Going to Berlin for 4 nights in early December. Was last there about 10 years ago and stayed at the Westin Grande which was ok as a hotel and thought that the location was good for touring the city. Recall there was a nearby Christmas market. Thinking about staying at the Ritz Carlton instead. Any thoughts or suggestions for hotels in Berlin?

Without more specific info on your preferences and plans, I think the location of the RC (and the Marriott next door) is pretty good for a mainstream tourist visit (unless you're under 30 or so).

The immediate vincity is pretty boring. But many tourist attractions are in walking distance and it's also fairly well-connected by public transport. You'll also have convenient access to supermarkets and off-the-shelf restaurants and shops like Pret or Five Guys. (If you're more into fine dining, the RC is also relatively close to a few Michelin-starred restaurants.)

If you're into high-street shopping, the WA or the IC would be more obvious choices.

Personally, I prefer the IC. The Marriott is also quite good (never been to the RC) but can command quite a price premium. I recommend against the GH, I feel like with many German Hyatts, it could benefit from some upgrades.

RC was my favorite hotel for some time, at least on Club Level (was a huge difference). Didn't stay for a while and didn't hear much positive things over the last time. Also my "usual suite" is moe 4000 � per night, which is a little bit too much in my eyes.

Interested in the Christmas markets and museums. Too bad the Pergamon is closed. Not much into shopping although I thought the Kadewe Department store was interesting. Ritz club rooms have gotten very pricy. Usually prefer the St Regis to the Ritz although a stay at the Chicago St Regis last month was somewhat disappointing.

Berlin doesn't do Christmas markets very well. Nuremberg is the gold standard, My nich, Cologne and Frankfurt are good, as are many smaller towns in South and West Germany (for the purposes of this thread, that includes Strasbourg which has a fantastic Christmas market in the German-Alsatian tradition).

Have been to Berlin and Munich Christmas markets. Much better than London or Paris. How is Potsdam?

Paris and London aren't a benchmark - Personally I think Munich is nicer than Berlin. Potsdam is a very bice town. I was once at the Christmas Market, but can't remember very well. As far as I remember it's quite nice.