ARCOTEL Onyx

ARCOTEL Onyx feels like it could belong in a hip nightclub, which isn’t odd for the hotel’s location in Hamburg’s red light district and nightlife center. Interiors feature a modern, eclectic design; the bright and airy lobby is filled with pale gray tufted chairs with interesting shapes, funky-shaped mirrors, Hamburg map carpets, and larger-than-life tiled murals. The chic bar is awash in a soft purple haze emanating from the back-lit bar and hanging lamps, a colorful complement to the decor's gray and tan hues. The cafe where breakfast is served has a more playful lime green and white color scheme and a cozy vibe thanks to padded booths, Hamburg-map place mats adding color to white tables, and cool artistic renderings of city scenes and landmarks adorning the walls. These fresh, design-oriented interiors, as well as the prime location, draw mainly young couples and business travelers seeking a hotel in the city center. 

The hotel is located on the popular Reeperbahn Avenue, known as Hamburg’s red light district and nightlife destination. Though it may not seem like a typical family destination, during the day it's a popular shopping avenue filled with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. The hotel is a convenient base for sightseeing as it's close to some of the city's top attractions, like the popular park, Plantem un Blomen (five-minute walk away), the Hamburg Museum (seven-minute walk), and St. Pauli Elbtunnel (10-minute walk). It’s a 20-minute walk to Neuer Wall, an upscale shopping street. For those who need to reach other areas of the city, there’s a bus stop that’s a two-minute walk away and a U-Bahn station that takes three minutes to reach on foot, giving easy access to other top attractions like the Miniatur Wunderland (a 15-minute ride), Kunsthalle Hamburg (15 minutes away), and the International Maritime Museum (25 minutes away). Hamburg Airport is about a 20- to 25-minute drive, or around 35 minutes by public transportation.

This hotel has 215 eclectically decorated rooms in a color palette of mostly yellow, dark gray, black, and tan. Printed carpets, funky yellow headboards, pop art, and mirrors create a funky design. In some rooms circular beds add a "Jetsons" touch. There are some themed rooms available as well, which differ in style. For example, the Nautical Room has a maritime atmosphere with nautical decor, sloping walls, and a porthole, while the Kiez Room adds an "adults-only" vibe with a purple color scheme and a dancing pole. Suites and Apartments have the added benefit of separate living rooms. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, electric kettles (with free tea and coffee), in-room safes, and minibars, plus all but entry-level Comfort Rooms have iPod docks as well. Free Wi-Fi is included in all rooms, though some guests complain of connectivity issues in rooms. Bathrooms are sleek but plain compared to the offbeat bedroom decor. They have either glass showers or shower/tub combos, as well as toiletries and hairdryers. 

While the hotel is big on style, its on-site features are a bit limited. The hotel lacks a full restaurant, however it does offer a chic bar with late night hours that serves drinks and small bites, as well as a cafe that offers coffee and pastries. The breakfast buffet gets good reviews, especially as there is a vegan option, however some guests find it overpriced. Room service with limited hours is available. The hotel has a wellness area with a sauna, steam room, custom showers, and relaxation room, as well as a modest fitness room equipped with a couple of cardio machines and free weights. Business guests can take advantage of a single meeting room and two business apartments with meeting tables. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, though guests have complained of connectivity issues in certain rooms. There’s also a business center with desktops in the lobby. Paid parking in an underground garage incurs a daily fee.