Kempinski Hotels

From a celebrated Berlin wine house in 1897 to a fiercely independent collection of grand hotels across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, Kempinski has spent more than 125 years perfecting the art of European hospitality. Here is the story behind the brand, the experiences that set it apart, and how to unlock exclusive perks on your next stay.

The History of Kempinski

Kempinski's story begins in 1897, when Berthold Kempinski, a successful wine merchant and restaurateur, established a fine-dining destination on Berlin's Kurfürstendamm that became the toast of the German capital. The name quickly grew synonymous with exceptional hospitality, refined taste, and European elegance. After the Second World War the company evolved into hotel management, anchored by the iconic Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, originally opened in 1907 as Europe's most luxurious hotel and rebuilt at its legendary address beside the Brandenburg Gate in 1997. Today Kempinski is Europe's oldest luxury hotel group, operating more than 80 five-star hotels in 34 countries. Crucially, it has never been absorbed by a larger conglomerate, an independence that lets it preserve a distinctly European character and a commitment to individualized luxury that honors each property's heritage and setting.

What Makes Kempinski Unique

Kempinski holds a singular position in luxury hospitality as the only major European-heritage brand to remain independent for over 125 years. Where chain-operated competitors enforce standardized design, Kempinski celebrates the individual character of each property, from restored imperial palaces to bold contemporary statements. Its European DNA shows in meticulous craftsmanship, warm yet formal service traditions, world-class gastronomy (many properties house Michelin-starred restaurants), and a genuine reverence for cultural heritage. The brand's "Lady in Red" greeting service, with dedicated hosts in signature red attire personally welcoming guests, has become an iconic hallmark, while its pioneering White Glove Services deliver highly personalized concierge experiences, from private-jet arrangements to exclusive cultural access and bespoke itineraries.

Your Exclusive Perks Through WhataHotel

Booking Kempinski through WhataHotel grants you access to Club 1897 benefits at no additional cost, with rates matching the best flexible rates available directly through Kempinski. You'll receive complimentary daily breakfast for two, a property credit of $50 to $100 USD (the amount varies by hotel, applicable toward dining, spa, or other eligible services), an upgrade to the next available room category on arrival, early check-in and late checkout based on availability, and a personalized welcome amenity reflecting the destination. Everything is included with our $10.95 booking fee, at the same rate you'd pay booking direct. You'll also earn GHA Discovery loyalty points and benefits, as Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance.

GHA Discovery: Loyalty That Travels With You

GHA Discovery is the loyalty program of the Global Hotel Alliance, the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands, spanning over 800 hotels across 40-plus brands in 100 countries. As a founding member, Kempinski participates fully, so booking through WhataHotel lets you earn GHA Discovery points and elite-night credits while simultaneously enjoying Club 1897 benefits, effectively stacking loyalty rewards with exclusive perks. The program offers four tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium) with benefits such as room upgrades, late checkout, welcome amenities, and local experiences, plus DISCOVERY Dollars redeemable at any GHA property worldwide, including Anantara, Corinthia, Lungarno Collection, and many more.

The Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

The Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is the group's crown jewel and one of the most legendary hotels in the world. The original Adlon opened in 1907 at the behest of Kaiser Wilhelm II, who wanted Berlin to rival the finest hotels of Paris and London. It swiftly became Europe's most celebrated address, hosting royalty, heads of state, and luminaries from Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein to Marlene Dietrich and Thomas Edison. Destroyed in the Second World War, the hotel was painstakingly rebuilt and reopened in 1997 at Unter den Linden 77, directly beside the Brandenburg Gate. Today's Adlon recreates that grandeur with 382 rooms and suites, the two-Michelin-starred Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, a world-class spa, and a famous lobby, complete with its iconic elephant fountain, that remains one of Berlin's great gathering places.

How Room Upgrades Work

Room upgrades through Club 1897 are applied on arrival based on availability at check-in, with Club 1897 guests receiving priority for the next category above their booked room type. Upgrades can't be guaranteed in advance, but Club 1897 bookings are treated preferentially over standard rates. At palace and heritage properties, such as the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul or the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, an upgrade can be especially meaningful given how distinctive each room category is. Early check-in and late checkout follow the same priority, and pairing Club 1897 with GHA Discovery elite status can open additional opportunities at participating hotels.

Booking Terms and Loyalty Details

Kempinski bookings through WhataHotel are made at the best available flexible rate and include a $10.95 booking fee. Most properties have no minimum stay, though some may require two nights during peak seasons or special events. You'll earn GHA Discovery points and elite qualifying nights, with all GHA Discovery elite benefits applying according to your tier. Cancellation and modification policies follow each hotel's standard flexible-rate terms. The property credit ($50 to $100, varying by hotel) is issued once per stay and can be applied toward dining, spa, minibar, or other eligible services. For the best room selection and to ensure every perk is applied, we recommend booking as early as possible, particularly at heritage properties with limited room categories.