Wednesday newsletters always features a hotel or flight review.

Today: Review of SO/ Berlin Das Stue, Germany

• Hotel website: SO/ Berlin Das Stue, Germany
• Location: Google maps
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

Located in the former Danish embassy building, tucked at the edge of leafy Tiergarten and neighboring the Berlin Zoo, SO/ Berlin Das Stue is the city’s first luxury boutique hotel. The name refers to the Danish world “Stue”, which means “livingroom”. The 78 rooms & suites welcome guests with an invigorating yet harmonious ambiance. The Spanish design icon Patricia Urquiola created the interior that blends funky art with traditional and contemporary design, while animal motifs give a tip of the hat to the Berlin Zoo, next door. Susanne Kaufmann’s eponymous spa is an organic oasis. At The Casual Restaurant, every meal carries the artful signature of head chef Rico Kägebein, who combines regional products of high quality with spices from the entire Mediterranean, blended to simple but expressive modern dishes.

SO/ Berlin Das Stue features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Berlin.

Have you ever stayed at SO/ Berlin Das Stue? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• SO/ Berlin Das Stue is centrally located in the embassy district, between East and West Berlin. Berlin’s largest park, Tiergarten, is just across the street which means that guests have immediate access to a vast green oasis. Right next to the hotel is the historic Berlin Zoo, the largest zoo of Europe which hosts one of the widest varieties of species in the world. Although the hotels enjoys a quiet location in a residential area, several of Berlin’s top attractions are within walking distance. For example, guests can easily stroll through to the Brandenburg Gate or the Ku’damm shopping area and visit the numerous parks and museums of the city. Berlin airport (BER) is 40 minutes by car and the Central Station can be reached in 10 minutes.

• SO/ Berlin Das Stue is housed in the heritage-protected building of the former Royal Danish Embassy, which was built in the late 1930s by KaDeWe architect Johann Emil Schaudt. The building, designed in the style of Danish Classicism, is distinguished by its representative appearance. Clad with shell limestone panels, the round street-front facade recalls the commercial building architecture of the 1920s and 1930s. The design of the entrance area of the building is unusual. Schaudt formed a large entrance hall covered with travertine and granite, which is flanked by lateral staircases. At the end of the second World War, the embassy building was badly affected, along with many other buildings in the diplomatic quarter. A comprehensive overhaul took place in 1947.

• In 1978 Denmark sold the building to the housing company Neue Heimat and moved into a smaller domicile. Neue Heimat planned new residential buildings on the site; however, the building remained unused and was abandoned. At the end of 1983 the state of Berlin took over the building and finally in 1986 the German Federal Post Office established a training center for managers in the building. From 2005 till 2009, the building was abandoned and only used occasionally for events. Under the impulse of three families from Spain, Andorra and Panama, the building was renovated and opened in 2012 as the luxury hotel ‘Das Stue’. In 2018, the hotel was relaunched as SO/ Das Stue and is managed by Accor since then under the SO/ brand.

• The SO/ Berlin Das Stue Hotel features a lovely design created by famed Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola. The star designer conceived the design of public spaces and works with natural wood materials, muted colors, and copper. She used selected furniture from Molteni, B&B Italia & Floss Lights, among others. The entrance hallway, which features a showpiece crocodile sculpture, an impressive light installation, and a majestic lateral staircase, leads through to the reception area, lounge and bar, and restaurant. In the historical part of the hotel, each floor has a special atmosphere, with the decorations conveying the long history of the building. Elegant original parquet floors, French doors, restored wooden inlays and the enormous brightness create a contrast to the immediately captivating, comfortable seating by Patricia Urquiola.

• The SO/ Berlin Das Stue Hotel has 78 guest rooms and suites in seven categories. The Spanish architects LVG Arquitectura finalised the room and suite design. Each of the rooms has a discreet, modern furnishing made of exclusive materials. The furnishings vary from room to room, some have Hay bedside tables or unique furnishings such as an inviting chaise longue. The rooms have a view of the Berlin Zoo or the close Tiergarten – 13 rooms have a terrace or a balcony. Each room has dark oak parquet flooring and a rain shower, some have an extra-large bathtub. The amenities in the bathroom are by GEZA SCHÖN. The photographs on the rooms’ walls are from the private collection of the hotel owner (the artist is André Rival).

• At the heart of the hotel is The Casual, a restaurant offering a laid-back ambiance for socializing over breakfast, lunch or dinner. The culinary philosophy for the all-day dining restaurant combines regional products of high quality with spices from the entire Mediterranean, blended to simple but delicious modern dishes. Next to the restaurant is a funky bar which has a unique view into the enclosures of the Berlin zoo, creating a unique atmosphere especially at night. The interior of the bar is made up of the creations of various designers, including pieces such as the “Bohemian armchair” designed by Patricia Urquiola for the Italian design company Moroso and the bizarre leather animals of the Omersa Company, which are handmade in Great Britain.

• The SO/ Berlin Das Stue Hotel has an intimate spa facility, which houses an exclusive wellness area with three massage rooms, a Finnish sauna, and a 14 m (46 ft) indoor pool. The various care products in the spa come from Susanne Kaufmann. The product line Organic Treats is a purely natural active ingredient cosmetic manufactured according to the strictest ecological principles. Susanne Kaufmann also runs her own spa in Bezau in Vorarlberg, Austria, where guests can experience the organic treatments. The hotel also features a training area with cutting-edge gym equipment from Technogym, which is free of charge for hotel guests to use. Carefully selected personal trainers also offer a wide range of workouts, whether in the gym, pool, or amidst the beautiful surroundings of Berlin’s Tiergarten Park.

• The SO/ Berlin Das Stue Hotel has several art works on display, which range from historical to completely bizarre. The first object that guests encounter is an oversized crocodile sculpture by the Parisian artist Quentin Garel. Numerous breathtaking black and white photographs and portraits by artist André Rival can be seen on the surrounding walls and in the entrance area. Sculptures and paintings are distributed in all other public areas, playfully reminding guests that the SO/ Berlin Das Stue Hotel is adjacent to the zoo. This theme applies to the huge giraffe and gorillas of Milan artist Benedetta Mori in the entrance area as well as to the small leather animals of Omersa. These serve throughout the house either as cushions, footrests or mere decoration.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

• SO/ Berlin Das Stue Hotel touts on its website that its rooms & suites “rank among the largest hotel rooms in Berlin”. Unfortunately, that was not the case for my room (an Embassy room). Although my room did come with an outdoor terrace and had a stylish look, it felt small & compact and lacked place to store my luggage. I assume you need to book a higher room category for more space.

• SO/ Berlin Das Stue Hotel used to have a Michelin star restaurant – Cinco by Paco Pérez – which offered avant-garde cuisine and delectable Mediterranean meals crafted by the world-renowned chef Paco Pérez. Sadly, this restaurant has permanently closed its doors since the pandemic. Only one dining venue remains within the hotel – The Casual, which offers a laidback but rather uninspiring dining experience. IMHO, the closure of its Michelin star restaurants has somewhat affected the fame of the hotel and I can only hope that a new fine dining venue will soon reopen in the former Cinco restaurant, putting SO/ Berlin Das Stue again on the foodie map.

• SO/ Berlin Das Stue Hotel is located in the German capital’s embassy district and is a bit far from most of Berlin’s tourist attractions (although several of them are still within walking distance). The neighborhood feels quite residential and is not very lively at night, although there are some restaurants, bars and shops nearby.

• As mentioned above, the decor of SO/ Berlin Das Stue Hotel is a visual treat that invites guests to explore and discover. Although the interior will appeal to design-savvy travelers, the quirky and often bizarre decor will not appeal to all guests.

• The hotel’s breakfast buffet isn’t as lavish and outrageously decadent as the likes of the Adlon Kempinksi Berlin Hotel, but it still offers a decent selection of dishes and every element is of a very high quality.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 8/10
• Design: 8/10
• Pool: 7/10
• Rooms: 8/10
• Food: 8/10
• Breakfast: 7/10
• Spa: 7/10
• Service: 9/10
• Wow factor: 8/10
• Value for money: 9/10
• Overall experience: very good 8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: get complimentary VIP perks at SO/ Berlin Das Stue when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

• Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like SO/ Berlin Das Stue (and/or receive many free perks).

• Save money: Accor Hotels has a loyalty program which I reviewed here and which allows you to collect points and exchange them for discounted stays at Accor properties, such as SO/ Berlin Das Stue.

• Room tip: book a higher room category for more space and better views.

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Berlin is best visited between April and May (spring) or September through November (autumn), right before or directly after the summertime high tourist season. You’ll contend with fewer tourists, enjoy somewhat mild temperatures (the city’s weather is notoriously finicky), and also experience Berlin as the locals do, at its laid-back best.

HOW TO GET THERE

SO/ Berlin Das Stue is located in the heart of Berlin’s city center. By taxi and public transport from Berlin Airport, the trip to the hotel takes about 30 minutes and costs approximately EUR 55 by taxi and EUR 4 by public transport.

PHOTOS

Below is a selection of my photos of SO/ Berlin Das Stue . To view more photos (including breakfast as well as dinner), click here.

Disclosure: I may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

The post Review: SO/ Berlin Das Stue Hotel (Germany) appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best luxury hotels in Germany

Ranking as the eigth most visited country in the world according to World Tourist Organization, Germany attracts tens of millions of visitors each year to its cathedrals, rococo palaces, beer festivals, mountain peaks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and great cities (Berlin, Munich and Hamburg among them). With historic fairy tale castles, medieval villages, and idyllic natural landscapes, it’s sometimes hard to believe that most of Germany was virtually entirely rebuilt after the Second World War, although the past is very much present wherever you go. Few countries have had (and still have) as much impact on the planet as Germany, which is one of the world’s largest economies and was the birth place of the Reformation, the printing press, the car industry, and aspirin. Germany has also given us (in)famous citizens such as Albert Einstein, Karl Marx, and yes, Hitler, but also Goethe, Beethoven, and the Brothers Grimm. To help you choose from the overwhelming offer of luxury hotels, I have compiled a top 10 list with the best hotels in Germany.

There is more info below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite hotel in Germany in the comments section!

