Seamlessly blending the old with the new, the hotel has retained the unique design elements of the former Siemans building such as wooden paneling and ornate stucco ceilings while offering modern conveniences and green options.
It is not only about resource management in terms of how we use water, energy etc. The hotel is able to make independent decisions regarding planned social projects. This has led to the launch of numerous social initiatives that improve lives and benefit local and international communities. Berlin has approximately 6,, homeless people, with numbers tripling in the past two years.
At annual open days the team bake cakes and assist with handing them out, take time out during regular work shifts to help prepare and distribute food and drinks as well as collect clothing and shoes. Each year Rotary Clubs in and around Berlin treat over children to a two-day program where they have fun at the Berlin Zoo whilst learning about healthy diets, exercise and the enjoyment of reading.
BIF is a temporary safe haven for abused youth, which aims to provide educational and emotional assistance that will lead to a secure and stable future for each child. Other international projects planned for include Nelson Mandela Day.
Together with the South African Embassy the property is organizing a fundraising activity incorporating a charity gala dinner and an auction that is expected to raise significant funds. Monies raised contribute to building schools with sustainable materials in a country listed by the UN as one of the least developed countries in the world. Returning back home, in Germany the property supports the Doctor Refugee Project where local doctors help refugees in Berlin. While thirty-four sofas that were replaced with sofa beds were donated to Stadmission Berlin in and Stadtmission is a social service organization dedicated to assisting the homeless and people on low incomes.
