Motel One Hamburg am Michel

Hotel Description

You know what really struck me about Motel One Hamburg am Michel? The moment you step out the front door, you’re practically in the shadow of St. Michaelis Church – I mean, the Michel is right there, bells and all. If you’re not familiar with Hamburg, this is basically like staying next to the city’s most iconic landmark, which honestly feels pretty surreal for what’s technically a budget-friendly chain hotel.

The thing is, this place gets the balance right in a way that surprised me. Sure, it’s a 3-star property, but they’ve put thought into the details that actually matter when you’re traveling. The rooms are compact – I’m talking efficiently small, not cramped – with these surprisingly comfortable beds and clever storage solutions that make you forget you’re basically in Hamburg’s version of a smart hotel concept. The bathrooms are tiny but well-designed, with decent water pressure (which, let’s be honest, can be hit-or-miss in European city hotels). What I really appreciated was how quiet it stayed at night, even though you’re right in the thick of things near the harbor area.

The location thing is huge here, and I don’t just mean because the Michel is your neighbor. You’re walking distance to the Speicherstadt – those red brick warehouse buildings that everyone photographs – and the whole HafenCity development is right there too. But here’s what guidebooks don’t tell you: you’re also close enough to walk to some genuinely good local spots that aren’t total tourist traps. The breakfast situation is solid without being fancy, and the lobby bar actually gets busy with locals in the evenings, which is always a good sign. The staff seemed to know their stuff too – they pointed me toward a couple of restaurants in the area that I never would have found otherwise. Look, it’s not going to blow your mind with luxury, but for the price point and that location, it’s honestly hard to beat. If you want to be in the heart of Hamburg without paying tourist-trap hotel prices, this is probably your best bet.

Hotels in Hamburg offer guests the perfect blend of maritime charm and modern comfort, with many featuring harbor cruise concierge services and traditional fish market experiences to enhance the authentic Hanseatic cultural experience.

Reviews

• Freeney from Ireland – 12 May 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent location, very clean 👌 .
  
  What could be improved: rooms are small

• Ville from Finland – 9 May 2025 (8/10)

  Nice view from the top floor room. Nice lobby bar.
  
  What could be improved: Entrance to the parking garage was hard to find, but hotel staff was helpful with that.

• Bartłomiej from Poland – 3 October 2024 (8/10)

  Very good breakfast. Car park.

• Chris from Australia – 11 August 2024 (8/10)

  Super easy check in and check out with very friendly Reception and bar staff. Great location with a bus stop on either side of the road only a 2 minute walk away. Nice ambience in the foyer and outside too!
  
  What could be improved: I know I had a budget room which suited my needs perfectly, but there was no fridge. Not all that important but I had some food with me that I could've kept in there. No problems at all about that though!

• Susan from United Kingdom – 31 July 2024 (9/10)

  The decor in the hotel was modern and attractive. Although the room wasn’t that big, it was stylish and well appointed. There were plenty of lights and sockets. Although it was on a busy road, it was very quiet. The bathroom was immaculate, and had a great shower. The breakfast was amazing.
  
  What could be improved: The bedroom was a bit small. There was no view.

• Cristina from Germany – 28 July 2024 (9/10)

  Location was great

• Vilma from Finland – 26 July 2024 (8/10)

  Location, staff, level of cleannes and the room size were all great!
  
  What could be improved: Personally, I wish there would be complimentary coffee in the room for late mornings and also I wish more warm dishes to be served at the breakfast.

• Siran from France – 25 July 2024 (7/10)

  very good one
  
  What could be improved: a laundry romm will be better

• Camilla from Belgium – 19 July 2024 (7/10)

  The hotel is well located, walking distance from the city center and the Harbour. Clean and comfortable, the breakfast really good.
  
  What could be improved: I booked at this hotel to be sure I had a parking slot in Hamburg, you cannot reserve it but they say they have parking on site for 20euro/night., but when I arrive the parking was full, they diverted me to other parkings nearby, they were all full I ended up parking much further, after almost one hour looking around, in a very expensive parking. When I complained to the reception, the staff was useless. I didn't even get a "we are sorry for the inconvenience." Really frustrating! After a long drive you don't want to spend an hour looking for a parking spot.

• Yvonne from Germany – 8 July 2024 (9/10)

  Very clean and beautifully decorated
  
  What could be improved: The pillows are to soft

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities