Mövenpick Hotel Hamburg

Set in a 19th-century hexagon-shaped water tower made of red bricks and situated in leafy Sternschanze Park, the Movenpick Hotel Hamburg steps out of the ordinary and offers an unexpected setting for a chain hotel. Many of the original elements of the construction have been preserved, most notably the impressively tall vaulted ceilings made of red brick found in the reception area and in the underground Cave Bar. These are attractively paired with contemporary furniture, such as an S-shaped bar and a seating area of oversized sofas and armchairs. Some of the public areas can feel a bit dark, though the four illuminated reception counters cleverly add some much-needed brightness. Other common areas include a restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the park, plus an outdoor patio. The majority of guests staying here are business travelers owing to the hotel's proximity to the Hamburg Congress Center, and the property can get busy and noisy, thanks in part to the nearby U-Bahn station.

The hotel is situated in the middle of Sternschanze Park, in a neighborhood of the same name. The park provides a pretty, leafy backdrop, but it does draw some homeless people. A U-Bahn station is just a few minutes' walk from the hotel, as is Hamburg Congress Center. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the immediate vicinity.

• Three-minute walk to Sternschanze U-Bahn station
• Eight-minute walk to Hamburg Congress Center
• 12 minutes to Planten un Blumon Park by public transit
• 13 minutes to Hamburg city center by public transit
• 13 minutes to Hamburg train station by public transit
• 14 minutes to Reeperbahn Street nightlife district by public transit 
• 20 minutes to Hamburg Bus Station by public transit
• 20 minutes to Kunsthalle Hamburg Museum by public transit
• 26 minutes to International Maritime Museum by public transit
• 26 minutes to Hamburg Airport by public transit 
• 30 minutes to Hamburg harbor by public transit

A warm, slightly masculine look plays out through the Moevenpick's guest rooms. Wood-paneled accent walls and wood-grain furniture add cozy earth tones countered by cream-colored walls. There's nothing outside the norm for a chain hotel, but wall stencils of the water tower's blueprints provide a touch of quirk, and cylindrical floor and desk lamps echo the tower-shaped building. For the most part, rooms lack any historical architecture, although some rooms have semi-circle-shaped windows. (Note that windows on some floors cannot be opened.) Superior and Premium Rooms on the top floors have sweeping views over the city and the harbor area in the distance. 

Bathrooms continue the overall style, clad in grays and tweedy browns. Sinks, in a dramatic cylindrical shape, connects the design to the building. Windows in between the bathrooms and bedrooms let in a bit of extra light, but there are blinds for guests who prefer more privacy. Bathrooms are equipped with magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, large mirrors, toiletries, and rubber duckies for a playful touch. All but the entry-level rooms have walk-in showers (as opposed to shower/tub combos), while Suites add bathtubs and double vanities. 

Standard in-room amenities include air-conditioning, large work desks, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. Premium and Superior Rooms, and Suites add Senseo coffeemakers and electric kettles. Suites also include adjustable beds (for more or less firmness) and sitting areas. 

The extensive features at Moevenpick are a real draw and reflect the property's upscale status, starting with its luxe wellness center. The space includes a sauna, a relaxation room, spa showers, and a massage treatment area, all with the building's attractive red-brick as a backdrop. There's also a gym equipped with a treadmill, a cross trainer, a stationary bicycle, and free weights, though some are wedged into a few awkward corners. Business features are also well-rounded, catering to the hotel's primary clientele. The hotel's conference facilities offer an abundant 6,135 square feet (1870 square meters), with 13 conference and meeting rooms available. A business center is also available with computers and printers. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

For dining, the Moevenpick serves an extensive breakfast buffet with a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, though it costs an additional fee. A la carte options are also available. The lunch and dinner menu includes a selection of Swiss, German, and international dishes, with some vegetarian options. There's also a striking underground bar with vaulted ceilings. Guest parking is free in the underground parking garage. Pets are welcome.