Mr & Mrs Smith

Just returned from a long weekend visiting Berlin's Christmas Markets. We stayed at Schlosshotel im Grünewald, the winner of our 'Best Christmas Tree Ever' award; the magical fir in the grand hall is worth the trip alone. Pre-dinner drinks by the tree will make even the most bah humbug of you feel festive. My tip for the top - don't bother with the hotel's limousine service or hang around in the rain waiting for taxis. Instead, hire a car at Schonefeld airport and request a TomTom. Our rented baby blue Fiat 500 was great fun to drive around the streets of Berlin, especially in 'Sport' mode, and when the rain poured down, as it did constantly, it provided welcome warmth and shelter and allowed us to criss-cross the city and have a glühwein in every market without getting drenched. Parking is a cinch in such a tiny run around and most side streets are free. However, our Fiat did look a little incongruous next to the battalion of Porsches and Mercedes parked on the hotel's driveway.