09 May, 2019
Treading a line between suave and eccentric, the design-forward Sir Savigny is an urban sanctuary for creative types on a city break as well as a launchpad to West Berlin's most lively neighbourhoods.
It may be housed in a grand private residence dating from 1893, but this design-led West Berlin hotel is firmly aimed the 21st-century beau monde, the dressed-down "modern aristocrat".
Based on a fictional bon vivant of the same name, Sir Savigny treads a delicate line between suave and mad eccentricity. A quick stride from upmarket Charlottenburg's main drag, its quirky living spaces and esoterically designed rooms offer an urban sanctuary for creative types from Berlin and beyond.
Sir Savigny's 44 rooms have been blessed with the fashion-forward touch of Amsterdam-based designer Saar Zafrir.
Step inside a world of plush emerald velvets, soft leathers, gold metalwork and art-deco chandeliers.
Muted grey walls are adorned with custom artwork by Berlin artist Katharina Musick while original wooden floors are tempered by vintage Persian rugs.
All rooms are outfitted with Marshall speakers, a well-stocked bar and a goodie box filled with Sir Savigny's favourite treats.
Room rates don't typically include breakfast, but we highly recommend Sir Savigny's decadent morning spread.
The living room is filled with a buffet of fresh fruit, cereals, breads, cheese and cold cuts while hotel's restaurant offers an à la carte menu to boot. Options include acai smoothies, Belgian waffles, Spanish omelette and spicy shakshuka. Room service is available.
Sir Savigny's restaurant, The Butcher, serves some of the city's best aberdeen angus burgers.
Against a backdrop of brushed steel, white metro tiles and butchery illustrations, the so-called "haute fast food" sustains both Berlin's cool crowd and hungry hotel guests.
Watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen as you devour the baba ghanoush-topped patty - a house favourite - or the restaurant's classic "butcher with cheese" which comes slathered in a near-addictive mystery sauce.
Come the weekend, the atmosphere buzzes over blaring house music. If you're after a quiet one, make use of the in-room "call the butcher" bell for fresh burgers delivered straight to your door.
Nestled within The Butcher, Sir Savigny's bar keeps guests watered until 1am. Try the Greensville cocktail, a refreshing concoction of gin, cucumber, lime, basil and celery bitters.
Feel free to take your drink into the hotel's oasis-like private garden or its living room lined with books and curios. Here, sink into a leather chair and, in the depths of a Berlin winter, defrost before the roaring fire.
There's no pool, gym or spa at Sir Savigny, but you won't miss them on a short city break for which the hotel is pretty perfect. Plug adaptors are available as is a laundry service, luggage storage and late check-out. WiFi is free; after all, modern aristocrats are nothing if not connected.
For the most noble of experiences, choose Sir Suite number 306, which benefits from a freestanding bath and a terrace overlooking the garden.
Regardless of which room you opt for, however, likelihood is that you'll sleep on cloud nine. Good news, then, that the Sir Bedding Collection is available to buy.
If you're stuck on how to spend your time in Berlin, check out the hotel's Instagram which has curated some stellar recommendations.
A stone's throw from the picturesque Savignyplatz in the Westend, Sir Savigny puts its guests at the heart of one of Berlin's most lively neighbourhoods, with easy access to some of the city's best attractions.
Just three minutes' walk from the hotel, the dimly lit Schwarzes Café was once frequented by David Bowie and Iggy Pop. Bookworms can get lost in the square's Bücherbogen. Within a short walk from Sir Savigny, discover Tiergarten, Berlin Zoo or the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the hollow skeleton of which survived bombing in WWII.
Splash out at the high-end shops along the Ku'damm (food lovers shouldn't miss floor six of KaDeWe) or soak up some culture in the area's many galleries - C/O is a must for cutting-edge photography.
The dining and nightlife scenes are thriving in Charlottenburg; wander west from the hotel and grab some pho in the Vietnamese district - Madame Ngo is a favourite.