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10. BREIDENBACHER HOF, DÜSSELDORF

The Breidenbacher Hof – a former Capella hotel – is located in Altstadt Duesseldorf on the Koenigsallee, Dusseldorf’s premier shopping street. The hotel is an opulent 2008 reincarnation of a 200-year-old grande dame. As one of the most recognized hotels on the Rhine, Breidenbacher Hof transports its guests into a world of rare elegance, where the energy of today intermingles seamlessly with the architecture and beauty of the past. During the golden age of luxury travel, the Breidenbacher Hof hosted kings and czars and German nobility. As the country rose to power in the 20th century, the hotel set the standard throughout Europe for grandeur and elegance. The original structure was destroyed in 1943, and the property has been rebuilt twice – in 1950 and again in 2008. By taking the influence of turn-of-the-century architecture and melding it with modern, contemporary design, the hotel brings an unforgettable character to each of the 95 extended stay guestrooms and suites.

• Hotel website: Breidenbacher Hof
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, free WiFi, and a 3 course lunch for two at the signature restaurant once per stay).

9. THE FAIRMONT HOTEL VIER JAHRESZEITEN, HAMBURG

The Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is the essence of what is understood to be a Grand Hotel in the European tradition, offering an experience rich in spectacular historic charm and great luxury. Prominently located on the western side of the Inner Alster Lake shore in Germany, The Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten lies in the heart of the prime retail and commercial district of Germany. All 156 guest rooms and suites are refurbished and equipped with the newest state-of-the-art technique, refitted to the highest standards in an amazingly young and detailed design with the highest level of luxury and elegance. The hotel’s four exquisite restaurants and bars offer a large choice of delicious dishes and drinks, satisfying diverse tastes. Over the rooftops of Hamburg extends the modern wellness oasis at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten.

• Hotel website: Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit to be utilized during your stay).

8. KEMPINSKI HOTEL BERCHTESGADEN, BAVARIAN ALPS

Being in the mountains is the purest form of exploration, and the Bavarian Alps have always held an irresistible attraction. A unique blend of five-star luxury, Bavarian hospitality and Alpine lifestyle make Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden one of the most special locations. Here, high in the mountains, glorious, panoramic views of the postcard-perfect scenery await, combined with the advantages of a mountain resort: the lovely Kempinski the Spa including indoor and outdoor pool area, awarded restaurants (1 Michelin star), kids club, 9 hole golf course, ski-i/ski-out access and a helipad. Exceptionally comfortable, the 138 rooms and suites radiate warmth and contemporary flair, all while offering guests a unique view over the beautiful mountain surroundings of the hotel. Families, couples, foodies, spa lovers, sport devotees and car enthusiasts praise the countless leisure opportunities available in this spectacular Bavarian setting.

• Hotel website: Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade confirmed at the time of booking, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, $100 USD hotel credit to be utilized during your stay, and Virtuoso guests confirming a Maisonette Suite or above enjoy an additional $100 USD spa credit).

7. MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MUNICH

Mandarin Oriental, Munich is a calm refuge of Neo-Renaissance charm and elegance, providing the highest levels of personalized service. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of Munich, within the city’s old town, surrounded by museums, the Bavarian Opera House, and theaters, and near the shopping street Maximilansstrasse and the famous Hofbraeuhaus (beer hall and gardens). The spacious 48 guestrooms and 25 suites were refurbished in 2015 and offer the finest in contemporary luxury, as does the stunning rooftop pool which offers views that stretch across the picturesque surroundings of the old town district towards the Alps. On the first floor, atop the majestic curved staircare, Matsuhisa, Munich symbolizes the introduction of the award-winning cuisine of internationally celebrated Chef Nobu Matsuhisa to Munich and Germany (the menu includes the famous Black Cod, Yellowtail Sashimi Jalapeno and Nobu’s Tacos).

• Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental, Munich
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit to be utilized during your stay).
• Review: read my review of The Mandarin Oriental Munich here.

6. SCHLOSS ELMAU, BAVARIAN ALPS

Nestled into the Bavarian Alps, Schloss Elmau offers a unique spa and cultural experience in a nature sanctuary. The castle is also a perfect base for year-round sports and to discover all of the fairy tale palaces of King Ludwig II, his favorite being only a three-hour hike away. The hotel celebrates the luxury of space and privacy in five restaurants, several lounges and four separate spas for adults and families as well as regular classical music and jazz concerts with some of the greatest artists of our time. Grand yet intimate interiors of the 94-year-old castle, which was rebuilt in 2007, blend subtle Oriental influences with the beauty of the pristine surroundings. Guests feel thoroughly at home in the luxuriously designed rooms & suites, which offer a liberating sense of space & privacy, some of them opening up to breathtaking views of the Wetterstein Mountain Range.

• Hotel website: Schloss Elmau
• Tip: get comlpimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit to be utilized during your stay).

5. HOTEL ADLON KEMPINSKI BERLIN

The legendary Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, first built in 1907 and located right next to the Brandenburg Gate, regained its status as Germany’s most prestigious hotel after its reopening in 1997. This is the meeting place for heads of state, royals, politicians, stars and starlets, intellectuals, artists, designers and entrepreneurs, and last but not least, the Berliners themselves. Business and leisure travelers find respite in the hotel’s 307 guest rooms and 78 diverse luxury suites with opulent designs and unique stories. The illustrious Restaurant Quarré (with summer terrace) and the two-Michelin-starred Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer impress with inspiring menus and spectacular views of Brandenburg Gate. More exciting dining experiences await in the pan-Asian Sra Bua and in the Lobby bar, known as the most vibrant living room in Berlin. The Adlon Spa by Resense offers a lovely retreat from the busy city.

• Hotel website: Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. confirmed room upgrade at the time of booking, daily breakfast, early check-in, guaranteed late check-out till 2 pm, seasonal welcome amenity, free phone calls, and 80 Euro hotel credit to be utilized during your stay).
• Review: read my review of Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin here.

4. THE FONTENAY HAMBURG

In 1816, Hamburg-based shipbroker John Fontenay acquired a unique plot of land on the beautiful shores of the Alster lake in the heart of the city. Today, it is the site of the Fontenay Hotel, which offers lakeside luxury at its best. The Fontenay is a reflection of modern Hamburg: open-minded, cosmopolitan and exceptionally welcoming. A homage to the Hanseatic city, the luxury hotel is tailor-made for the many national and international visitors who come to discover and rediscover Hamburg. The hotel’s Hamburg-born star architect Jan Störmer titled his initial drawings ‘timelessly modern, modern classic’ and his fascinating, sculpture-like architecture mirrors the fluid lines of the lake and surrounding parkland, creating the perfect balance between nature and urbanity. Flooded with daylight, all 131 rooms and suites feature parquet flooring, walk-in closets and balconies, primarily with lake views.

• Hotel website: The Fontenay Hamburg
• Other accolades: The Fontenay Hamburg also features in my top 10 list of the best new luxury hotels of 2017.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit to be utilized during your stay).
• Review: read my review of The Fontenay Hamburg here.

3. THE RITZ-CARLTON WOLFSBURG

The architecturally renowned Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg is the most elegant hotel in Germany’s most prosperous city, which is home to Volkswagen’s worldwide headquarters. Adjacent to the Volkswagen factory, the hotel demands that you swot up on pioneering architecture before you arrive. Armed with the right terminology, you’ll be primed to describe the style nuances of the hotel’s interior designer Elliott Barnes. It will also help keep your mouth closed when you see the hotel’s jaw-dropping floating pool. Inspired by an industry that thrives on mobility, this luxury hotel embraces fast-forward motion with high-tech surroundings and a contemporary aesthetic while still providing an array of opportunities for guests to relax in 170 stylish guest rooms and exclusive suites, a soothing  spa, and an award-winning restaurants, including the 3-Star Michelin-rated AQUA, the epitome of modern European dining.

• Hotel website: The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg

2. ALTHOFF SEEHOTEL ÜBERFAHRT, BAVARIAN ALPS

This elegant nature resort on the banks of Lake Tegernsee is situated only 45 minutes from Munich in the most beautiful Alpine nature. Here you can experience one of Germany’s most beautiful year-round leisure destinations. Whether you wish to relax and unwind, actively enjoy nature, blend in with the jet set, do sports, or experience the most authentic cultural highlights, the Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt is an ideal starting point for all kinds of holiday pleasures. This wonderful retreat, directly by the lake, awaits with newly refurbished rooms and suites in a stylish design; outstanding culinary delights in five different restaurants, including the creative cuisine of one of the world’s best three-Michelin-starred chefs, Christian Jürgens; and a 32,000-square-foot luxury 4 Elements Spa by Althoff, featuring Europe’s first all-suite spa.

• Hotel website: Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit to be utilized during your stay).

1. BRENNERS PARK-HOTEL & SPA, BADEN-BADEN

Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, an Oetker Collection hotel, has been a place of relaxation and diversion for the traveling elite since 1872. Here guests can enjoy all that Baden-Baden is renowned for with one of the most advanced spas in Europe, offering luxurious therapy and longterm cures while surrounded by refreshing natural parkland and high culture. Situated in a large, private park facing the famous Lichtentaler Allee, Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden radiates the ambiance of a private estate for the well-heeled guest. One hundred rooms combine luxury and comfort with elegant furnishing such as antiques and Carrara marble bathrooms. Standard rooms have views of the Lichtentaler Allee, while deluxe rooms have vistas of the Oos River. The best rooms are the deluxe rooms, which are more spacious.  Guests have a variety of dining options including the revamped Wintergarten, where health-conscious Mediterranean dishes are served with views of Brenner’s Park.

• Hotel website: Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit to be utilized during your stay).

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The post Top 10 best luxury hotels in Germany appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

Today (January 23, 2019): Review of The Fontenay Hotel (Hamburg, Germany) 

• Location: Google maps
• Hotel website: The Fontenay Hamburg
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

In 1816, Hamburg-based shipbroker John Fontenay acquired a unique plot of land on the beautiful shores of the Alster lake in the heart of the city. Today, it is the site of the Fontenay Hotel, which offers lakeside luxury at its best. The Fontenay is a reflection of modern Hamburg: open-minded, cosmopolitan and exceptionally welcoming. A homage to the Hanseatic city, the luxury hotel is tailor-made for the many national and international visitors who come to discover and rediscover Hamburg. The hotel’s Hamburg-born star architect Jan Störmer titled his initial drawings ‘timelessly modern, modern classic’ and his fascinating, sculpture-like architecture mirrors the fluid lines of the lake and surrounding parkland, creating the perfect balance between nature and urbanity. Flooded with daylight, all 131 rooms and suites feature parquet flooring, walk-in closets and balconies, primarily with lake views.

