25hours Hotel Altes Hafenamt

Hotel Description

Honestly, the first thing that hits you about 25hours Hotel Altes Hafenamt is how they managed to make a former port authority building feel completely alive again. I mean, you can still sense the maritime history in the bones of the place – those thick walls and industrial windows – but they’ve layered on this playful, almost cheeky personality that’s pure Hamburg. The lobby feels like someone’s really cool friend decorated it, with vintage nautical pieces mixed with contemporary art that actually makes you stop and look.

What really gets me about this place is how effortlessly it captures that Hamburg spirit without trying too hard. You know what I’m talking about if you’ve spent any time in the city – that perfect balance of gritty port town authenticity and sophisticated urban energy. The rooms have this cozy-industrial thing going on, with exposed elements that remind you you’re in a converted historic building, but everything’s been thoughtfully updated. The beds are genuinely comfortable (I’m picky about this), and the bathrooms strike that sweet spot between stylish and functional. Some rooms have these amazing harbor views, though honestly, even the courtyard-facing ones have character.

The location is sort of brilliant in a way that might not be obvious at first glance. You’re right in the thick of HafenCity, which means you can walk to the Elbphilharmonie in about ten minutes – and trust me, that evening stroll along the water is something special. But here’s the thing locals know: this area really comes alive in the evenings and weekends, while staying relatively quiet during weekday mornings. Perfect if you want to feel connected to the city’s pulse without dealing with constant tourist crowds. The hotel’s restaurant and bar scene draws a good mix of guests and Hamburg residents, which always feels like a good sign to me. You’ll hear German and English floating around in equal measure, and the staff – well, they actually seem to enjoy their jobs, which makes a difference in how your whole stay feels. Check-in was smooth when I was there, though I’d imagine summer months might get busier given how popular HafenCity has become. One small thing worth mentioning: if you’re driving, parking can be a bit of a puzzle in this part of town, but the hotel staff knows the area well enough to point you in the right direction.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $214. Medium Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $235. Large Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $266. Extra Large with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Nikolaj from Denmark – 14 May 2025 (9/10)

  Extremely nice athmosphere. i think the best i have ever experienced on a hotel.
  super friendly, relaxed and helpful staff.
  
  What could be improved: –

• Arthur from United States – 28 April 2025 (9/10)

  Modern and very nice hotel. Great location
  
  What could be improved: Very small rooms

• Henry from United Kingdom – 19 September 2024 (9/10)

  Really lovely old building, exceptionally helpful staff in a great location for the Hafenstadt! The bed in particular was super comfy.
  
  What could be improved: Due to it being a wonderful old building, and the chosen lighting style it was ever so slightly dark.

• Markus from Germany – 13 June 2024 (9/10)

  Design und Location
  
  What could be improved: —-

• Donna from United Kingdom – 24 May 2024 (9/10)

  Everything!
  
  What could be improved: Poor lighting in the bathroom

• Jonathan from Luxembourg – 24 May 2024 (9/10)

  Style of decor..
  Free beer in the minibar!
  
  What could be improved: No coffee in the room.
  A couple of things loose in the bathroom.

• Nora from Denmark – 20 May 2024 (9/10)

  Luxurious with a dash of quirky. Beautiful rooms, restaurant and bar.
  
  What could be improved: Odd layout to make use of an old building.

• Qamar from United Arab Emirates – 20 May 2024 (9/10)

  Easy to find, very close to the station. Safe area, surrounded by restaurants and a super market. What I appreciated the most was the free upgrade and late check out which we were granted after the AC in our original room did not work. Stefan attended to the issue very swiftly and the room change was hassle free. I would stay here again. Thanks!

• Luciano from United Kingdom – 8 May 2024 (9/10)

  Very informal and friendly
  
  What could be improved: Lack of an automatic coffee machine

• Inb016 from Germany – 9 March 2024 (8/10)

  This Hotel is not the usual kind of Hotel in terms of interior and design indeed. I really loved the whole setting and they did put some very nice and interesting thoughts into it not to mention with a good eye for details. But it would blow such a whole review here to write it all down and one should see it for him or herself. The Hotel is located in the heart of so called Hafen City of Hamburg, a pretty new and still growing area of Hamburg and around 15 minutes ish walking distance from the "old" downtown away. I also loved the breakfast buffet, which is not the usual Hotel breakfast style, and the kitchen team does actually put some thoughts into it. Very nice. Overall the team appears to be very young and I was asked during check in, whether it is ok if they address me with "Du", so personal pronoun "you", which is a more informal way of addressing someone in Germany, like you're their buddy or so. Well, why not.
  
  What could be improved: Unfortunately I did have one not nice experience, even very bad I would say, during check in too with the receptionist. While he was explaining me the Hotel and its setting a little, I asked him, because I missed it or he didn't even tell me yet, what actually my room number will be. The answer was "Its NNN. I also wrote it down here on this little card for you. I hope you can read." … "I hope you can read" ?!? WTH. I never heard this or rather such an insult during the centuries I travel by now, staying in all different kind of settings from some back country Motels abroad up to 5+ star Hotels. So 25hours team: Being young and (considerable) hip, does not mean you show disrespect to whoever walks into your Hotel at all. This is not acceptable.

SURROUNDINGS

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