Tried and Tested: Reichshof Hotel Hamburg, Curio Collection by Hilton
TESTED BY Ramsey Qubein
HOW MANY ROOMS? 278 rooms and suites
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS The first hotel in Europe handpicked to join Curio – A Collection by Hilton, Reichshof Hamburg is a grande dame that has been reenergized from top to bottom
PRICE Internet rates for a traditional room start at $155
CONTACT Reichshof Hotel Hamburg, A Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton, Kirchenallee 34-36, Hamburg, Germany 20099, tel +49 40 370259-0,
reichshof-hotel-hamburg.de/en/
VERDICT: This historic hotel has reinvigorated itself and is quickly becoming a magnet for American visitors thanks to its membership in the Hilton portfolio. Its location by the main train station makes for convenient connections to the airport and the surrounding region.
BACKGROUND: As one of the first hotels in the Curio collection, the Reichshof shows off its rich architectural heritage and its modern amenities for today’s traveler. The design elements and photographs throughout the lobby show off Hamburg as an important Hanseatic city, part of the attraction for business travelers, tourists, and conference groups today.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? True to its tradition, the hotel respectfully maintains its art deco style throughout, and the historic façade and protected interiors are impressively grandiose, but the vibrant bar with flickering TV screens and mood lighting create a surprising first impression for the present.
WHERE IS IT? While many of the city’s prime addresses are found around the lake, this enviable location steps from the main train station is primed more for convenience than views.
ROOM FACILITIES: The rooms are neither overly large nor laden with unnecessary pizzazz or design; instead they are quintessentially German in their efficient layout. What you find is rooms that reveal consistent comfort while respecting the building’s architectural history. Each varies in size and exposure, but all have storage areas with laptop-sized safes; wide desks with plentiful power outlets and free wireless Internet; and duvet-topped bedding with power outlets. Bathrooms are bright with White Company toiletries.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS: Hamburg has loads of creative cuisine, and the proximity to the train station and subway grants visitors immediate access to all of it. Hamburg has everything from its famous weekly fish markets (more like a food and social market with music and souvenir shopping) to top-notch dining outlets. But hotel guests need not venture so far afield; the marble-lined Stadt Restaurant offers all day dining beginning with a marvelous breakfast buffet showcasing local and organic flavors. The menu of customizable dishes features local ingredients all procured from within a 12-mile radius. Bar 1910, located just off the hotel lobby, features handcrafted cocktails – many of which are a throwback to the roaring 20s.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES: Business groups will find meeting space ideal for small to medium sized groups. The hotel offers an authenticity that interests meeting planners (this isn’t a cookie-cutter chain hotel), but doesn’t skimp on business amenities like free wireless Internet and the latest audiovisual technology.
LEISURE FACILITIES: While not oversized, there is a modern fitness center and spa with sauna and steam room facilities. True to the hotel’s emphasis on health and wellness, guests can even enjoy a weekly run around the city’s Alster Lake with the hotel’s general manager. It’s the kind of unique experience found at many Curio Collection hotels and resorts.
VERDICT: This historic hotel has reinvigorated itself and is quickly becoming a magnet for American visitors thanks to its membership in the Hilton portfolio. Its location by the main train station makes for convenient connections to the airport and the surrounding region.
