Hotel Atlantic Kempinski

Overlooking the Alster lake and offering a full-throttle, traditional leisure experience, the Atlantic Kempinski has been a hotel since the building was erected in 1909. In 2011 a major upgrade and transformation of its 240-plus rooms established four zones, each distinguished by colour and design: Europe (blue), Asia (red, gold and yellow), North America (purple and blue) and Africa (brown and yellow). Just seconds from St Georg's gay-happy Lange Reihe, the hotel is a Hamburg institution, but its restoration and upgrade have placed it squarely in the 21st century, with impressive spa/gym facilities and a choice of restaurants and bars. Very much a we-aim-to-please-in-style establishment.