Steigenberger Hotel Hamburg

The Steigenberger Hotel's imposing presence lies in its impressive size and distinctive architecture -- a modern take on the Hanseatic traditional with clinker brick facades that tier down to elongated columns. A cobblestone driveway that bridges the river directly to the hotel's entrance also adds a certain citadel-like quality. Inside, the lobby is spacious and bright, flooded with natural light from huge floor-to-ceiling windows, with smart conservative interiors that have an undeniable "corporate chain hotel" feel. Built in 1992, the property is starting to look a little dated in places, everything is well-maintained and spotless throughout. Although efficient and high-end, the atmosphere can feel somewhat impersonal, with a busy, business-like atmosphere. Most guests here are decked out in suits for meetings, though the hotel also attracts its share of well-heeled vacationing couples. 

This hotel has a prime waterfront location in the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district in the center of Hamburg. It's set right in the bustling heart of the city, next to a small square full of restaurants. There are also numerous bars, eateries, and shops within a short stroll, with the Reeperbahn nightlife district around 10 minutes' walk. Tourist attractions such as Rathaus city hall and the start of the Inner Alster Lake are within walking distance. There are two train stations under a five-minute walk away, the Rödingsmarkt U-Bahn and Stadthausbrücke S-Bahn that connects direct to Hamburg Airport in 30 minutes. 

The hotel has 233 guest rooms, which are among the city's most spacious. Even standards offer up to 375 square feet (35 square meters); suites double that with deluxe suites reaching over 900 square feet (over 85 square meters). Although none open to outside spaces, around half (Deluxe and above) have views over the Alster channel and surrounding scenic city vistas. Decor is modern (though not luxury-level), with contemporary design furniture, carpeted floors, and plenty of natural light from large windows. Amenities, however, are suitably high-end, with well-stocked minibars, electronic safes, and flat-screen TVs (with pay-per-view movies though limited English-speaking channels); Wi-Fi is free, though can be slow and there's a charge for faster premium connection. Upgraded rooms add Tassimo coffee machines and tea-making facilities. Bathrooms are clean and bright, with shower/tub combos, hotel-branded toiletries, and bathrobes. Top-level suites also have whirlpool tubs and separate showers. Luxury touches include free overnight shoeshine and turndown service as standard. Room service is available, though expensive with a limited menu.

The Steigenberger covers most of the expected features for an upscale hotel, though Guests can start the day with breakfast overlooking the river from the elevated position in one of the hotel's two restaurants. Breakfast is an impressive spread of hot and cold dishes, with cooked-to-order eggs, though it's not included as standard and expensive. The second bistro-style eatery is open for lunch and dinner, has a winter garden and opens to a pleasant waterfront terrace. There's also a piano bar with an extensive drinks menu and cigar lounge. While there's no pool -- which feels like an oversight at this level -- guests have free access to a sixth-floor fitness area with an outdoor terrace, plus a spacious sauna, steam bath, and spa area with Shiseido products. There are also extensive event and meeting facilities, including around a dozen rooms of varying sizes. Underground parking is available for a daily fee, which includes a valet service.