SINCE its opening in 2004, the 303-room Ritz-Carlton, Berlin has been an impressive new landmark in Germany’s capital city and an important addition to Europe’s most contemporary urban plaza, the Potsdamer Platz. The hotel, which is popular among families, has unveiled a host of exciting new amenities and activities designed to keep children entertained in style as the countdown begins to the first ´International Ritz-Carlton Kids Festival’ on September 4, 2011. From complimentary use of luxury buggy strollers to providing youngsters with a child-friendly check-in and a host of entertaining activities, the hotel offers everything possible to ensure a stress-free break for parents. The hotel’s young guests become VIKs – or Very Important Kids – from the minute they check in. Youngsters have their own check-in area at reception where three little mahogany steps allow them to reach a height where they can fill in their own special forms. Afterwards they are offered a special surprise alcohol-free cocktail at the hotel’s lavish bar The Curtain Club and, once settled in, they are invited to take part in a treasure hunt. For youngsters who prefer to get around on their own, the hotel provides a fleet of convertible mini-Mercedes pedal cars which are ideal for racing around the lobby or Potsdamer Platz outside. And that’s not all. After a hard day’s sight-seeing the ideal place to relax is in the hotel’s renowned Tea Lounge. While parents enjoy a selection of goodies, children are served mini profiteroles, fruit kebabs and child-sized chocolate cakes. There is even a specially designated area for children featuring mini furniture, child-friendly china and a game. On September 4, the first floor including the whole ballroom section will be transformed into a children’s wonderland for the first Ritz-Carlton Kids Festival. Featuring a giant bouncy castle, electric car races, jugglers, clowns, magicians, fashion shows, theatre games and a treasure hunt as well as cake and ice-cream, the event promises to be the city’s child-friendly highlight of the year. The festival is open to all families.