The Fontenay Hamburg features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in Germany.

Have you ever stayed at The Fontenay Hamburg? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my Youtube clip & slideshow):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• The Japanese call Hamburg “The green city in the woods” – and not without reason: 27 per cent of Hamburg comprises natural areas. The Fontenay Hamburg is situated in one such natural area on the southwesterly shore of the Alster Lake. It’s a beautiful place of nature and tranquillity, right in the heart of the city. It can be described as an urban resort. The residential area around the property features expansive parks, numerous foreign consulates, and the University of Hamburg. Alster Lake itself is always a draw with its park-inspired shores and water sports activities, including paddle boarding, sailing and rowing.

• To capitalise on Hamburg’s abundant urban greenery, local architect Jan Störmer envisioned a ‘Hotel in the Park’ concept when he began his first drawings for the property. The amorphous shape of the nine-story hotel building with its sculpted roofscape rises from three intertwining circles. The facade features wide glazed surfaces, white and gleaming ceramic elements, and fluid lines that evoke the Alster lakeside. The hotels’s unique architecture blends seamlessly with its surroundings, creating a balance between nature and the white urban sphere. The organic shape means the hotel has no backside; it’s surrounded by trees on the lake’s shore and flooded with light.

• The circular design theme continues inside the hotel, with the three circular wings intertwining and narrowing in the center, hereby revealing two open spaces that are linked by the stylish ground floor lobby: a landscaped patio and – the hotel’s centerpiece – a 27 m (88ft) high, glass-walled atrium. The latter is fitted with satinised, scaled panels of varying shades and LED strips. The highlight of the atrium is the light sculpture by Dutch firm Brand van Egmond featuring dozens of LEDs fitted to curved steel branches. Due to the hotel’s organic, curvaceous architecture, all the furniture has been individually selected and designed, such as the semi-circular 25 m (82 ft) long sofa and the enormous carpet in the atrium.

• Flooded with daylight, every one of the 130 luxurious rooms, which include 17 suites, faces outwards. Inspired by circles, the sculptural architecture of the building is mirrored in the interior room concept: all rooms feature a trapezoid layout with curved walls and open up to floor-to-ceiling windows with private balconies. During my visit, I stayed in a ‘classic room’, the hotel’s lowest room category. The room was equipped with fine parquet flooring, two lounge chairs, a desk area, and a queen size bed. It featured a soft color palette of light beige, green onyx walls, warm whites, turquoise and royal blue. The ensuite bathroom came with one sink and a rain shower. A touchpad allowed to conveniently open and close the blinds, to choose between different lighting scenarios, or to adjust the air conditioning in the room.

• The stunning Fontenay Spa is located on the hotel’s 6th floor, high above Hamburg’s rooftops with calm, uninterrupted views of sailing boats on the Alster Lake . The light-filled wellness area features a wide range of facilities, such as a Finnish panoramic sauna, an aroma-quartzite steam room, various multi-sensory showers, and beautiful relaxation lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. There are 4 treatment rooms including a private spa suite equipped with its own sauna, steam room, whirlpool, double day bed and TV lounge. The spa’s highlight is a the 20m (66 ft) indoor pool which connects to a rooftop pool on the hotel’s magnificent sun terrace. The wellness area also features a state-of-the-art gym, with modern cardiovascular and weight training equipment.

• The hotel features two excellent dining venues: one all-day dining restaurant on the groundfloor, complemented with a gourmet restaurant and a bar located on the top floor.
  • Situated on the ground floor of The Fontenay, Parkview is a relaxed restaurant with a smart-casual atmosphere, featuring massive windows and a delightful summer terrace. The classic menu includes specialties like Königsberger Klopse (meatballs in a white sauce), a chateaubriand that’s carved tableside, or half a lobster with grilled vegetables.
  • Lakeside restaurant on the rooftop offers a contemporary fine dining experience with a unique blend of modern architecture and panoramic views across Hamburg. Here, high above Hamburg’s rooftops, chef Cornelius Speinle (ex-The Fat Duck) is in charge. Among the culinary highlights in the restaurant is one of the best meats in the world, the certified Wagyu Meat from Japan’s Miyazaki region.

• In addition to the two restaurants, the property also boasts two magnificent lounge areas.
  • The Fontenay Bar on the 6th floor blends relaxed mixology with awe-inspiring vistas over the city. The bar features dark herringbone parquet floors made from steamed spruce, walls clad in Makassar ebony, a stunning monolithic bar, and a piano. It’s highlight is the outside terrace: all five of Hamburg’s main churches, the inner and outer Alster Lake, the Elbphilarmonics, the Town Hall and much more can be seen from this prime location.
  • The atrium space houses a lounge area, where you can enjoy seasonally inspired afternoon tea created by Chef Patissier Marco D’Andrea. The lounge leads to three further spaces. The first is a chic bar, which offers exclusive products like pralines, macaroons, wine, olive oil and many more souvenir gifts. The second is a library stocked with more than 1,000 carefully chosen books, selected in cooperation with Hamburg-based book store, Felix Jud. And finally, there a smoker’s room where you can find a small, but premium selection of cigars.

