marches past the restaurants, through a glass pebble garden and into the small reception area that guards the staircase up to the rooms.

This constant hustle downstairs could well be homage to the Bliebtreu's pedigree. She was the first concept hotel in Berlin, and introduced organic produce and wellness years before it became fashionable. The treatment area in the basement, while small, is big on features; steam room, reflexology, acupuncture, yoga and meditation are all available supplements to the sports studio. Buzzwords in the kitchens include whole food, vegetarian and low fat.

Put together to stimulate the senses, each floor follows a separate colour and smell theme. Boughs of wood in the corridors are spritzed with oils to infuse the floor with scents of cedar and sandalwood. Apricot, yellow, blues, white and ivory aim to provide a peaceful environment.

Sliding doors on the bathrooms and busy tiling are the only real features that date the Bleibtreu. It has weathered the changing design landscape well. Otherwise, the crisp white linens, fresh apple, newspapers and Internet connection will furnish a very comfortable stay in what is a well-located West Berlin design hotel.