Huebbesweg 7-11, Hamburg, Germany | (251) 219-4428
Occupying a 19th-century school with designated heritage status
Located within walking distance of two U-Bahn stations
Airy and attractive minimalist-style rooms with modern decor
In-room perks include laptop safes, minibars, and flat-screen TVs
Stylish common areas marry old and new elements
On-site bar with outdoor patio
Free breakfast, parking, and hotel-wide Wi-Fi
Bland location far from sightseeing attractions
Few in-house facilities or services (no restaurant)
Hotel isn’t air-conditioned
Rooms lack tea/coffeemakers
Housed in an atmospheric red-brick building that dates from the late 1880’s, this upper-middle-range property in Hamburg-Mitte offers a refreshing change of pace for travelers tired of ho-hum chain hotels. Family-owned and filled with character, this former school contains 100 handsome rooms, all combining original brick accent walls with modern, minimalist furnishings and contemporary conveniences like laptop safes, minibars, and flat-screen TVs (but not air-conditioning). A generous breakfast buffet is included in the rate, as is free parking and free Wi-Fi; however, there are few on-site facilities or services here. Moreover, the Volksschule’s largely residential location, east of the city center, means you'll have to rely on a car, cab, or public transit if you hope to hit Hamburg’s top attractions. Guests who’d prefer a three-and-a-half -pearl alternative in the heart of the action should consider the hip ARCOTEL Onyx.
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Scene
Charming contemporary hotel set inside a late 19th-century school
As its name suggests ("volksschule" means people’s school), this five-story property was once a public educational institution. The building itself, erected in 1888 and transformed into a hotel in 2013, still bears traces of its former function, most notably in the extra-wide stairwells, decorative chalkboards, and vintage desks. Original architectural elements -- like the exposed red-brick walls which lend warmth to the interior -- have also been meticulously preserved, but the decor isn’t (pardon the pun) strictly old school. For example, a collection of Arne Jacobsen egg chairs upholstered in caramel-colored leather dominates the lobby, while curvy Cooper-style seats adorn the breakfast area and patterned Eames chairs add oomph to the guest rooms. The end result is a comfortable yet carefully curated old-meets-new look that appeals to business and leisure travelers who are bored by typical chain hotels.
Location
Outside the city center in an area well served by public transport
The Volksschule lies east of the city center in a quiet, largely residential part of Hamburg-Mitte’s Hamm quarter. There are a few other hotels nearby and a supermarket next door; however, there aren’t many eateries on the surrounding streets and, save for the Bunkermuseum (Air-Raid Shelter Museum), no real sights to speak of. On the upside, two U-Bahn stations are a short walk away, and, by taking advantage of them, guests can reach popular destinations -- like the Mönckebergstrasse and Reeperbahn (shopping and nightlife hubs respectively) plus the burgeoning HafenCity Harbor District and not-so-old Altstadt (Old Town) -- in 25 minutes or less. If you’ve arrived by car, the hotel offers relatively easy motorway access, and plentiful outdoor parking is available at no extra charge. - Five-minute walk to the Bunkermuseum
Rooms
Stylish, light-filled rooms mix minimalist furnishings with 19th-century character
Divided into four categories, rooms here cover between 194- and 248-square feet, but tall windows and high ceilings make them each one feel ratherspacious. Of course, the earthy palette and uncluttered decor they share also helps. Cocoa-colored accent walls, headboards, and hardwood floors are offset by crisp white linens with pops of pomegranate in the bed pillows. Exposed brickwork accents their history, while oversized sepia-toned photos and Eames chairs in a patchwork print pull the look together. In terms of amenities all feature laptop safes, minibars, free mineral water, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and free Wi-Fi. All also have sleek contemporary bathrooms: picture glassed-in showers with rainfall heads, rectangular vessel sinks, funky fixtures, plus welcome extras like towel warmers and magnifying mirrors. Travelers, however, should note that the rooms (like the hotel as a whole) are not air-conditioned and tea/coffee-making supplies are noticeably absent. The views -- overlooking the Volksschule's uninspiring parking lot and the supermarket next door -- are another drawback.
Features
A breakfast room and bar tops a short list of features
While it gets points for design, the Volkschule comes up short on actual features. For instance, there are no fitness, business or laundry facilities here. The hotel has no restaurant either, though there is a stylish breakfast room where a sustaining buffet of hot and cold items is laid out for free each morning. On-site you’ll also find a lobby-level bar that serves all the expected beverages; this bright, brick-trimmed space promises comfy seating inside as well as a seasonal outdoor patio, but the latter’s location beside the parking lot is far from ideal. Other hotel features include a 24-hour front desk with multilingual staff; free cribs/cots for kids, free newspapers in the breakfast room; and free Wi-Fi throughout.
