Hamburg is a major northern port city in Germany connected to the North Sea by the Elbe River. There are dozens of canals and acres of parkland. Inner Alster lake is popular for its cafes and boaters in the summer. It’s a perfect spot for a long weekend, good dining, museums, and architecture.
1. Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
2. The Fontenay Hamburg
3. Hotel Atlantic
4. Side Hotel
5. Grand Elysée Hamburg
6. Radisson Blu Hamburg
1. Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
The Telegraph says, “This historic and romantic hotel offers a prestigious central location, 156 refined guest rooms and suites, a slew of sophisticated public and dining areas, plus an expansive spa and fitness area. Service is crisp and professional. Originally opened in 1897, the hotel is housed in a 19th-century mansion whose dramatic – and historically listed – lobby, with its colourful skylight and plush furnishings, welcomes with an aura of wealth and privilege. Grand marble columns, antique furnishings and a stately blend of oil paintings are balanced with contemporary color schemes, amenities and furnishings throughout the rest of the property.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “The Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is more than simply the best hotel in central Hamburg. Its location is spectacular, directly on the Inner Alster lake. No wish is denied to guests, and your exact preferences are remembered every time you return. The staff treat guests in a respectful and never fawning way. The effect is that you’ll feel like you are among family.”
Presidential Suite
The 2,150 sq. ft. Presidential Suite is situated on the fourth floor and features panoramic lake views.
For more suites at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
2. The Fontenay Hamburg
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Tucked into Hamburg’s lush urban greenery, The Fontenay Hamburg is a hideaway like no other in the city. Thanks to its uniquely amorphous shape, the luxurious retreat boasts gorgeous views of nearby Lake Alster and the surrounding cityscape from every angle, meaning that there’s no bad place to hole up. The striking hotel is a modern masterpiece, adding a distinctive flair to Hamburg’s historic skyline. Within its curved walls, The Fontenay offers all the contemporary comforts of an urban resort: light-filled accommodations, an indoor-outdoor infinity pool, a soothing spa and a handful of chic eateries overlooking the lake. But the real highlight here is The Fontenay’s secluded location. Its address in the tony Rothenbaum neighborhood surrounded by trees and the shores of Lake Alster gives the luxury hotel an air of exclusivity without keeping you too far from the city’s top sights.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “There are 113 rooms and 17 suites with walk-in wardrobes, parquet flooring and private balconies overlooking manicured lawns or the lake. Soundproof, with a distinct sense of privacy, rooms are flooded with natural light and decorated in cream and grey, giving them an unfussy and clean aesthetic. Dotted around are individual pieces designed by Georg Jensen and artwork by the Peruvian painter Antonio Máro. Guests will find both thick fluffy slippers along with flip flops for the spa, and a blanket for watching TV.”
Fontenay Suite
The 2,250 sq. ft. Fontenay Suite on the fifth floor is the largest suite in the hotel and offers a spectacular views over the lake and the city. Equipped with two separate bedrooms with extra-long beds and spacious dressing rooms, a large living room, study, dining room with a table for up to 10 people as well as a fully equipped kitchen and a guest toilet.
For more suites at The Fontenay Hamburg.
3. Hotel Atlantic
The Telegraph writes, “This stately five-star is one of Hamburg’s finest grand hotels. As well as a stellar location overlooking the Alster Lake and a luxurious aesthetic throughout its 221 rooms and extensive public spaces, it offers a small cinema, high-end restaurant and exemplary service. Drawing on its original 1909 incarnation – it was built for first-class passengers about to cross the Atlantic by boat – the Atlantic still exudes high-class prestige. The elegant main foyer sets the tone with its grand marble columns, oil paintings, and a tiled portrait of Emperor William II at the rear of the lobby bar. Even the corridors breathe opulence and history, offering glass display cases with nautical exhibition items, while the rooms and public areas – from the Atlantic restaurant to the column-lined courtyard with its gurgling fountain – ooze refinement at every turn.”
Presidential Suite
This 2,100 sq. ft. suite has hosted personalities such as Dr. Henry A. Kissinger, HE Vladimir Semyonov and Neil Armstrong.
For more suites at Hotel Atlantic.
4. Side Hotel
The Telegraph reports, “Side is conveniently located near the charming inner Alster lake. The conspicuous 11-floor structure hosts 178 stylish rooms kitted out by Milan designer-architect Matteo Thun and amenities that include a spacious spa and top-floor sky lounge. The boxy stone-and-glass facade of the hotel is the work of Jan Stoermer, while the elegant and appealing colour schemes inside are by Matteo Thun. The atrium – which features a computerized light installation by theatre virtuoso Robert Wilson – gives a light, spacious feel to the hotel, which is echoed in the beautifully decorated, minimalist rooms.”
Suite XXL
Located on the 11th floor the 1,050 sq. ft. Suite XXL features a French balcony, kitchenette, and large living area with dining table for six.
For more suites at Side Hotel.
5. Grand Elysée Hamburg
Fodor’s says, “The grand here refers to its size, from the nearly 11,000-square-foot spa area and five restaurants to the 511 guest rooms and extra-wide beds. The centerpiece of the hotel is the Boulevard, which was modeled after the Champs Elysées and is lined with restaurants and a bar. The Grand Foyer features a lush, tropical installation with a waterfall and an accompanying bar, a large, quiet sitting area, and abstract art. Outside the Bourbon Street Bar, a piano player fills the air with music throughout the afternoon and evening.”
Grand Suite
The Grand Suite on the sixth floor offers a panoramic view of the Moorweiden Park. The living room features a spacious working area and a large dining and sofa area. There is a walk-in wardrobe and a patio. The suite can be extended by a further 720 sq. ft. by adding a penthouse suite.
For more suites at Grand Elysée Hamburg.
6. Radisson Blu Hamburg
The Telegraph says, “Though it may resemble a towering brutalist monolith from the outside, Hamburg’s Radisson Blu has a pleasantly contemporary interior and impressively comprehensive amenities. Rooms are just the right side of stylish and there’s a restaurant, bar and spa. Built in 1973, the 27-floor concrete building is certainly of its time. Its interior was for a while too, but a €50 million makeover in 2009 transformed the spacious public areas – mostly on the ground floor – into realms of contemporary chic. The rooms and suites were refurbished throughout 2019 to bring the whole place right up to date. At 330ft high it also has some of the best views in town from the rooftop terrace.”
Presidential Suite
The 1,050 sq. ft. Presidential Suite offers city views with separate dining and living areas.
For more suites at Radisson Blu Hamburg.