ARCOTEL Hotels – The Story of a Name

Founder Raimund D. Wimmer

It all started with the vision of ARCOTEL Hotels founder Raimund Wimmer to develop an Austrian hotel group in which each hotel has its own unique personality. But a great company needs a great name! And so ideas were hatched and suggestions made until, after much discussion, the name ARCOTEL Hotels was born.   

the origin logo of the ARCOTEL group

But why ARCOTEL? What is the deeper meaning behind this artificial word? The syllables are easily explained: ARCus (lat. arch) and ÔTEL (German with a French accent, the guesthouse). The name blends two concepts and expresses Raimund Wimmer’s idea of spanning an arc between the host and the guest and offering guests a home from home. This in turn led to our corporate philosophy of "passionate hosts", which the teams at ARCOTEL Hotels having been putting into practice for more than 25 years now.

But the unofficial explanation for the name is this: Raimund Wimmer wanted his guests to find him as quickly as possible. He therefore chose a name that would come pretty near the front of the telephone directory – even in those days, our founder was ahead of his time, because in a way, he was already doing "search engine optimisation" 25 years ago. 

Christmas comes but once a year - The festive Season in Berlin

When temperatures fal and the days grow shorter, Berlin is bathed in a festive glow: Christmas markets open their doors and entice visitors with the seductive fragrance of roast almonds and mulled wine. in the evening streets and trees are all lit up, windows and balconies are richly decorated - Christmas is in the air!

Berlin is home to a host of Christmas markets, which are as diverse as the city itself. One of the loveliest is the Weihnachtszauber Gendarmenmarkt (25 November to 31 December 2013), which is just an easy five minutes walk away from ARCOTEL John F Berlin. In a historic setting, this market has a strong focus on arts and crafts while jugglers, acrobats and fire artists ensure a versatile side programme of events. And once you´re here, you shouldn´t miss the opportunity to stroll down Berlin´s grandest boulevard Unter den Linden, which in the evening has a magic all of its own.

The Wintertraum am Alexa (25 November to 29 December 2013) between Jannowitzbrücke and Alexanderplatz is the biggest and probably the most exciting Christmas market in the city, because as well as the Christmas stalls you`ll also find breath-taking fairground rides. With its Las Vegas style illuminations, this colourful market is an attraction that can be seen from miles away.

Things are slightly less hectic at the Christmas Market outside the Red Town Hall (25 November to 29 December 2013). The big attraction here is the giant Ferris wheel that stands more than 50 metres high. Why not take a ride in one of its closed panorama cabins and watch the hustle and bustle of the market and the ice-rink which circles the famous Neptune Fountain from on high.

Charlottenburg Palace (25 November to 26 December 2013) is also an impressive setting for a Christmas market. The ravishing illuminations on the building and in the park, the historic rides, exquisite handicrafts themed tents and carefully chose programme of events for all the family are particular highlights.

The Christmas Market on Potsdammer Platz (25 November to 26 Decezmber 2013) has a strong
sporting character with activities ranging from tobogganing, curling or ice-skating. The culinary specialities have also been chosen with winter sports in mind - why not spend some time relaxing in an authentic mountain cabin atmosphere or dance the night away at an aprés ski party.

A host of other small Christmas markets, each with there own unique charm, make Berlin an enchanting place at Christmas time. Set in the historic ensemble of an old brewery is the Lucia Christmas Market (25 November to 22 December 2013) which offers a romantic Christmas atmosphere with lovingly decorated stalls and a programme of cultural and musical events. No matter what you choose - what could be lovelier than strolling through a Christmas market in the evening, giving in to the temptation of the culinary delights and getting in the mood for Christmas?

Fall under the spell of Berlin´s diversity in the run-up to Christmas all over again.

Shopping in the capital!

In August, we treat ourselves to some extra “shopping time”. We simply grab a few friends and then head off to Berlin, as this is where we can really find everything our hearts can possibly desire: from Armani to second-hand, from art to unique souvenirs and even exotic gourmet delicacies from all over the world!

