The local and global partners of the Embassy’s suppliers were partners in the reception with their high-ranking representatives. The event also marked the handover of the hotel’s management. Christian Schwenke, the hotel’s new General Manager, who has returned to Berlin after a long career abroad, promised that Waldorf Astoria Berlin will continue to be a good host. “It is the attention to detail that makes the difference. And that is what the Waldorf Astoria stands for, an image that owes much to outgoing general manager Gregor Andréewitch”, Christian Schwenke said.

In his speech, Andréewitch recalled the rich history of the Waldorf Astoria Brand, which began in New York in 1931 with founder Conrad Hilton, “who had the vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality and build and maintain relationships with all the important organizations”. This led to the idea of the Presidential Suite, where heads of state and politicians could communicate undisturbed. Over the past few years, Jan Martensen has maintained good relations with the embassies in Berlin. Martensen, who moderated the evening with humor and charm, also conducted the raffle of prizes donated by Waldorf’s sponsors and partners. Jamaika was the lucky winner of an advertising feature in one of the next issues of Diplomatisches Magazin. Waldorf Astoria Berlin generously donated overnight stays at its hotels in London, Barcelona and at the Cavalieri in Rome, one of the most beautiful and luxurious Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts in the world, set on a hill in the middle of a Mediterranean park with an incomparable panoramic view of the Eternal City and St. Peter’s Basilica.