My ultimate hotel tip for Hamburg: 25 Hours HafenCity
Seafarers`stories, half-naked girls on the walls and a very hip design ... Be different! I enjoyed my stay at the 25hours Hotel Hafencity.
*Promotion*
25hours hotel hafencity - Be different!
One of the latest trends in the hotel business are places that guarantee experiences rather than just a stay. The 25 hours Hotel HafenCity responds perfectly to this trend. Located right in the heart of Hamburg`s new “HafenCity”, a cool waterfront district with stunning architecture, it reflects the Hanseatic lifestyle by providing a home for those who are looking for a different experience. You can almost smell the sea here – and read seafarer stories while listening to screaming seagulls. Ship ahoy!
Hamburg – a real gem!
Second largest city in Germany with almost 2 million people and 3rd largest harbour in Europe. A bit “snobby” and not as sexy as Berlin – maybe because Hamburg is much wealthier and does not make as much noise as the German capital. But – it is a true gem. Marvelous old architecture, streets full of white buildings and water everywhere (it is also called the “Venice of the North”). Traditional with very elegant neighbourhoods but a few houses of pleasure at the same time (after all we talk about a harbour city – and the “Reeperbahn” is one of the city`s top sites) . Europe`s largest construction site with the stunning Philharmonic Hall (“Elbphilarmonie”) and lots of creative architecture reflecting the Hanseatic ambiance. It is one of my favorite German cities for sure!
25hours Hotel Hafencity - A true Hamburg Home
You feel the difference when you enter this hotel. No formal front office staff but nice young people dressed in casual and very fisherman-style shirts. Colours all over the place. Funky items and décor – and the “Mare kiosk” as one of the eyecatchers with all kind of maritime-themed stuff. Too bad I don`t have enough time. Good reason to come back!
A Room full of Surprises
A bright yellow elevator takes me to the 3rd floor. A huge photo with three ugly guys and a scary shark awaits me before getting to my room (called “berth”, how funny) at the 25hours Hotel Hafencity. Nice harbour view with the big “MS Europe” in front – I say it again, we are in Germany`s largest harbour town! The wall is just a major piece of art. Fancy drawings and perky sayings from all over the world – cities, sailors, half-naked girls (one in every port…) and so on. Love it! A huge globe on a funky kind of commode and a cosy cushion saying “Let`s spend the night together” – just with this tiny little pillow, of course! Cool stuff all over the place – and WiFi that is working and – almost needless to say – free of charge. I slept like a little baby – ready for my meetings the next day. Upon my return I find a nice little gift in my room … a transparent toilet bag with cool socks, a selection of funny door hangers (“door out of order” , “Early bird? Me?” , “Please place aspirin in front of the door and leave” and other cool slogans to ensure privacy). And look … a little BILLY BOY in a nice little wrap saying “25 seconds of fame” – how cute! However – I am on a serious business trip so no need for a condom, guys. Anyone who could use it? Send me note and I will mail it, promised!
Breakfast is ready!
The bar/restaurant called HEIMAT (home) is located just next to the lobby. Interesting décor (maritime style, what else) and a breakfast buffet which hardly leaves any desire open. Service could be a bit faster but a fantastic double espresso makes up for this. The lunch menu is fine – good choice, many local items and enough stuff for those who are not into fish or meat. Thumbs up!
What else?
Funky little meeting rooms on the “Club Floor” for those who want to organize out-of-the-box get-togethers. Sofas, a tea lounge and table football. In the Vinyl Room anyone can act as DJ and spin records. How about having the next meeting here? Fun is guaranteed (and the creative juices will flow for sure). - A great sauna on top of the building with a stunning harbour view. Hmmm, I am missing a gym but I am afraid I would not have had time at all for a workout.
Where to go
Most sites are within walking distance. The iconic new Philarmonic Hall (not yet open) which cost just a few bucks more than planned (but hey, after all we are in a pretty rich city), the stunning mix of architecture in the harbour area and, of course, the elegant downtwon district with its beautiful buildings and the so-called Binnenalster, a lake with a giant fountain – beautiful! The Hafencity though is pretty empty at night, somehow disappointing. Highly recommendable for dinner (in a rather crowed place so make sure to reserve your table): the “Coast” restaurant, a lovely 10 minute walk from the hotel. Very interesting design with great views and a terrace for those few summer days. Sushi and all that other tasty Asian stuff but also many meat and vegetarian plates (I had the mezze as a starter, fantastic). A bit expensive but there is no obligation to buy that bottle of champagne for 3,550 EUR from the drink menu (no kidding). Bon appétit!
Key Facts
Would I go back to the 25hours Hotel Hafencity? A clear YES – and maybe with a little bit more time. Until then – ship ahoy!
170 „bunks“ • Mini-bar • Safe • iHome Sound Dock • iMac workstations • Free Wi-Fi throughout the building • Mare kiosk • Free MINI rental • Free bicycle rental • Jogging corner • HEIMAT kitchen+bar • 4 function rooms • Port sauna with view port • Vinyl room • Gibson music room • Car park
Great location, only 1 km away from the Central Station.
Rates as of 105 EUR per night (double or single room, breakfast not included)
http://www.25hours-hotels.com/en/hafencity
