Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Atlantic Kempinski in Hamburg is a five star, classic landmark hotel that is located on Lake Alster. First opened more than a century ago, Hotel Atlantic was fully refurbished between 2010-2012, and the result is a grand hotel. Here’s what you need to know (also see our business travel review of Hamburg, Germany).

Experience Hotel Atlantic in Hamburg:

[flgallery id=61/]

 Guest Rooms at Hotel Atlantic

The Hotel Atlanitc Kempinski has 215 guest rooms and 30 suites (each with high ceilings), and each is unique. I stayed in a deluxe room (about 450 square feet) that had a Murano glass light fixture upon entry and an inner courtyard view — two sets of french doors with juliet balconies — and king bed (totally comfortable). High quality, traditional features were found throughout the room (I liked the first class touches down to the brass key chain, wood shoe horn and full sized umbrella in the room). And the marble bathroom featured a separate shower and bathtub, as well as a heated floor which is great in the morning.

The Atlantic Suite

For the VIP guest experience or use as an executive hospitality suite for an intimate meeting, The Atlantic Suite is an elegant experience. This is where the hotel’s most prestigious and celebrity guests stay (and can be expanded to include five rooms with connecting doors). The Atlantic Suite has excellent views of the city and the decor reflects sophisticated luxury and contemporary style with unique pieces from European designers. It features historical stucco and wood panelling, mirrors, adornments, handmade carpets, luxury silk curtains, design pieces, Swarovski chandeliers, a Bang & Olufsen TV system, a Bose sound system and a Bulthaup pantry kitchen. The suite includes two bathrooms made of Nero Marquina and Carrara marble with a rain shower and heated floor, three separate guest toilets, two master bedrooms, two living rooms, one dining/conference room and one pantry kitchen.

Dining at Hotel Atlantic

The Atlantic Restaurant reflects its century old tradition with classical, maritime and regional specialties. Executive chef Thomas Wilken retains the century old traditional of classic, maritime and regional specialities at The Atlantic Restaurant. And Maître Wilfried Kopf and Sommelier Lars Hentschel have looked after guests for more than 17 years. Tsao Yang is a genuine Chinese restaurant on site with feng shui design. The Atlantic Bar is an equally stylish spots where guests can relax. I spent the end of the evening with others here in the piano bar listening to a range of American and international songs and several glasses of great German wine.

Meetings and Events at Hotel Atlantic

The hotel offers 13 stylish venues, magnificent ballrooms, and historical room – all of which are located around a picturesque courtyard. Events, meetings, and conferences with up to 600 people or balls and receptions for up to 1,200 people in unique and individual settings. The hotel also offers first class catering services, providing creative gourmet cuisine at its best for up to 3,500 people. For a very special occasion, ask the conference management staff about the potential use of its rooftop (which offers an amazing view) and attic for small gatherings.

Spa at Hotel Atlantic

The Energy Clinic is an  exclusive day and hotel spa at the Hotel Atlantic Kempinski, including high-class, relaxing, and energising treatments, massages and rejuvenation programs. Its wellness concept is based upon twenty years of science and combines old Chinese wisdom with modern techniques to maximize health, well-being and beauty. The spa is small (only four treatment rooms), and “rejuvenation” is its signature service — a 45 minutes head, neck, arms and leg message (which I think sounds great). As is typical when I’m on the road, I found some spa time for myself. However, I only had enough time for one service, so I opted for some personal “maintenance” and scheduled a men’s facial. The spa uses all natural products, and I enjoyed the aloe vera mask which was taken directly from the plant! I have to say that my technician exceeded expectations, and the spa management maintained my privacy when a colleague was searching the hotel for me because I was running a few minutes behind schedule. The Energy Clinic is also where you’ll find the hotel’s indoor pool with a sauna and a solarium as well as a small gym with cross-trainers and barbells. I used the lap pool shortly after it opened at 7 a.m., and had the place completely to myself for 15 minutes — which was great. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday and bank holidays from 8 am to 8 pm.

The Verdict?

The Hotel Atlantic Kempinski in Hamburg, Germany, is an excellent hotel with luxury comforts. It is within easy walking distance to the lake, shopping and dining experiences. I would highly recommend this hotel for anyone searching for a classic and exclusive hotel in central Hamburg.