The Fontenay Hamburg

Hotel Description

You know what hits you first at The Fontenay? It’s not just the stunning modern architecture or the way it curves along the Alster lake – it’s honestly the smell of fresh lilies in the lobby mixed with something that’s probably the most expensive wood polish money can buy. This place opened in 2018 and it still feels like Hamburg’s best-kept secret, even though locals are starting to catch on (you’ll see them at the bar on weekends, which is actually a good sign).

The building itself is this gorgeous contemporary thing that somehow doesn’t clash with Hamburg’s historic vibe – I mean, you’re right in the heart of the city but it feels like you’re floating on the water. The rooms are massive by European standards, and here’s the thing nobody tells you: ask for a lake-facing room on the upper floors. Yeah, it costs more, but watching the morning mist roll off the Alster while you’re having coffee in that ridiculously comfortable bathrobe? Worth every euro. The bathrooms are marble everything – almost intimidatingly fancy – though I’ll be honest, it took me a solid minute to figure out how the shower controls worked. Small price to pay for what might be the best water pressure I’ve encountered in Germany.

What really sets this place apart though is how they’ve nailed the details without being stuffy about it. The staff actually remembers your name (not just because they’re reading it off a screen), and the concierge team knows Hamburg inside and out. They sent me to this tiny fish market spot in Altona that I never would’ve found otherwise, and steered me away from the tourist traps near the Reeperbahn. The spa is phenomenal – there’s this infinity pool that makes you feel like you’re swimming into the lake, and it’s surprisingly quiet even when the hotel’s full. Parking is valet only, which sounds pretentious but is actually genius because navigating Hamburg’s narrow streets in a rental car is nobody’s idea of fun. One minor thing: if you’re sensitive to noise, maybe skip the ground floor rooms facing the street side – there’s some early morning delivery traffic, though honestly, by Hamburg standards it’s pretty peaceful. The breakfast is excellent (proper German bread, not hotel bread), and that 9.4 rating? Yeah, it’s earned. This isn’t just another luxury hotel trying to impress you with gold fixtures – it’s the kind of place that makes you want to plan your next Hamburg trip before you’ve even checked out.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $422. Deluxe Double Room with Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $438. Premier Double Room with Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $561. Deluxe Double Room with Partial Lake View with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $888. Executive Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $1,093. Deluxe Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $2,527. Suite with Lake View with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $385. Single Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 1

Reviews

• Frederik from Belgium – 26 April 2025 (9/10)

  Quiet location, great staff, good facilities, excellent breakfast, perfect room, afternoon tea was a delight.
  
  What could be improved: Swimming pool is small, not much room to lay on at the pool.

• Brianna from United States – 23 December 2024 (10/10)

  The most amazing hotel! Really exceeded expectations

• Keith from United Kingdom – 22 December 2024 (10/10)

  The best hotel we have ever stayed in.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Lava from Iraq – 28 November 2024 (10/10)

  Very clean elegant ,relaxing hotel
  
  What could be improved: Price

• