Orlando, Fla. – December 8, 2015 – Hard Rock International – with hotel locations from Bali to Orlando and Palm Springs to Ibiza – reveals plans for Hard Rock Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie, a 372-room city hotel reflective of the area’s musical past and spirited present, set to open in 2020. Developed in collaboration with Trockland Development Group, the property will be centrally located adjacent to the renowned Checkpoint Charlie, one of the city’s most significant tourist attractions in the Mitte district. Hard Rock Hotel Berlin is set to rise on a site where the Berlin Wall once stood.
“Hard Rock is pleased to announce our first hotel in Germany. The location at Checkpoint Charlie – where East met West – is symbolic of much that is right in the world and aligns well with the values and visions of our brand,” said Hamish Dodds, chief executive officer at Hard Rock International. “For 45 years Hard Rock has championed democratic values including mottos such as ‘Love All Serve All’ and ‘Take Time to Be Kind.’ We look forward to bringing both mottos to life for our new friends in Berlin through music, design and service.”
Hard Rock Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie is set to be part of a larger multi-use project currently being developed by Trockland Development Group where the two plot areas comprise nearly 1 hectare at Checkpoint Charlie. The multi-use project will include retail spaces, offices, residences and a curated exhibition space commemorating the history and symbolism of Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall.
“The Hard Rock Hotel brand’s presence in this project not only reflects the area’s young and lively character, but also the musical freedom message that is embedded in the culture of Berlin,” said Heskel Nathaniel, founder of Trockland Development Group. “We feel privileged that we have been granted the responsibility for such an important project. We are aware of the requirement to implement the entire project with the utmost sensitivity, diligence and integrity. We have a unique opportunity to share Berlin's history at this location – in a city that has been transformed from the climate of distrust in the period of division into a symbol of freedom and unity. Our task is to incorporate this spirit into the concept of the complex and its architecture. It is our goal to make this idea come alive for Berliners, visitors and future generations.”
With its unparalleled creative legacy, Berlin has influenced some of the greatest music ever recorded and inspired rock legends from David Bowie and the Ramones to U2 and Scorpions. It is the city’s rock revolution and punk scenes that served as a catalyst in helping Berlin open up to the world and solidify its place as a global center for culture and the arts. The property’s design will pay tribute to the music and events that shaped its unique location. From authentic memorabilia displays to live music events, the upcoming project will be a celebration of the city’s future and unforgettable cultural heritage.
As a new-build hotel, the project gives Hard Rock the opportunity to influence design direction. Recognized as the curators of the world’s greatest music memorabilia collection with more than 80,000 legendary items, carefully selected memorabilia will adorn the hotel. One of the most remarkable pieces will be a section of the original Berlin Wall. Currently located in Orlando, Florida, this historic piece will soon be making the 7725 kilometer journey back home to become an integral part of the hotel’s design. Local dignitaries and musicians alike will be invited to inscribe thoughts and mottos to reflect the special history and cultural significance of the location. Additionally, guests of the hotel will also be treated to the Hammond C3 organ from Britannia Row Studios, which was used by Pink Floyd to record the album The Wall.
Offering a variety of unmatched amenities, Hard Rock Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie will feature a vibrant rooftop pool and lounge; inviting both visitors and locals to enjoy sweeping views overlooking Checkpoint Charlie and Berlin’s skyline. The property will also feature exclusive brand-defining offerings, such as a contemporary Hard Rock Cafe, Body Rock workout facility, Rock Spa featuring the brand’s revolutionary Rhythm & Motion spa menu and a Rock Shop – where fans will be able to purchase the brand’s iconic merchandise. The upcoming Hard Rock Hotel will also cater to the needs of groups, event planners and meeting professionals with 970 square meters of ballroom and meeting space.
In true Hard Rock style, guests of Hard Rock Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie will also enjoy music-infused offerings exclusive to the brand, such as The Sound of Your Stay® music amenity program that allows guests to check out a Fender guitar for impromptu in-room jam sessions, in addition to other hands-on music experiences. The Hard Rock brand is celebrated around the world for producing more than 28,000 live music events annually and Hard Rock Hotel Berlin will be a major contributor to the live music experience through performances by both international and local talent.
Globally recognized as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, Hard Rock properties offer stylish and contemporary design, unparalleled service and the thread that unites them all – music. Hard Rock’s current Hotel and Casino portfolio is located in the world’s most enviable resort destinations, as well as urban gateway cities. The dynamic properties cater to the evolving and distinctive needs of today’s cosmopolitan, modern travelers, who seek a reprieve from traditional, predictable properties, whether for business or leisure travel, and who connect with the authentic and powerful Hard Rock vibe.
For more information or to book a stay at any of the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com.