Best Design Hotels in Hamburg

ARCOTEL Onyx feels like a bit like a hip nightclub -- appropriate, considering its location in Hamburg’s red light district and nightlife center. Interiors feature modern designs: there are larger-than-life tiled murals in the airy lobby, cool artistic renderings of city scenes and landmarks in the cafe, and fuchsia back lighting at the bar. Decor gets even more eclectic in the 215 rooms, some of which are themed. For example, the Nautical Room has sloping walls and a porthole, while the Kiez Room has an "adult-only" vibe, with its purple color scheme and dance pole. Some rooms have circular beds and fringed ceiling mirrors.

Flush with '60-era-England design, the 125-room George Hotel is a chic property outside of the city center. Interior design is splashy and upbeat, plus the hotel has a fantastic collection of outdoor spaces, like the spa terrace, rooftop lounge with stunning views of Alster Lake, and a patio in an English garden. A luxurious spa and free loaner Jaguar add to the George's personality and luxe factor. Rooms aren't as funky as the ones at the ARCOTEL, but they're more mature and quite stylish, with gray carpeting, tweedy bed throws, heavy black drapes, and low lighting. Standard in-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free weights (there's no gym).

While ARCOTEL's look is funky and the George's is retro-chic, Barcelo Hamburg’s design is starkly modern yet inviting, with plenty of stylish spaces to relax in. The sleek lobby is cloaked in neutral tan and gray hues, with a few abstract art pieces on the walls. The restaurant with raw wood floors and large drum lights is equally stylish. Things shift to a funkier vibe in the wine bar, illuminated by soft neon lighting. Even the outdoor patio is design-conscious. The 193 spacious rooms and suites are minimalist in decor, with lots of light wood and streamlined furniture. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer great views of the city, especially in the Alster Suite.

Formerly a recording studio where the Beatles cut tracks, Generator Hostel Hamburg exemplifies urban industrial chic with its floor-to-ceiling windows and interiors with bold wall designs and exposed brick and concrete. The breakfast room has modern banquettes and Eames-style armless chairs around pedestal tables, and there's also a screening room for films, with a projection screen that fills the wall, as well as flat-screen TVs. The long bar features brushed aluminum barstools, colorful couches, and tub chairs. When the TVs aren't blaring, there's music -- great for guests who want to stay up late and party, but something to consider in addition to any noise in the shared rooms. Since this is a hostel, the bathrooms are much smaller than the ones at our first three picks (but hey, at least each room has its own private bathroom).