• Each morning, an excellent breakfast is served at Parkview. A selection of bread, rolls croissants, cheeses from Northfriesian Backensholzer Farm, local charcuterie and smoked fish specialities with a dip are brought to the table on an étagère. Egg-based dishes like omelettes, pancakes with local speciality Rote Grütze (berry compote), or buttermilk waffles with fresh berries can be ordered additionally. The à la carte breakfast is complemented by a small buffet, offering homemade jam, whipped yogurt with fresh fruit and granola, smoothie shots, freshly pressed juice, coffee and tea, cereal, and much, much mor. For those in a celebratory mood, there’s a gourmet breakfast that includes champagne and caviar. And for something even more extraordinary, the Fontenay Hanseatic slice – rye bread with fresh beef tartar and caviar – is a dish that harks back to the days when sturgeon still roamed the River Elbe.

• The hotel is named after John Fontenay, one of the most successful 19th century merchants in Hamburg. Born in Pennsylvania, USA, Fontenay arrived in Hamburg in 1800, and swiftly made a career in the shipping business. In 1802, he married a wealthy widow, Anna Catharina Kirsten, who brought 4 children into the marriage. Despite the damaging effects of the Napoleonic wars on trade, and the family’s departure from Hamburg between 1810 and 1814, John Fontenay was able to build a substantial fortune. Following his return to the city in 1814, he used his success to purchase a range of plots outside the Wallring area, near Dammtor. At the time of his death, Fontenay owned a massive size of land in the city’s best locations. Today, many street names like ‘Fontenay Allee’, or ‘Klein Fontenay’ as well as his carefully restored home and garden point to the history of these idyllic estates. This inheritance is currently managed by the Fontenay Trust and unites the descendants of John Fontenay’s stepchildren.

• The Fontenay Hamburg is counted among the portfolio of the Leading Hotels of the World. The latter is an exclusive collection of more than 400 luxury hotels and resorts in over 80 countries. HW does not own hotels; it rather offers a reservation service for independent hotels and supports sales and marketing, advertising and public relations, financial services, quality control, and hotel inspections for its member properties. LHW has many iconic properties in its portfolio, such as such as Maia Luxury Resort in the Seychelles, the 12 Apostles Hotel in Cape Town, The Datai Langkawi in Malaysia, The Langham London, Hotel Adlon Kempinski in Berlin, Le Sirenuse in Positano (Italy), the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam, Laucala Island in Fiji, the Setai Miami Beach, and The Ritz in Paris.

• Almost 200 members of staff look after guests at The Fontenay. They provide impeccable service and a hospitality that is always natural, authentic, heartfelt and sincere. Guests here feel comfortable, acknowledged, understood and respected.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

The Fontenay Hamburg is the best 5-star hotel in Hamburg. There’s little to say against the property, although you may want to know the following ‘issues’ before considering a stay here:

• The hotel’s lowest room category – the classic room – is rather disappointing since it feels tiny and it comes with a queen size bed. All the other room categories are more spacious and feature king size beds, so I recommend to book at least a deluxe room for optimal comfort.

• The Fontenay Spa with its pool area is also open to non-hotel guests when they book a cosmetic treatment or massage. Although the clientele and vibe is chic and upscale, some guests may not like the fact that they have to mix with non-guests on the pool deck.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 9/10
• Design: 10/10
• Pool: 9/10
• Rooms: 8/10
• Food: 8/10
• Breakfast: 8/10
• Spa: 9/10
• Service: 9/10
• Value for money: 9/10
• Overall experience: very good: 8,8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like The Fontenay Hamburg (and/or receive many free perks).

• Save money: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

• Save money: you can earn hotel points or spend them for a free night at The Fontenay with LHW’s loyalty program, Leader’s Club.

• Room tip: book at least a deluxe room category; otherwise you may end up in a disappointingly small classic room with one queen size bed.

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Hamburg is best visited between April and May (spring) or September through November (autumn), right before or directly after the summertime high tourist season. You’ll contend with fewer tourists, enjoy somewhat mild temperatures (the city’s weather is notoriously finicky), and also experience Hamburg as the locals do, at its laid-back best.

HOW TO GET THERE

Hamburg can be easily reached by plane, train or car. For those coming by plane, the hotel is located a 30-minute cab ride from Hamburg Airport (HAM). Check the Wikipedia page of Hamburg Airport for a continuously updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Hamburg.

PHOTOS

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The post Review: The Fontenay Hotel Hamburg (Germany) appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (February 26, 2018): Top 10 most luxurious hotels in Germany.

Ranking as the seventh most visited country in the world according to World Tourist Organization, Germany attracts tens of millions of visitors each year to its cathedrals, rococo palaces, beer festivals, mountain peaks, 42 stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and great cities (Berlin, Munich and Hamburg among them). With historic fairy tale castles, medieval villages, and idyllic natural landscapes, it’s sometimes hard to believe that most of Germany was virtually entirely rebuilt after the Second World War, although the past is very much present wherever you go. Few countries have had (and still have) as much impact on the planet as Germany, which is one of the world’s largest economies and was the birth place of the Reformation, the printing press, the car industry, and aspirin. Germany has also given us (in)famous citizens such as Albert Einstein, Karl Marx, and yes, Hitler, but also Goethe, Beethoven, and the Brothers Grimm. To help you choose from the overwhelming offer of luxury hotels, I have compiled a top 10 list with the best hotels in Germany.

There is more info below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite hotel in Germany in the comments section, or take my poll below!

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10. JUMEIRAH FRANKFURT

The 5-star Jumeirah Frankfurt is located in the heart of Frankfurt in walking distance to the Opera house, the banking quarter and famous shopping streets. The hotel’s 217 guestrooms and suites – located on 24 floors – are the largest rooms in Frankfurt and offer fantastic views of the city skyline. Wooden floors and warm coloring in walnut and honey, complemented by contemporary German art by Hartwig Ebersbach, add to the ambience. At the signature restaurant Max on One, guests can enjoy exclusive ambience and modern cuisine. Jumeirah Frankfurts dining option also consists of an authentic Lebanese restaurant El Rayyan and the elegant Ember Bar and Lounge. The exclusive Jumeirah brand Talise spa boasts two saunas, dedicated relaxation areas, seven treatment rooms and an extensive range of tailor-made experiences in a luxurious atmosphere.

• Hotel website: Jumeirah Frankfurt
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit to be utilized during your stay).

9. THE FAIRMONT HOTEL VIER JAHRESZEITEN, HAMBURG

The Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is the essence of what is understood to be a Grand Hotel in the European tradition and offers an experience rich in spectacular historic charm and great luxury. Prominently located on the western side of the Inner Alster Lake shore in Germany, The Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten lies in the heart of the prime retail and commercial district of Germany. All 156 guest rooms and suites are refurbished and equipped with the newest state-of-the-art technique, refitted to the highest standards in an amazingly young and detailed design with the highest level of luxury and elegance. The hotel’s four exquisite restaurants and bars offer a large choice of delicious dishes and drinks, satisfying diverse tastes. Over the rooftops of Hamburg extends the modern wellness oasis at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten.

• Hotel website: Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit to be utilized during your stay).

8. BREIDENBACHER HOF, A CAPELLA HOTEL, DÜSSELDORF

The Breidenbacher Hof, a Capella hotel, is located in Altstadt Duesseldorf on the Koenigsallee, Dusseldorf’s premier shopping street. The hotel is an opulent 2008 reincarnation of a 200-year-old grande dame. As one of the most recognized hotels on the Rhine, Breidenbacher Hof, transports its guests into a world of rare elegance, where the energy of today intermingles seamlessly with the architecture and beauty of the past. During the golden age of luxury travel, the Breidenbacher Hof hosted kings and czars and German nobility. As the country rose to power in the 20th century, the hotel set the standard throughout Europe for grandeur and elegance. The original structure was destroyed in 1943, and the property has been rebuilt twice—in 1950 and again in 2008. By taking the influence of turn-of-the-century architecture and melding it with modern, contemporary design, the hotel brings an unforgettable character to each of the 95 extended stay guestrooms and suites.

• Hotel website: The Breidenbacher Hof, a Capella hotel
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, free WiFi, and a 3 course lunch for two at Brasserie “1806” once per stay).

7. SCHLOSS ELMAU, BAVARIAN ALPS

Nestled into the Bavarian Alps, Schloss Elmau offers a unique spa and cultural experience in a nature sanctuary. The castle is also a perfect base for year-round sports and to discover all of the fairy tale palaces of King Ludwig II, his favorite being only a three-hour hike away. The hotel celebrates the luxury of space and privacy in five restaurants, several lounges and four separate spas for adults and families as well as regular classical music and jazz concerts with some of the greatest artists of our time. Grand yet intimate interiors of the 94-year-old castle, which was rebuilt in 2007, blend subtle Oriental influences with the beauty of the pristine surroundings. Guests feel thoroughly at home in the luxuriously designed rooms & suites, which offer a liberating sense of space & privacy, some of them opening up to breathtaking views of the Wetterstein Mountain Range.

• Hotel website: Schloss Elmau
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit to be utilized during your stay).

6. ADLON KEMPINSKI BERLIN

The Adlon Kempinski is hands down Berlin’s most notable luxury hotel. A five-minute walk from the Reichstag, this hotel is the reincarnation of the original Adlon, Weimar Germany’s most famous rendezvous, which burned down in 1945. Situated adjacent to the British and French embassies, this seven-story hotel is one of the key symbols of Germany’s reunification. The centerpiece of the Adlon is the winter garden, a leafy oasis in a two-story atrium full of potted palms, a trickling fountain and wicker armchairs. The lobby bar with its coffered ceiling and art-deco overtones is a well-known spot for Berliners and for that matter anyone else of importance who happens to be in town. Guests can choose from thoughtfully maintained, oversized accommodations, that are a composite of contemporary furnishings and detailing in marble, sandstone and stained glass. As well as an extensive spa offering, the hotel has two stylish bars and three refined restaurants.

• Hotel website: Adlon Kempinski Berlin
• Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP benefits when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. confirmed room upgrade at the time of booking, daily breakfast, early check-in, guaranteed late check-out till 2 pm, seasonal welcome amenity, free phone calls, and 80 Euro hotel credit to be utilized during your stay).

