(FORTUNE Magazine) - HORST SCHULZE is his own toughest customer. After spending 13 years as the president and COO of Ritz-Carlton Hotels, he went on to form the West Paces Hotel Group, which is in the midst of launching two new luxury-hotel brands called Solis and Capella. So how does a hotel insider travel? We checked in with Schulze during a recent trip to Berlin.

DAYS ON THE ROAD About 200.

FAVORITE PLACES TO STAY The Adlon in Berlin, where I'm staying now. There's an exceptional concierge staff. There's also a place not far away called Traube, in the small town of Tonbach. It has a three-star Michelin restaurant, absolutely sensational.

ROOMS TO AVOID Groups get the double-doubles, which means they get unusual wear. Try to stay away from those. Ask for a king nonsmoking.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT In Bali, the Kisik at the Ritz-Carlton. It's built into the cliffs over the storming ocean, and it's just fantastic.

ULTIMATE SPLURGE The Villa d'Este, Lake Como. Combination of great food, great service, and a beautiful setting.

LUXURY FOR A SONG In Berlin the deluxe hotels are totally overbuilt, so you get a superdeluxe room for $150 to $180. For the same room, you'll spend $800 in New York.

BEST LOCATION Plaza Athénée in Paris. It's right opposite Dior. It's on Avenue Montaigne, close to the Seine and the Champs d'Élysées.

BEST VIEW FROM A HOTEL ROOM The Park Hyatt in Sydney, looking right at the Opera. It's just wonderful.