Romantik Hotel das Smolka

Romantik Hotel das Smolka's entrance has a fancy -- and slightly fussy -- red carpet covered by a grand, black awning. Decor immediately inside has an equally formal look, as a narrow hallway lined with frosted sconces and wainscoting opens into a lobby with a tiny reception desk under a large crystal chandelier. But details inside, such as fruit-infused water and fresh-cut tulips set on a console, is a first hint that this boutique property is more posh than dated. Dramatic, red-and-black carpeting runs throughout the hotel, with no shortage of moody accent lighting. Just off the lobby, there's a posh cocktail bar, with striped bar stools and matching wallpaper, and a library lounge packed with books and wingback chairs. The hotel appeals to couples and business travelers seeking practical but stylish accommodations. 

The hotel is on a sleepy street, across the block from a canal in the Harvestehude district. Many of the boutiques, restaurants, and cafes of Harvestehude and neighboring Eppendorf are easy to reach on foot. It's a six-minute walk to the local Isemarkt farmers' market, and about a 12-minute walk to a small park on the pleasant banks of Alster Lake. It's far from attractions in Hamburg, but two U-Bahn stations are nearby, which can put travelers in the city center in less than 20 minutes; the Eppendorfer Baum stop is a minutes' walk, and Klosterstern is a six-minute walk away. The Hamburg Airport is a 12-minute drive, or about 30-minutes away on public transportation. 

The hotel has 37 guest rooms with blue or red carpeting, striped wallpaper, crown moulding, and other classic decorative touches, like chandeliers and brass accents. They come in several categories depending on size and amenities, though none have air-conditioning. All come with flat-screen TVs, minibars, robes, safes, and free Wi-Fi. 

At the low end, the tiny Classic Rooms are only 129 square feet, with single twin beds and small work desks. Somewhat larger Standard and Comfort Rooms add double beds (which are just two twins pushed together), seating areas with chairs and tables, and conveniences like iPod docks. Superior Rooms have more dramatic black-and-gold-painted furniture and red velvet upholstery, and Suites feature narrow, private balconies with city views and living rooms with couches. Upgraded suites have kitchenettes with coffeemakers. 

Bathrooms are on the small side, but they have heated towel racks and walk-in showers with removable showerheads. Superior rooms have larger bathrooms with shower/tub combos, and Suites come with rainfall showers and separate bathtubs. 

Features are limited at this hotel, with no full restaurant or fitness center on-site. But there is a posh cocktail bar has a large whisky selection and seating at a few stools in the small bar area, along with more intimate seating in an adjoining library lounge. An elegant breakfast room serves either a continental breakfast with plenty of sweets for a fee, or a pricier full breakfast buffet that adds scrambled eggs, bacon, and German meatballs, plus local fish dishes and fresh produce from a nearby market. Free parking is included, as is Wi-Fi throughout.