For several years now, Hamburg has been known as one of the 5-star hotspots in Germany. The SIDE Hotel in Hamburg has been on the market since 2001. A few months ago, the hotel underwent a complete makeover and was reintroduced to the market in spring 2018 after a three-month break.
The hotel is located on Drehbahn 49 in Hamburg, which could be described as “ingenious”. It is situated in a small and quiet side street away from the hustle and bustle, yet still in the city center. It’s just a few steps away from Gänsemarkt, Jungfernstieg, Binnenalster, and popular shopping areas.
The modern and almost glamorous exterior promises excitement. As soon as you enter, a cozy but urban and meticulously designed atmosphere spreads throughout the hotel. It is neither overloaded nor cold. The 28-meter-high atrium, which is covered with glass, is particularly striking. It seems that the infamous Italian hotel designer Matteo Thun has done an excellent job.
The same goes for the 178 hotel rooms and suites, which come in three different sizes or categories. Subtle colors and carefully selected materials such as fabrics and leather dominate the rooms. One thing that stands out is the three glass birds in different colors in each room. They were also designed by star designer Matteo Thun and are intended to contribute to guests’ well-being.
The welcome amenities in the room are also worth mentioning. Water, fresh fruit, and two handwritten letters are provided. While water and fruit are occasionally offered in good hotels, handwritten notes are rare, especially in city hotels. Such attention to detail is more often found in very good luxury hotels in vacation destinations. Additionally, an Illy coffee machine is included in each room.
However, the most important aspect of any hotel room is the bed, and the one at SIDE Hotel is over two meters wide, comfortable, and the bedding is exceptionally comfortable. Another important aspect is the availability of numerous electrical outlets, including one right next to the bed, which saves the trouble of having to stretch power cords for the laptop or smartphone. The bathroom is also modern and functional, albeit not excessively large in the deluxe rooms.
The SIDE Hotel is also in the top tier of the city’s gastronomic scene, which is famously vast. One of the best steak restaurants in the city is located directly in the hotel. In addition to the excellent dining options, the restaurant’s focal point is the open aging cabinet, which displays the finest dry-aged beef that will make any meat lover salivate. By the way, Meatery stands for meat, eat, and meet. The restaurant can accommodate about 100 people. Enjoy your meal!
Breakfast is also served in Meatery. A truly extensive breakfast buffet with everything your heart desires is available. In addition, egg dishes, fresh juices, and other delicacies can be ordered directly and will be brought to the table shortly after. The breakfast times are also worth noting. On weekdays, breakfast is served from 6:30 am to 11:00 am, and on weekends and public holidays, it is served from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. That’s what I call a sympathetically long breakfast time!
The hotel also has a spa area, including an indoor pool. Pools are rather rare in the Hamburg hotel scene, and the SPA and pool area’s opening hours from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm every day are generous. By the way, external guests can also use the spa and pool area for a fee.
In the end, one thing needs to be highlighted in particular. Whether at the reception desk, in the hallway, or in the restaurant, the staff is exceptionally attentive and friendly. Of course, it’s a five-star hotel, and expectations are rightfully high, but the staff manages to be wonderfully unexcited, giving the service its own charming touch. Need an example? During check-in, instead of simply handing over the room card across the counter, the employee walks around the counter to personally hand the card to the guest. Hats off!