Shopping at KaDeWe is just amazing, as it is highly unlikely that you can ask for anything here and be told that it’s unavailable. The famous “department store of the West” scores with a vast range of luxury goods. In addition to luxurious beauty-rooms and beauty-lounges, Germany’s best-known department store offers a wedding and gift service as well as a hotel and home service! From made-to-measure clothing to hairdressing, from buggy hire to currency exchange, KaDeWe comes top in every respect. Up to 180,000 customers from all over the world can be found milling around the store’s 60,000 m² area very day – where they are served by approximately 2,000 assistants. Customer-focus and an excellent service for each individual are paramount – and this has now been the case for over 100 years. KaDeWe is known internationally as the largest temple to consumerism on the European continent and is mentioned in the same breath as renowned department stores such as “Harrods” in London. http://www.kadewe.de/

When shopping in Berlin, another place that is well worth a visit is “Galeries Lafayette”. This store, covering four storeys, is a showcase for the dazzling world of fashion: apart from the leading international fashion brands, you can also find exciting new designers from Prenzlauer Berg. “Galeries Lafayette” calls itself “the secret French embassy” in Berlin. It ascribes this to the department store’s history: it ventured to Berlin in 1996 and opened its first German branch in Friedrichstraße, at the corner of Französische Straße (French Street) – only a few minutes’ walk from the ARCOTEL John F Berlin. With “Galeries Lafayette” as the anchor tenant, the glass temple designed by France’s leading architect Jean Nouvel was the first real sign of life in the Friedrichstadtpassagen.
http://www.galerieslafayette.de/

Tips for a romantic time in Berlin –

“Just the two of us”

Our motto for July is “Just the two of us”, and we’d like to pass on a couple of tips on how to discover the romantic face of Berlin.

First of all, take to the water. On a barbecue boat, for example! The round, orange-coloured boats with parasols make a wonderful surprise outing for your loved one on Lake Kremmen, Lake Müggel, or the River Spree. The boat can be transformed into a giant lilo if you want to drift away together. There are also special offers, such as “Couples’ cuddles”, with sparkling wine and strawberries. You can also float on the lake in Berlin's Tiergarten zoo. The Tiergarten’s Neue See, with its many islands, is ideal for couples seeking a secluded nook for a romantic moment or two.

If you prefer solid ground under your feet, you might feel the romantic vibes at the Brandenburg Gate, the starting point for charming horse-drawn carriage rides though Berlin. Looking for something even more romantic? Then the hour-long, night-time tour might appeal. If you’d like to toast each other with champagne on the way round, you can either buy a bottle additionally, or simply book the 90-minute champagne tour. During the drive you get to see and admire many places of interest from the comfort of your carriage.

If two horsepowers aren’t enough, Berlin also has a drive-in cinema. They were all the rage in the 1950s and 1960s, but now they are more for the nostalgically inclined, or hopeless romantics. Make the best of this experience by hiring a soft-top sports car, picking a romantic spot and preparing to enjoy a very special evening.

Of course, for once you could always forget about excursions and simply enjoy the view and the natural surroundings. What about a picnic for two? Teufelsberg, to the west of Berlin, is a very romantic spot. It’s the site of an old listening and flight monitoring station from the Cold War era, which was used by the American forces, but was mothballed in 1999. From the station there’s a wonderful view of Berlin, because the Teufelsberg is the second highest point in the city.

At the end of the day, you relax and make yourselves at home in one of our comfortable hotel rooms. Enjoy the special holiday atmosphere and bring the evening to a romantic close.

T +49 30 288 86 578-96 | F +49 30 288 86 578-87 | E reservation.johnf@arcotelhotels.com

Journey of discovery in the "Kennedy Room"

When you stay with us in the ARCOTEL John F Berlin, you almost feel as if you have crossed the Atlantic - and yet we’re in the heart of Berlin! The hotel is the ideal point of departure for a trip to America, not just because of the name, but also, and above all, because of the direct link to the former US President John F Kennedy. The living history in and around Berlin and the transatlantic German-American friendship has barely been summed up as concisely by anyone than by “JFK“, in his speech in front of the West Berlin City Hall in 1963. And nowhere is the legend of the former US head of state captured in such a cosy yet detailed manner than in our unique theme room, the “Kennedy Room”. 

Right down to the smallest detail, this room reflects the lifestyle of that era and the Oval Office in the White House. For example, the “Kennedy Room” includes an extravagant bed modelled on the First Lady’s bedroom, with light-blue material draped on the headboard. Your eye is also drawn to the special curtains in the same light-blue colour, as well as to the famous flagstaffs, just like the originals in the Oval Office. The bathroom is equipped with original American bath fittings too, and expresses its own rather unique charm. It is said that Kennedy had back problems, and therefore he loved to relax in a rocking chair. Drawing on this, architect, artist and industrial designer Harald Schreiber, who is responsible for the interior design of the hotel, dedicated the rocking chair in the theme room to John F Kennedy.

But it’s not just the “Kennedy Room“ where everything revolves around JFK: we honour the 35th US President with the design of the entire hotel! So in the lobby, for example, and in all other rooms you will find the legendary rocking chairs of the ARCOTEL John F Berlin. You will also see a US motto: “E pluribus unum” – a Latin phrase that roughly translates as “One out of many”. Equally unique are the delicate lamps on the bed headboards, in the bar and in the restaurant, which are modelled on a dress of the First Lady Jackie Kennedy and reflect her elegance. In the entrance area, guests are welcomed by an custom-made chandelier, which is a replica of the one in the White House.

Interested in all these exclusive design features? Then drop by and discover the many other unique details, and transport yourself to the White House in the ARCOTEL John F Berlin! Click here for our current offer: “I am a Berliner”.

For further information please contact:
T +49 30 288 86 578-96 | F +49 30 288 86 578-87 |
E reservation.johnf@arcotelhotels.com

In the Footsteps of John F Kennedy!

Take a journey back in time with our new special offer “Ich bin ein Berliner" and plunge into the world of the legendary JFK!

With its unique ambience, myriad design elements and exclusive gastronomic highlights, the ARCOTEL John F Berlin is the perfect setting to enjoy that presidential feeling! Follow in the footsteps of John F Kennedy and spend the night in our spacious Presidential Suite or our unique Kennedy Room, where pieces of furniture designed especially for the hotel, such as the legendary Kennedy rocking chair and extravagant lamps based on one of Jackie’s ball gowns conjure up memories of the former US president!

ARCOTEL John F Berlin

Wander through THE KENNEDYS Museum on a historic journey of discovery and plunge into the personal and political life of John F Kennedy! »THE KENNEDYS« is one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of items documenting the history of the former presidential family with valuable photographs, informative documents, multi-media content and fascinating memorabilia originally owned by the Kennedy family all waiting to be discovered!

© Museum THE KENNEDYS

Get that President Feeling – with our package “Ich bin ein Berliner“: 

•    1 night in the Kennedy Room or the Presidential Suite
•    Admission to “Museum THE KENNEDYS”
•    John F Kennedy Welcome Drink in our TOWN BAR
•    Generous breakfast buffet in the restaurant FOREIGN AFFAIRS
•    A bottle of water in your room
•    Late check-out until 15.00

Look forward to a trip to Berlin full of history and exciting discoveries!

Offer price with accommodation in the Kennedy room
Single room: EUR 144.00 | Double room: EUR 159.00

Offer price with accommodation in the Presidential Suite
Single room: EUR 239.00 | Double room: EUR 254.0

Additional Options:
•  John F. Kennedy menu at Restaurant FOREIGN AFFAIRS – EUR 33.00
•  Exclusive guided tour in THE KENNEDYS Museum – EUR 30.00
   (daily except on Mondays | on request and upon availability)
•  John F. Kennedy souvenir pack – EUR 15.00

Enquiries and bookings via:
T +49 30 288 86 578-96 | F +49 30 288 86 578-87 | 
E reservation.johnf@arcotelhotels.com

This package can be booked only upon request & subject to availability - 
until 31 December 2013.

The perfect venue for events!

The ARCOTEL John F Berlin is not only the ideal destination for visitors to Berlin – the exclusive premises of this design hotel provide the perfect venue for events too!

Our three exquisite business suites and four flexibly designed events rooms are ideal for:


Business Suite at ARCOTEL John F Berlin

   - Receptions of any kind
    - Get-togethers at the TOWN BAR
    - Family celebrations
    - Photo shoots
    - Christmas parties
    - Job interviews
    - Strategy meetings
    - Product presentations
    - Workshops & meetings
    - Press conferences

Enjoy the top-class atmosphere of the ARCOTEL John F Berlin as a unique events location for up to 100 people. Events organised smoothly and with style coupled with our comprehensive services will round your event off perfectly:

    - 190 comfortable and spacious rooms, suites and apartments
    - sophisticated and creative cuisine in the hotel's FOREIGN AFFAIRS Restaurant
    - representative hotel bar, the "TOWN BAR", with a cosy atmosphere and quality Drinks


TOWN BAR at ARCOTEL John F Berlin


    - State-of-the-art technical equipment
    - Parking in the hotel's own garage
    - free internet throughout the Hotel

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information and reservations, and we will gladly organise a personal tour of the hotel should you require.