5. THE RITZ-CARLTON WOLFSBURG

The architecturally renowned Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg is the most elegant hotel in Germany’s most prosperous city, which is home to Volkswagen’s worldwide headquarters. Adjacent to the Volkswagen factory, the hotel demands that you swot up on pioneering architecture before you arrive. Armed with the right terminology, you’ll be primed to describe the style nuances of the hotel’s interior designer Elliott Barnes. It will also help keep your mouth closed when you see the hotel’s jaw-dropping floating pool. Inspired by an industry that thrives on mobility, this luxury hotel embraces fast-forward motion with high-tech surroundings and a contemporary aesthetic while still providing an array of opportunities for guests to relax in 170 stylish guest rooms and exclusive suites, a soothing  spa, and an award-winning restaurants, including the 3-Star Michelin-rated AQUA, the epitome of modern European dining.

• Hotel website: The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg

4. MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MUNICH

Mandarin Oriental, Munich is a calm refuge of Neo-Renaissance charm and elegance, providing the highest levels of personalized service. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of Munich, within the city’s old town, surrounded by museums, the Bavarian Opera House, and theatres, and near the shopping street Maximilansstrasse and the famous Hofbraeuhaus (beer hall and gardens). The spacious 48 guestrooms and 25 suites were refurbished in 2015 and offer the finest in contemporary luxury, as does the stunning rooftop pool which offers views that stretch across the picturesque surroundings of the old town district towards the Alps. On the first floor, atop the majestic curved staircare, Matsuhisa, Munich symbolizes the introduction of the award-winning cuisine of internationally celebrated Chef Nobu Matsuhisa to Munich and Germany (the menu includes the famous Black Cod, Yellowtail Sashimi Jalapeno and Nobu’s Tacos).

• Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental, Munich
• Other accolades: Mandarin Oriental, Munich also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most spectacular rooftop pools and Europe’s best hotel rooftops.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit to be utilized during your stay).
• Review: read my review of The Mandarin Oriental Munich here.

3. BRENNERS PARK-HOTEL & SPA, BADEN-BADEN

Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, an Oetker Collection hotel, has been a place of relaxation and diversion for the traveling elite since 1872. Here guests can enjoy all that Baden-Baden is renowned for with one of the most advanced spas in Europe, offering luxurious therapy and longterm cures while surrounded by refreshing natural parkland and high culture. Situated in a large, private park facing the famous Lichtentaler Allee, Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden radiates the ambiance of a private estate for the well-heeled guest. One hundred rooms combine luxury and comfort with elegant furnishing such as antiques and Carrara marble bathrooms. Standard rooms have views of the Lichtentaler Allee, while deluxe rooms have vistas of the Oos River. The best rooms are the deluxe rooms, which are more spacious.  Guests have a variety of dining options including the revamped Wintergarten, where health-conscious Mediterranean dishes are served with views of Brenner’s Park.

• Hotel website: Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit to be utilized during your stay).

2. KEMPINSKI HOTEL BERCHTESGADEN, BAVARIAN ALPS

Being in the mountains is the purest form of exploration, and the Bavarian Alps have always held an irresistible attraction. A unique blend of five-star luxury, Bavarian hospitality and Alpine lifestyle make Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden (an InterContinental Hotel until last year) one of the most special locations. Here, high in the mountains, glorious, panoramic views of the postcard-perfect scenery await, combined with the advantages of a mountain resort: the lovely Kempinski the Spa including indoor and outdoor pool area, awarded restaurants (1 Michelin star), kids club, 9 hole golf course, ski-in/ ski-out access and a helipad. Exceptionally comfortable, the 138 rooms and suites radiate warmth and contemporary flair, all while offering guests a unique view over the beautiful mountain surroundings of the hotel. Families, couples, foodies, spa lovers, sport devotees and car enthusiasts praise the countless leisure opportunities available in this spectacular Bavarian setting.

• Hotel website: Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade confirmed at the time of booking, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, $100 USD hotel credit to be utilized during your stay, and Virtuoso guests confirming a Maisonette Suite or above enjoy an additional $100 USD spa credit).

1. THE FONTENAY HAMBURG

In 1816, Hamburg-based shipbroker John Fontenay acquired a unique plot of land on the beautiful shores of the Alster lake in the heart of the city. Today, it is the site of the Fontenay Hotel, which offers lakeside luxury at its best. The Fontenay is a reflection of modern Hamburg: open-minded, cosmopolitan and exceptionally welcoming. A homage to the Hanseatic city, the luxury hotel is tailor-made for the many national and international visitors who come to discover and rediscover Hamburg. The hotel’s Hamburg-born star architect Jan Störmer titled his initial drawings ‘timelessly modern, modern classic’ and his fascinating, sculpture-like architecture mirrors the fluid lines of the lake and surrounding parkland, creating the perfect balance between nature and urbanity. Flooded with daylight, all 131 rooms and suites feature parquet flooring, walk-in closets and balconies, primarily with lake views.

• Hotel website: The Fontenay Hamburg
• Other accolades: The Fontenay Hamburg also features in my top 10 list of the best new luxury hotels of 2017.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit to be utilized during your stay).
• Review: read my review of The Fontenay Hamburg here.

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The post Top 10: best luxury hotels in Germany appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.