Park Hyatt Hamburg

Emanating a decidedly Art Deco theme, the  Park Hyatt Hamburg's centerpiece is a floor-to-ceiling doughnut hole opening through all four floors that's topped with a beautiful stained-glass window. The lobby has immaculate wood floors, reception desks, cabinets, and a couple of lounge areas and wooden armchairs. The glass elevators look out to the classy residential buildings that flank the hotel, along with the upscale, cobblestone street-lined shopping promenade below. Apples Bar and Restaurant is modern and artistic, marked by green apple emblems throughout. The hallways are the only dated element of the property, with stripped wallpaper and carpeting that could use a refresh. The building's red-brick exterior is beautiful, and it blends seamlessly with others along the promenade.

In the historic Levantehaus along the Monckebergstrasse promenade, the hotel is surrounded by high-end jewelry and chain clothing shops. The Hamburg airport is about 25 minutes away by car, taxi, or S-Bahn, and the main railway station (Hauptbahnhof) is within a five-minute walk. The Monckebergstrasse U-Bahn station is even closer, just diagonal from the hotel. The Warehouse District and Neuer Wall are within a 15-minute walk, while the lovely Alster Lake is about 10 minutes away on foot.

There are 231 rooms and 21 suites, plus 31 private residences for longer stays. Each is astonishingly spacious, with high ceilings and vast floor space. Deluxe Rooms include a lounge area with a desk, chair, and armchair along a large window. The modern bathrooms come with a large combination tub and shower stall, high-end toiletries, slippers, and bathrobes. Each room is equipped with a large satellite TV,  wooden cabinets, night stands, accent walls, free Wi-Fi, contemporary espresso makers, tea kettles, minibars, mini-fridges, safes, and ironing facilities. The suites offer even more square footage, and come equipped with chair lounges and large bathrooms, some of which have enormous massage showers. Decor is streamlined, elegant, and understated (think: white bedding, gray carpeting, lots of wood accents), though some may be expecting a bit more wow factor at this price point. 

In addition to free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, the Club Olympus Spa & Fitness Center offers guests access to the indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and steam room, and large fitness center with several state-of-the-art weight and exercise machines. There is also a yoga studio with classes offered daily. A variety of massage and beauty treatments are available in the spa, and the hotel offers cooking and cocktail classes through its full service Apple Restaurant and Bar, which is open for a massive breakfast buffet (not included in the room price), plus lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks all day long. There is also 24-hour room service, limousine service, and a business center with offices, meeting rooms, and a large presentation room for events, with full catering services available.