Your contact at the ARCOTEL John F Berlin:

Viktoria Grüneberg
Conference & Event Manager
T +49 30 40 50 46-1967
F +49 30 40 50 46-100
E bankett.johnf@arcotelhotels.com

Half the distance, twice the pleasure!

 

In a nutshell, sport returns to Berlin with a bang on 7 April 2013 with the staging of the largest German half-marathon in the capital city, the “33rd Vattenfall BERLIN HALF-MARATHON". This popular sports day has evolved in recent years into a huge event, attracting 30,000 registered runners in 2013, more than ever before

Following the motto “Half the distance, twice the pleasure”, this year a 21,0975 km route awaits the runners again, starting and finishing on Karl-Marx-Allee. The route takes the runners through “Unter den Linden” and “Straße des 17. Juni“ to Charlottenburg Palace, and from there over Kurfürstendamm and Potsdamer Platz back to the finishing line.

Copyright Norbert Wilhelmi

To make the half-marathon a resounding success, we are organising one of our famous “Pasta Parties” on the evening before the run in our FOREIGN AFFAIRS restaurant. The varied buffet on offer is a sure-fire way to build up glucose stores in the muscles, thereby triggering the so-called “carboloading effect” – this helps runners prepare for the half-marathon in the best possible way. Indulge yourself in the world of penne, spaghetti et al, and enjoy delicacies such as:

- Penne rigate all'arrabbiata and rucola
- Capelletti pasta with turkey breast strips, taleggio and leek
- Lime salmon in a Limoncello sauce with carrots and fondant potatoes

Book your table in our restaurant now to avoid missing out: Reservations via T +49 30 40 50 46 1800 | E restaurant.johnf@arcotelhotels.com

To get a good night’s sleep and be ready for the starting gun, or to recharge your batteries after the event, why not stay at the ARCOTEL John F Berlin? We have everything you need to indulge your body and soul. Our wellness and fitness facilities include a steam-room, two Finnish dry saunas and a relaxation room, all at your disposal. Our comfortable rooms coupled with top-quality bars and restaurants, such as our TOWN BAR, just round the whole experience off perfectly!

Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time for room reservations:  

E reservation.johnf@arcotelhotels.com
T +49 30 288 86 578 96
F +49 30 288 86 578 87

FOREIGN AFFAIRS Restaurant

im ARCOTEL John F Berlin 

Werderscher Markt 11 | 10117 Berlin

Berlin for the whole family

Berlin is lively, creative, and above all, fun! The city offers an incomparable range of
entertainment for kids and adults alike – its fascinating cultural diversity never ceases to
amaze. Our capital is therefore the ideal destination for your next family adventure!

This is where you can discover new things together, learn tons and just let off steam - and it's not only the kids who will get a thrill. In a city this size you just don't know where to start! Entertainment or art and culture – what do you fancy? We have put together the main family highlights of Berlin, all you need to do is make your choice!

And the best of all: till 28th of February 2013 we offer an exclusive family special at the ARCOTEL John F Berlin and the ARCOTEL Velvet Berlin.

Our family highlights of the city:

For those with a sweet tooth – Ritter Sport's Chocoworld
Since 2012, Berlin has not only been the federal capital, it is also the chocolate capital of
Germany! Gendarmenmarkt Square is where you will find the world's first RITTER SPORT
flagship store: the COLOURFUL CHOCOWORLD. Literally spread over nearly 1,000 square
metres, there is nothing here that won't get the hearts of chocolate lovers racing. Take the
CHOCOPATH to learn how chocolate is made – from the growing of cocoa beans to the
ready-to-eat chocolate bar.

Zoo Aquarium
Berlin Zoo has the most significant collection of animals in the world with roughly 1,500 types
and around 16,000 animals in total, including countless fish, reptiles and amphibians! This is
because one of the main highlights of the zoo is the Zoo Aquarium – which can also be
visited separately from the zoo itself. Here for example you will find a 150,000 litre aquarium!

Legoland
On Potsdamer Platz you can dive into an interactive world of Lego bricks in the world's first
indoor Legoland: the Legoland Discovery Centre in the Sony Center. There are many things
to see and discover around the roughly 3,500 m² area, while you can also take a look behind
the scenes at Legoland. And the best thing is that Lego Miniland has built a miniature city of
Berlin from almost five million pieces of Lego.

