SO/Berlin Das Stue offers some magical touches for families seeking a warm welcome and restful stay in what is often a hectic, busy city. Set next to the Berlin Zoo and Landwehr Canal in the heart of the Embassy district, the grand building enjoys views across the peaceful Tiergarten Park and the skylines beyond.

The solid stone walls, incredibly high ceilings and huge windows are a reminder of the hotel’s past as the city’s Royal Danish embassy, built in the 1930s. This distinguished structure now hosts a wealth of luxurious, modern features – including some very special touches inspired by the animals found next door.

Rooms and suites are comfortably furnished in soft textures and rich colours, and most suites feature balconies or terraces. And it’s not just the suites that boast the best views – even the standard rooms overlook either Tiergarten Park or the zoo’s enclosures through the giant windows.

Dining at So Berlin can be an extraordinary experience. Cinco by Paco Pérez allows diners to watch the star chef in action through a glass wall that separates the buzzing kitchen from the dining area. The menu is avant-garde gourmet fare with gluten-free options. Elsewhere, The Casual Restaurant serves relaxed tapas and the sumptuous Stue Bar channels 1930s glamour via modern interpretations of classic cocktails and live jazz.

The most exciting experience for younger guests is tucked away in the terrace that adjoins The Casual Restaurant. Guests who have bought entry tickets directly from reception can use them to gain entrance to the zoo via a seemingly secret, guests-only gate.

Once they’ve enjoyed meeting the real-life elephants, bears, penguins and pandas, children will delight in spotting the animal-themed touches scattered throughout the hotel – be it in ornaments, artwork or furniture.

The pool and Finnish glass sauna are complemented by a fitness area stocked with Technogym equipment. The Susanne Kaufmann™ Boutique Spa offers a range of anti-aging treatments that make use of Chinese holistic medicine and preservative-free, natural ingredients.