This was our first time in Berlin which, as we discovered is a very spread-out city. With that said, if you want to be located near the city center (e.g. Brandenburg gate, museums, shopping and restaurants) this is not the hotel for you. The Schlosshotel is located in a quiet residential area of the city with very large old homes. The hotel itself was built in 1911 as a former residence, then became an embassy, followed by its conversion to a hotel. It is absolutely beautiful inside and out. The pool/spa area below the hotel is lovely. While we enjoyed our stay, all of the places we wanted to go were at least a half an hour cab ride one-way (average fare $30-$35). They offer a large breakfast spread (at a charge). The hotel bar area offers entertainment most evenings, but the pours on their drinks are minuscule and the prices high.