Earlier this week, Florian and I decided that it’d be fun to explore Hamburg! We had this city on our bucket list for what felt like forever. When we saw how good the weather should be, we decided to go without further ado. Even if it was a very spontaneous trip, we had the most luxury stay at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg and enjoyed it to the fullest! Read on if you want to know more about our stay and the best things to do in Hamburg.
I get that Hamburg may not be the most popular tourist destination and that there are more photogenic cities in Germany. But let me tell you: Hamburg is definitely worth a visit! I’d say it’s one of the most underrated cities in Germany.
In fact, Hamburg is Germany’s second largest city and a major port city with beautiful sunrise views, incredibly good food and so much to explore!
How to spend 2 Days in Hamburg
To be honest, 2 days in Hamburg are just enough to realize that you want 2 weeks or an entire lifetime. Most people might think that Hamburg is odd, boring and uninteresting, but the opposite is true.
Best time to visit Hamburg
Most cities in Europe tend to have their high season at around the same time, but for Hamburg it’s generally spring, summer and early autumn. Now, I know many people who’d say that you should avoid these seasons at all cost. But honestly, you should not. To be honest, Hamburg is not known for its perfect weather which is why you should take advantage of summer.
Hence, the best time to visit Hamburg is probably summer, because the weather will be better and you get to enjoy Hamburg in full bloom. We visited Hamburg in early August and could not wish for a better stay!
How to get to Hamburg
We traveled to Hamburg by car, but Hamburg has an international airport that is 9 km from the city centre. Moreover, there are several train connections that run between Hamburg and other major German and even European cities.
Getting around in Hamburg
The best way to explore Hamburg is on foot or by using public transportation. During our 2-day stay, we haven’t used buses or trains and simply walked to the destinations we wanted to see.
Best things to do in Hamburg
- Take a stroll through Hamburg’s Speicherstadt
- Be amazed by the view of the Wasserschlösschen during sunset
- Visit the Elbphilarmonie
- Don’t miss St. Michael’s Church also known as „Hamburger Michel“
- Go for a walk at Inner Alster lake
A luxury stay at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg
The Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg is one of the best hotels in the world. Not only does the hotel belong to the alliance of The Leading Hotels of the World and received numerous national and international awards, but also belongs to the selection of German luxury hotels and is one of the few hotels with a 5* superior classification.
History of the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg
I love hotels that have a history, especially older buildings which make me dream of the life of another epoch. Did you know that one of the most luxurious hotels of the world started as a small, inconspicuous house with only eleven rooms? When Friedrich Haerlin bought the building back in 1897, he converted it into a luxury hotel and bought further properties in the neighborhood. Nowadays, the hotel consists of five buildings with numerous rooms and suites.
Unfortunately, the hotel was only barely preserved after the First World War. The damaged hotel had to be completely renovated. In the course of this, the Haerlin restaurant was opened in 1919 and the Jahreszeiten Grill followed in 1925. The characteristic green copper roof completed the renovation work of the building after a viewing balcony was added on the 5th floor. In the 1930s, the founder’s son, Fritz Haerlin, opened the Café Condi.
Luckily, the hotel was only slightly damaged during World War II which is why so much history is still preserved. Ultimately, this makes the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten a very unique and luxurious place to stay at when in Hamburg.
Our stay at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg
As previously mentioned, we decided to stay in Hamburg for two days. And honestly, the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is the perfect place to stay when visiting Hamburg.
Whether it’s the view from the 300 sq. m. roof terrace, a visit to one of the top restaurants with exquisite cuisine or relaxation in the wellness area – Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is a true oasis for guests and visitors.
The buildings itself is full of history and the hotel managed to preserve it in full authenticity. As soon as you step inside, the dark wooden entrance hall gives you a feeling of past times and stands in tasteful contrast to the otherwise modern hotel. Although the hotel has been renovated from 2008 to 2010, it has retained much of its charm.
The overall design of Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg is super unique and unites old elements with a modern touch. For example, the Café Condi once was built in Biedermeier style and still appears to be stuck in time. Meanwhile, the hotel’s newest restaurant, Nikkei Nine, is a very modern and futuristic place where Japanese-South American Nikkei cuisine is served.
