NH Collection Hamburg City

From the outside, NH Collection Hamburg City has the look of a generic hotel chain, set in a boring seven-story building. Interiors, however, have been given a face-lift in 2016 and received a much-needed revamp since our last visit. Floors in sleek gray marble and gleaming silver-colored reception counters create an almost futuristic vibe in the lobby, while high-backed contemporary-style chairs in bright red provide a contrast to the predominantly silver color palette of the public spaces. Blown-up black and white photographic prints of Hamburg cityscapes add an interesting decorative element. The hotel caters primarily to business travelers due to its proximity to the Hamburg Congress Center.

NH Collection Hamburg City is located a 17-minute walk from the CCH Hamburg Congress Center in an area with a fair few dining options. It's not in the city center, but guests can get into town on a train from the Messehallen U-Bahn station, a four-minute walk away.

• Five-minute walk to Hamburger Dom fairground
• 11-minute walk to Planten un Blumon Park
• 17-minute walk to CCH Hamburg Congress Center 
• Seven minutes to Landungsbrucken harbor and fish market by public transit
• Eight minutes to Hamburg train station by public transit
• 13 minutes to Reeperbahn Street nightlife district by public transit 
• 15 minutes to Hamburg Bus Station by public transit
• 18 minutes to Kunsthalle Hamburg Museum by public transit
• 22 minutes to Alster Lake by public transit 
• 23 minutes to International Maritime Museum by public transit
• 35 minutes to Hamburg Airport by public transit

Renovated in 2015, the predominantly white guest rooms and suites have a chic, minimalist vibe that creates a calm atmosphere -- though the look could be too sterile for some. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of natural light, while white hardwood floors add some warmth to the decor. Contrast comes from gray upholstered sofas and bright-red, mid-century-style swivel chairs. All the rooms are well equipped with minibars, Nespresso machines, electric kettles, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Family Rooms and Suites expand the offerings with separate sitting areas and sofa beds, and some suites also feature a balcony.

Bathrooms are equally chic with roomy walk-in rainfall showers and double vanities in some. A few have windows between the bathrooms and bedrooms, with adjustable blinds for privacy. Magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers come standard.

While some of the missing features here are quite glaring -- the lack of a restaurant and fitness center in particular -- the NH Collection does have a fair amount of other features on offer. For a fee, the hotel offers the NH chain's antiOx breakfast of healthy and organic options, with lots of vegan items and a wide selection of fresh juices. An Early Bird breakfast is also available. The hotel's lobby bar is open 24 hours and serves a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. A free courtesy bar of healthy snacks is on offer in the afternoons. 

Another missing amenity is a pool, but the hotel's spa area is opened for a limited time during the day, and offers a sauna, a steam room, and a sun terrace with panoramic views. There's also a computer and printer for guest use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. However, there have been complaints of connectivity issues. Other features include underground parking (for a fee), free daily newspapers, and a free daily ironing service (one item per day). Pets are welcome for a fee as well.