Samuel Wines
After a 28-hour transit from Melbourne to Hamburg. I felt like treating myself to a little bit of 5-star luxury. It was well deserved in my eyes. For the first port of call of my German Summer Holiday, I checked into the delightful Hotel Atlantic Kempinski.
The History
If you’re looking for luxury accommodation with a rich history in Hamburg, Hotel Atlantic is hard to beat. First opened in 1909, the hotel has all the character and old world charm of a traditional European grand hotel. Only a quick walk away from the heart of Hamburg, neatly nestled along the bank of Lake Alster, the hotel proved to be the perfect summer oasis.
The Design
Upon entering the lobby, it feels like you have stepped back into a time of opulence and grandeur. A beautiful wooden and marble staircase cascades down from the level above; while a series of stunning chandeliers line the ceiling drawing your attention towards the lounge and bar. The moment I walked in I felt a sense of warmth and old world charm as we walked over to the concierge. The prevailing nautical theme was the perfect way to infuse the cities heritage Europe’s second-largest port. With historical maritime instruments and notable model naval ships scattered throughout each level, it almost felt more like a museum than a hotel—a beautiful way to pay homage to Hamburg’s past.
The Food & Drink
As a port city, excellent quality seafood is a given. The Modern German cuisine at The Atlantic Restaurant was perfectly paired with locally sourced regional produce to create a beautiful array of dishes. The lovely wait staff informed me that the classic restaurant is well known for a series of perennial signature dishes. The most notable of which was the lobster soup and steak tartare.
The continental breakfast buffet spread at Atlantic Alstersalon was fit for a king (or queen); with fresh food coming from every angle of Europe it was the perfect antidote to the previous day worth of plane food. With its lake-facing windows, this lovely little restaurant would have to be my favourite buffet breakfasts I’ve had in Hamburg to date.
The Facilities
Would it really be a German hotel without a sauna? Luckily, that wasn’t even a question. Because of my behaviour at the buffet breakfast, I felt that a swim and sauna session was well warranted. The hotel boasts a well-equipped fitness centre, luxurious day spa, and pool. The perfect place to relax and unwind, or, in my case, work off that big breakfast.
Hamburg really is a beautiful city to explore, so make sure you check out my other article featuring Hamburg’s highlights, as well as the best bits of Berlin here.