Rooms at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg
The luxury hotel on Neuer Jungfernstieg in Hamburg has 156 rooms and suites that were renovated in 2014/2015 and have been carefully thought out down to the smallest detail. I love that no room is like the other and no floor follows the same division. That makes a stay at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg even more unique!
All rooms are luxurious, comfortable, spacious and come with a breathtaking view either of the Inner Alster or the hotel’s inner courtyard. Particularly famous are the hotel’s celebrity suites which are named after personalities who regularly resided at the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten.
Ingrid Bergman Celebrity Suite
During our stay, we had the pleasure to stay in one of the celebrity suites called Ingrid Bergman Suite and we were absolutely overwhelmed by the beautiful and luxurious design. When you first enter the suite, you find yourself in a small hallway. From there it goes left to the bathroom or straight ahead to either the living room or bedroom. From the bedroom there is a door to the dressing room.
Every square meter of the pastel purple suite is perfectly thought out and gives you the feeling that Ingrid Bergman herself could open the door at any moment.
Restaurants and Bars at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg
Breakfast
Breakfast with a view of the Alster? No problem in Café Condi, which is popular with guests and hamburgers alike. The breakfast selection ranges from fresh croissants to exquisite spreads and the finest cold cuts. Egg dishes are freshly prepared according to your wishes and generally nothing is left to be desired. When we first entered the café, a lady told us ‚you may not see everything, but we have everything‚ and that’s true for sure. Whether you desire fresh rye bread with poached eggs and avocado or simple crêpes with a nut-nougat spread. Nothing remains impossible in Café Condi. By the way, everything the hotel has to offer can also be purchased directly in the Condi Lounge.
However, there is also the option of enjoying breakfast in your room. In-room breakfast has to be ordered before 2am. To order breakfast, simply tick a card with various offers. In addition, you specify your preferred breakfast time and breakfast is delivered straight to your room.
Since we stayed in the hotel for two days, we used one day for breakfast in Café Condi and the other day for breakfast in our suite. We liked both, because at the in-room breakfast you get a wide selection of the buffet, so there is something for everyone.
Restaurants
The hotel’s restaurants are known for unique moments of pleasure at the highest level. Above all, the Haerlin restaurant, which is known far beyond the borders of Hamburg, has been awarded two Michelin stars and 19 Gault Millau points and is also considered the best restaurant in Germany.
And if you prefer something more modern, the Nikkei Nine offers a combination of Japanese subtlety with elements from Peru. Incidentally, the Nikkei Nine is said to have the best sushi in all of Hamburg.
The Jahreszeiten Grill opened back in 1926 and is still in its original Art Deco style. Here you will find regional specialties from Hamburg’s Hanseatic cuisine. Moreover, there is the Jahreszeiten Terrasse which is located directly on the Inner Alster and comes with a spectacular panoramic view.
Bar
The Jahreszeiten Bar is Hamburg’s smallest bar over two floors and comes with a view of the Inner Alster. It’s the perfect place to begin or end an evening.
Spa, Wellness & Fitness at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg
Normally, a dreamlike world of relaxation opens up on an area of almost 1,000 sq. m. But unfortunately, the spa & wellness area was closed due to corona. Normally, you can enjoy over a hundred different treatments, saunas with a salt crystal wall, steam baths with cold plunge pools and a relaxation area with a wood fireplace.
However, the fitness area was still open and we loved the New York loft style. Moreover, the fitness area has the most modern equipment and comes with a yoga area and personal trainers if you desire to train with someone else.
Summary
A weekend in Hamburg is perfect for anyone looking for a little break from everyday life. In the Hanseatic city everyone will find something that will make them shine with joy. Be it shopping in the city center, a visit to the Elbphilharmonie or a walk on the Inner Alster.
A visit to the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is also a must for anyone looking for historical charm and great luxury. Visiting the hotel or one of the restaurants is an absolute experience and should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Get more information about the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg.
I hope you liked this post about our stay in Hamburg. Here are some more posts you might enjoy:
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