The Hotel Adlon is a complete success in its goals. It is very successful for attracting top clients. However, the hotel is for VIP's. The area surrounding it is also for VIP's. It is beautiful and historic, but no more than a stop on a tourist bus. The Dresdner Bank also succeeds in its goals. It is a completely modern facility placed on the square to attract top clients and gain world exposure. The security in both of these structures is very high. The Hotel opens its lobby and restaurant to the public (dress appropriately). The Bank won't let you past the front doors without an appointment. Unless you are journalists or doing research (like us!), or an important figure (or guest of one), don't expect to gain access to these buildings. When the rest of Pariser Platz is completed, a tourist will be able to visit the Brandenburg Gate and look around, but will have to venture somewhere else in the city (maybe Potsdamer Platz) to do any shopping or eating. There is much history and beauty on the square, but it is to attract the wealthy of the world, not the tourists. The everyday person won't be contributing money to the surrounding elite establishments. They are always welcome to visit, but won't be able to stay long and sit down to relax.

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A personal perspective...