The sun was beaming down onto my balcony. I was soaking up the rays while sipping on a coffee, truly mesmerised by the scenery that surrounded me. It could only be described as perfection. The busyness of the streets below, packed full with summer tourists, seemed a world away as I looked down from my fifth-floor terrace basking in the calming break from the madness. Just an hour before, I had checked-in to the iconic Radisson Collection hotel in the heart of the Mitte district in Berlin. A real gem in the city, the luxury five-star venue reopened earlier this year following a major refurbishment - and not an expense was spared. The reason for the overhaul had been less than ideal. The hotel had long attracted visitors and headlines for its central focal point - a revolutionary million-litre towering tank which stretched across the six floors and contained 1,500 different types of tropical fish. It had essentially become a worldly tourist attraction. Stay connected with our City Life newsletter here But it was during a cold December morning in 2022 that the Aquadom, which was the largest free-standing cylindrical aquarium in the world, exploded. Glass was sent shattering, people were injured, and the hotel flooded out onto the streets in scenes of utter chaos. The city centre hotel was closed for two years for the major refurbishment. It finally reopened it's doors earlier this year, and I was lucky enough to spend two exceptional nights at the serene escape, which is right in the middle of all the Berlin hustle and bustle. Join our Manc Life WhatsApp group HERE Getting off the train from the airport, which costs just four euros, the venue was incredibly easy to find on foot. Situated beside the Spree river, the luxury hotel is a stones throw from iconic landmarks like the Berliner Dom (which I had breath-taking views of from my balcony), Humboldt Forum, and the TV tower. The entrance lobby is exceptionally tasteful and grand. Bronze and gold décor is mixed with a modern twist, with curated art details to showcase Berlin's undeniable position as a global art hub. Probably the most spectacular feature is the Living Tree. Constructed in replacement of the former fish tank that stretched the entire height of the hotel, the 24-metre high structure which branches off the central bar area steals the show, and is adorned with almost 2,000 real plants (which are cleaned individually!) and is the focal point of the entire venue. I was shown to my room, on the fifth floor, which was one of the Collection Premium Rooms with a balcony and Cathedral view. It was spacious and tasteful, with the stylish décor in-keeping with the rest of the hotel's warm wood tones and grey and red hues. I had a spacious balcony, which was fully furnished, and offered utterly stunning views of the Berliner Dom, Humboldt Forum, and Spree river. Throughout my stay I spent many a moment soaking up the sights, enjoying a drink and watching those sailing on the many tourist boats below. There are a wide selection of rooms available, also including family suites, junior suites, Collection premium rooms, and those equally with an Atrium view. All rooms feature high-speed Wi‑Fi, in‑room espresso machines, smart TVs with screen casting, and thoughtful extras like slippers and a bathrobe. I shortly after had a tour of the hotel, which boasts a stunning and insanely popular island-inspired Greek restaurant with alfresco terraced dining, the central Atrium bar, and fitness and wellness centre, situated underground. Guests can equally enjoy some much-needed relaxation time in the tranquil 24-hour spa, with an indoor pool, Finnish sauna, relaxation areas with beds and fitness centre. After a tiring day of exploring, I was able to spend an hour resetting and unwinding, enjoying a swim and decompress in the 90C sauna. Food and drink It's Berlin- and so with a thriving food and drink scene, guests can enjoy both traditional German fare and international influences across the city. For the first evening, I indulged in a Greek-inspired four-course tasting menu at the hotel's San Ena restaurant. Sitting on the outdoor terrace, again while gazing up at the towering cathedral and listening to the tour barges slowly drift along the river, our table shared a selection of breads with tzatziki, fava and eggplant dips, followed by a Mykonian salad and Kadayif Halloumi - which was cooked to perfection. This was followed by perfectly cooked roasted sea bass, chicken thigh souvlaki and beetroot risotto. The flavours were fresh, light and crisp, curating the most ideal spread for summer dining. Service was equally as impeccable, with a selection of matching wines and an unusual yet enticing cocktail menu. I indulged in a large