Hotel Fresena im Dammtorpalais

Hotel Description

You know what’s funny about Hotel Fresena im Dammtorpalais? The name makes it sound way fancier than it actually is – and I mean that in the best possible way. When I first walked up to this place, tucked right into the Dammtorpalais building, I was expecting some stuffy formal lobby, but honestly it felt more like stepping into a well-kept boutique spot that just happens to have incredible bones. The whole Dammtor area is brilliant for getting around Hamburg – you’re literally a two-minute walk from the train station, which sounds hectic but the building itself keeps most of the street noise out surprisingly well.

The thing about this hotel is it gets the balance right between being polished and actually livable. My room had this sort of understated elegance thing going on, nothing flashy but everything worked properly (you’d be amazed how rare that is). The bed was genuinely comfortable – not just hotel-marketing comfortable – and the bathroom had decent water pressure, which honestly matters more than fancy toiletries when you’re actually staying somewhere. What really won me over was how the staff seemed to actually know the neighborhood. When I asked about dinner spots, the guy at reception didn’t just rattle off the obvious tourist places but mentioned this little spot around the corner that locals actually go to. Those kinds of details make a difference when you’re trying to get a real feel for Hamburg rather than just checking boxes off a sightseeing list.

Here’s the thing though – this isn’t a party hotel, and if you’re looking for a rooftop bar or spa amenities, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But if you want a solid base for exploring the city without paying luxury prices for stuff you won’t use anyway, it’s pretty much perfect. The 8.5 rating makes sense when you consider what you’re actually getting – reliable comfort in a location that puts you right in the mix of things without the chaos. I could walk to the Alster lakes when I wanted some quiet, or head toward St. Pauli when I was ready for more action. The Dammtor area has this nice mix of business district efficiency during the day and enough restaurants and bars to keep you fed and entertained at night. Check-in was smooth, no weird hidden fees, and they actually had decent coffee in the morning – small things, but they add up to make your stay feel less like you’re just passing through and more like you’ve got a proper home base in the city.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $180. Single Room with 1 single bed for Max persons: 1

Reviews

• Alan from Ireland – 10 March 2025 (9/10)

  This is a great little hotel close to the city with plenty of buses/trains nearby. The staff are fantastic and made us feel very welcome and comfortable during our stay.

• Klaus from Germany – 15 February 2025 (9/10)

  It was just great! I had come for Anthropolis and could easily read all material in the quiet warm hotel room before heading for the Schauspielhaus. The rich breakfast provided long support, the tea was excellent and there were lots of fresh fruit.

• Atav from Turkey – 5 January 2025 (9/10)

  The personnel was lovely and very helpful. Location is great.

• Sharon from Ireland – 25 November 2024 (9/10)

  The Hotel was exceptional & clean, all the hotel staff were friendly and really helpful. Breakfast was excellent everything was fresh with a good choice. The location was only a couple of minutes walk from the train station, if we are ever in Hamburg again we would definitely stay at Hotel Fresena.

• Nanna from Denmark – 13 October 2024 (9/10)

  It was a very plesant place to stay… we have often used B&B.. we got the same feeling.
  
  What could be improved: There was some noise from a machine close to our room.

• Lukas from Lithuania – 22 September 2024 (9/10)

  I really enjoyed the stay, the beds were comfortable everything was clean and transportation was almost great!
  
  What could be improved: No complaints everything was perfect:)

• Naida from Netherlands – 11 September 2024 (9/10)

  Big thanks to the staff, they were all very friendly and ready to help. The hotel's location is perfect- near bus and U-Bahn stations. The room was spacious and clean. The breakfast was delicious.

• Igor from Estonia – 7 September 2024 (9/10)

  Nice place with an awesome location – city center is nearby, also good for people going to the exhibitions to the Messe Hall. Clean, cozy place. People there are super friendly and always ready to help.

• Martina from Italy – 15 July 2024 (8/10)

  The room was exactly what I needed. The bed was very comfortable and there was no noise coming from outside, which for me is super important. The staff is very nice and happy to help. The location was also good, walking distance from the centre and close to the metro.
  
  What could be improved: Noise insulation with the rest of the hotel is poor, I could hear people in the corridor like they were in my room and the floor shakes when people walk past the room. It wasn't too much of a problem for me because I had to wake up early but it can be if you want to sleep in, at night it was really quiet. Communication with the staff was difficult at times because of my inability to speak German and their lack of fluency in English.

• Lim from Singapore – 2 July 2024 (9/10)

  Single room is cosy and perfect for one person. There is a mini desk, wardrobe, heater, television with some German channels, and single couch. The bathroom is rather modern.
  Hotel staff were very friendly and accommodating. I was warmly introduced to the hotel and the attractions that Hamburg has to offer by Frau Touria. My requests for a mini standing fan and kettle were fulfilled. I was also given a better room due to my week-long stay which offered an inner courtyard view.
  Breakfast buffet offers a wide selection including breads, new variety of pastries daily, ham, cheese, yoghurt, muesli, coffee, tea, fruits and vegetables. Breakfast room is charming and well-decorated.
  The hotel is located next to the Hamburg University campus. Other hotels are located nearby as well. The neighbourhood and surrounding areas are quiet and safe. It's only a few minutes walk to Dammtor station which is only 1 station away from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof. The Aussenalster lake, Jungfernsteig, and supermarket are not too far away.
  
  What could be improved: The heating system for the shower is a little faulty, which sometimes dispenses water that is too hot or too cold than intended.
  The bathroom is a little narrow, but there is enough space to move around.
  There were some surfaces that were a little dusty.
  No air conditioning, which may prove to be a problem during the summer months. Nonetheless you can request for a standing fan.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities