Elite Traveler January-February 2018

elite traveler JAN/FEB 2018 115

WHERE TO STAY

The Fontenay Since it opened in December 2017, the Fontenay has redefined Hamburg’s hotel scene. Up until now Hamburg’s most prestigious places to stay have reflected the city’s heritage. In contrast, the Fontenay stands out for its striking contemporary design. An impressive glass structure of three intertwining circles and a central atrium flood the interior with light while reflecting the surrounding greenery and rippling surface of Lake Alster. From the high-ceilinged garden restaurant on the first floor up to the panoramic restaurant and wellness space at the top of the hotel, each room stands out for both its decor and views. Stay in the 2,200-sq-ft Fontenay Suite for its two balconies and appealing design accents by Georg Jensen. Fontenay Suite from $10,552 per night. Contact Sophie von Törne, reservations manager, reservations@ thefontenay.de, +49 406 056 605 850, thefontenay.de

Park Hyatt Hamburg The five-star Park Hyatt is located within the historic Levantehaus building, in the heart of the city’s main shopping area. While the building is a fine example of the Hanseatic architectural style, the interior combines classic elegance with contemporary design and modern art. From the palatial entrance hall, take the elevator down to the pool and Club Olympus Spa, continue on through to the decadent dining, bar and lounge areas, or make your way up to the seventh floor, which is home to the hotel’s VIP lounge. The 2,500-sq-ft presidential suite is the most coveted space, with generous living and dining areas and a bathroom designed by Philippe Starck, along with an open fireplace and a piano where Lionel Richie is said to have written a song. Presidential Suite from $5,845 per night. Contact Lorenz Karl, director of sales and marketing, lorenz. karl@hyatt.com, +49 403 332 1711, hyatt.com

Hotel Atlantic Kempinski Considered the Grande Dame of Hamburg, Hotel Atlantic Kempinski has been welcoming visitors for over 100 years. Now combining modern amenities and design with grandeur and tradition, the interiors are as light and airy as they are resplendent in richly colored furnishings. Having always taken its culinary reputation seriously, the Atlantic Restaurant is considered a Hamburg institution in its own right, but guests can also dine at the courtyard restaurant or take a seat at the Art Deco Atlantic Bar. Neil Armstrong and Henry Kissinger are among those who’ve stayed in the Presidential Suite, perhaps because of the unrivalled views it commands over Lake Alster. Presidential Suite from $4,100 per night. Contact Krystina Gunzer, reservations manager, krystina. gunzer@kempinski.com, +49 402 888 817, kempinski.com

TAKE THREE/// CORNERS OF THE CITY

1. SPEICHERSTADT One of Hamburg’s Unesco World Heritage sites, this sprawling warehouse district is home to a collection of redbrick buildings originating from 1815 with cobblestone roads and canals running between them. While these cavernous warehouses were once solely used for storing goods, many are now home to designer showrooms and cafés. Stop by coffee roaster Speicherstadt Kaffeerösterei ( speicherstadt-kaffee. de ) to sample the java they roast and grind in-house, accompanied by their celebrated waffles.

3. BLANKENESE Formerly an independent fishing town, this high-end quarter of the city is one of Hamburg’s most picturesque areas. Located on the right bank of the river Elbe, its houses sit prettily amid flourishing trees on slopes running down to the water and sandy shores. But aside from the scenic appeal, it’s the weekly market and popularity of small shops, restaurants and cafés here that make Blankenese a popular weekend retreat . Climb the steps leading up and down this hillside and seek out the Roman garden featuring an outdoor theater.

2. KOMPONISTEN-QUARTIER In tribute to Hamburg’s role in music history, this quarter has been transformed into a museum district that takes you on a journey through the city’s lineage of great composers and their worldwide impact. Museums dedicated to Telemann, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Johann Adolf Hasse, Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn, Johannes Brahms and Gustav Mahler are clustered in this enclave, along with the inviting Kleinhuis’ Café and Weinstrube, which serves homemade cake, coffee, bistro-style cuisine and wine. komponistenquartier.de