Le Méridien Hamburg Formerly: Le Royal Méridien Hamburg

One of the top swish options within close proximity to all things gay and glorious in St Georg, the 284-room Royal Méridien has a certain urban catwalk thing going on, eschewing the kind of stuffiness and grandeur one associates with these prices in favour of sleekness, benign funkiness and artiness. Walls are decorated with artworks whenver possible, furnishings are designer-modern, colours are uncoventional and there's a light and airy feel throughout much of the building. A major 2016 rethink resulted in the integrated, designer ground-floor Hub, including the Latitude bar, while the ninth-floor restaurant/bar Heritage provides spectacular views of Hamburg's serene and beautiful lake the Alster. Gym facilities are more neat and tidy than expansive, and there's a spa. Walking to the Lange Reihe will not provide much exercise as it's a mere four minutes away. Purpose-built in 2003 and taken over by Starwood Hotels in 2005.