The journey from Germany’s largest hotel to Europe’s largest Hotel, Congress & Entertainment Center

 

Three decades ago, a project began in Berlin-Neukölln that ushered in a new era for the capital’s hotel and event sector: the Estrel. In 1993, ground was broken on the site that, today, is home to a globally-renowned hotel and congress center – the largest of its kind in Europe. The way to this unique success story was paved by the pioneering spirit of Ekkehard Streletzki, founder and visionary behind the Estrel.

The beginning of construction in June 1993 marked the start of a remarkable legacy. Inspired by large-scale American hotel complexes, Ekkehard Streletzki and architect Heiner Hennes designed a multifunctional building that offered far more than just overnight accommodation. On 14^th October 1994, just one year later, the Estrel welcomed its first guests to the newly finished Central Wing, one of the hotel complex’s four wings. In May 1995, with all 1,125 rooms and public spaces complete, the ribbon was officially cut on Germany’s largest hotel with a ceremony in its grand atrium for 2,000 guests, including prominent figures from the business and cultural sectors.

In 1997 came the premiere of Las Vegas-inspired show ‘Stars in Concert’, held in a custom-converted warehouse building on the plot adjacent to the Estrel. This was another milestone: the launch of a rich cultural programme for both hotel guests and Berlin locals. Though ‘Stars in Concert’ was initially only set to run for a few months, the show is now in its 27^th year and, alongside ‘Starlight Express’, is the longest-running show production in the word.

The biggest breakthrough came with the construction of the Estrel Convention Center in September 1999. In the years since, the Estrel Convention Center has played host to a star-studded lineup of international events, from TV favourites like the game show Wetten, dass..? to boxing world championships, ceremonies for the Bambi Award and Echo Music Prize, and national and international congresses with thousands of participants. The Estrel’s flourishing popularity led to the construction of Convention Hall II in 2015 and the opening of the Auditorium in 2021, bringing its total multipurpose event space up to 30,000 square metres.

On the one hand, the Estrel is famed for its impressive cohort of guests – from the Dalai Lama to German presidents and chancellors, business icons like Bill Gates, and music megastars like Julio Iglesias and Helene Fischer. However, the Estrel is also known for its affinity with the visual arts. The Streletzki family’s notable collection of contemporary art hangs in the Estrel’s public spaces, including works by internationally renowned artists like Tony Cragg, Rashid Johnson, Lynn Chadwick, Thomas Houseago, and Jörg Immendorff. Works by many Berlin-based artists – Gregor Hildebrandt, Claudia Comte, Thomas Scheibitz, Joseph Tong, Jonas Burgert, and Martin Eder, among others – are also displayed around the Estrel’s public spaces.

The Estrel currently employs 550 permanent staff – including 91 trainees – from 23 different countries. Since its opening, 785 young people have launched their careers by training with the Estrel, gaining hands-on experience through the approximately 1,200 events that take place there each year. Community outreach is also at the heart of the Estrel’s mission, and it supports numerous charitable initiatives, including hosting Frank Zander’s annual Christmas dinner for the homeless.

An exciting new era is on the horizon: The Estrel Tower is currently under construction, on track for completion in late 2025. This landmark is a striking addition to the Estrel complex. As Berlin’s tallest skyscraper, the tower embodies the company’s tireless drive to innovate; what began as a visionary project has established itself an international hotspot.

30 years of the Estrel: This milestone highlights not just the anniversary of a hotel but the unparalleled accomplishments of an iconic family business. It is a project that has shaped Berlin and is destined for an extraordinary future over decades to come.