LOXX Miniature Worlds Berlin
Allow yourself to be fascinated by a miniature world of superlatives! Right in the middle of the
city of Berlin there is a 950 m² model railway, or to be more precise: the world's largest
digitally-controlled model railway! Explore the city from a different perspective as the train
travels through Berlin as a miniature city, taking in the best-known sights of the capital.

ARCOTEL John F Berlin                                          ARCOTEL Velvet Berlin
E: reservation.johnf@arcotelhotels.com |               E: reservation.velvet@arcotelhotels.com |
T: +49 30 288 86 578 96 |                                        T: +49 30 288 86 578 96 |
F: +49 30 288 86 578 87                                          F: +49 30 288 86 578 87

Two good reasons for Berlin

Hasn´t it always been your wish to live in the city of Berlin and to experience the flair of germany´s capital as a resident? The new long-stay special of ARCOTEL Hotels let this wish come true!

Enjoy your longterm stay in either the ARCOTEL John F or the ARCOTEL Velvet and explore the metropolis with its numerous offers of leisure and entertainment facilities. Famous and well-known sights like the Museum Island, Friedrichstrasse and Hackescher Markt are located in the vicinity and could be reached easily on foot. The central location with direct connection to the public transit system makes your stay in our design hotels to a perfect home address.


A suite of the ARCOTEL John F Berlin

Beside its attractive and ideal location in the central district of Berlin, both hotels offer an unique living atmosphere while staying in one of our high qualitatively and well designed rooms. The benefit of our long-stay special is the possibility to add numerous of extra conditions. The inclusive services of the packages could be extended and adapted individually to your personal needs.



A junior suite of the ARCOTEL Velvet Berlin.

Let the ARCOTEL John F Berlin or the ARCOTEL Velvet Berlin become your second home while enjoying several advantages like:

• telephone costs: 50% discount*
• minibar: 20% discount
• WLAN internet access: free of charge
• room service every third day
• new bed linens and towels every third day
* for all calls in the German landline and German mobile phone network
 

All prices and condition could be found on our website. The long-stay special is only bookable on request and subject to availability. For more information do not hesitate to contact our reservation team:

 

ARCOTEL John F Berlin                                   ARCOTEL Velvet Berlin
E: reservation.johnf@arcotelhotels.com           E: reservation.velvet@arcotelhotels.com

T: +49 30 288 86 578 96                                   T: +49 30 288 86 578 96

F: +49 30 288 86 578 87                                   F: +49 30 288 86 578 87

The "Eierschwammerl" is back again!

 

 What the experts designate as "Cantharellus cibarius"  and our neighbours in Austria call "Eierschwammerl", here in Germany is called quite simply "Pfifferling" – after the field mushroom, everybody's favourite edible fungus. 

This year the season for fresh chanterelles has begun relatively early – hard to believe, but this can be explained by the rainy weather over the last few weeks. This is because fungi are subject to spurts of growth depending on rainfall patterns; lack of moisture on the other hand slows down or stops growth altogether.

The chanterelle stands out particularly because of its unique shape to which, by the way, they owe their name because "chanterelle" means something like "small cup". From the gourmet's point of view this species of mushroom is distinguished particularly by its rather peppery, strong smell and mildly spicy flavour. The whitish flesh in its raw state is rather sour, but after cooking is very delicate, and all in all, also very healthy: it is full of protein, potassium and vitamin D.

The chanterelle can be found on the one hand in deciduous and coniferous forests, but on the  other, also on the exclusive Seasonal Menu in our restaurant FOREIGN AFFAIRS in the Arcotel John F Berlin. Our F&B Manager, Thomas Kreft, is delighted about the novelty on the menu: "From the entrée right up to the main course, we are geared up to make the most of chanterelles." As the perfect companion to pasta, meat and fish, the mushrooms can be combined well in practically any dish, and so our guests can enjoy such delicious creations as:

"Pappardelle with creamed chanterelles, glazed spring onions,
tomatoes on the vine and fine slices of Grana Padano"

Until September, you can enjoy these and many other chanterelle dishes in our restaurant FOREIGN AFFAIRS; then the little golden mushrooms will be replaced on our Season Menu. We will be pleased to accept reservations by telephone on +49 30 40 50 46-1800 or by e-mail at

restaurant.johnf@arcotelhotels.com.