glass of Italian Primitivo, followed by a refreshing and spiced wasabi cocktail named Medusa Smash, with hints of lemon, elderflower and basil. It was served in a short glass beside a potato crisp topped with wasabi caviar. The breakfast at the Radisson Collection is nothing short of exceptional. With a sizeable a la carte menu, there is also a traditional buffet, with possibly the most choice I've ever encountered. I was seated in the San Ena restaurant again and greeted with a welcome 'morning shot', combining vitamins and freshly pulsed fruits. Beside the open kitchen, there is an array of fruit juices, from orange to grapefruit and tomato, followed by three podiums of hot and continental options. A plentiful array of cheeses, smoked salmon, meats, breads, cakes and pastries awaited, followed by the usual bacon, eggs and beans for a hot breakfast. Fruits were in abundance, including melon, kiwi and pineapple, beside fresh yoghurts, cereals and seeds. There is also a made to order menu, offering the staples like eggs benedict, Florentine and royale, as well as banana french toast, apple pie porridge, a tropical chia bowl and granola bowls. And, of course, what would breakfast be in a luxury hotel without the chance to skip the coffee queue and indulge in a crisp and sparkling glass of champagne for that morning pick me up? During my three-day stay, I also dined at other local eateries. During a tour of the Mitte district, which is filled with a multiverse of restored courtyards, I waited in line for the popular Sofi bakery. Imagine a Northern Quarter-esc neighbourhood haunt, popular with locals and tourists alike, offering fresh breads, cakes, coffees and pastries. I opted for the Morning Bun; croissant dough infused with aromatic cardamom and zesty orange. Avoiding overcrowded tourist favourites, I also enjoyed a brunch at Café Schröder. Adored by locals and nestled down a quiet side street, the small charming café is extremely understated. I plumped for the spiced scrambled eggs on sourdough with smoked salmon. And for the final evening, I dined at the Aerde restaurant, located in Berlin Kreuzberg a short distance away from the hotel. It is a small, 20-seat neighbourhood venue focused on the flavours of the 'local German forests and fields'. With delectable wines to match each of the five small courses, the menu was unparalleled in its freshness and curated perfectly for a refreshing summer's evening. I enjoyed kohlrabi with elderberry, tomato and gooseberry with a koji glaze, oyster mushrooms, lamb saddle, rib and romaine and a cherry, mascarpone and thyme dessert to finish. It's a short drive from the Mitte neighbourhood but an expertly crafted dining experience like no other. Things to do There truly is something for everyone in Berlin. From queer nightlife, to museums, art galleries and exhibitions, to guided tours and boat trips. Even a short stroll around one of the many parks or unique side streets is like a trip through history, with towering architecture and a blend of historical styles and modern designs. Directly outside the doors to the Radisson Collection is the Spree river, with regular tour boat trips stopping on the hour. I was lucky enough to enjoy a private boat ride, which can be hired by small groups or families, during the sunset. Sailing through the various neighbourhoods and past the iconic Treptower park, it is an ideal way to see parts of the city you may otherwise not have discovered. Aside from indulging in food and drink, I also visited the renowned Frau Tonis perfumery, based only in Berlin, for a specially curated workshop, learnt about culture and the local arts during an exhibition at the Boros Collection museum, situated inside a eerie world war two bunker, and enjoyed endless hours strolling around the Mitte neighbourhood and its offerings. For visitors, the hotel is nearby to a plethora of iconic sights, tourist attractions, galleries, museums, restaurants and eateries. Within a short walk is the Berlin Cathedral, Brandenburg Gate, Pergamonmuseum and TV tower. Monbijou Park, Berlin Innenstadt Park and James-Simon Park are ideal for stroll while exploring outdoors. The Konig Galerie, Gropius Bau and Berlinische Galerie are also popular must-visit destinations. Equally, an aimless walk around the many neighbourhoods and side streets is guaranteed to make you stumble across something new. I had spent three days in the German capital soaking up the culture and indulging in the exciting food and drink offerings. Heading home, my perfect three-day escape wasn't at all tarnished by the stressful return. I was stopped and searched, including my bags, for 'traces of explosives'. All was fine in the end, but that's a story for another time...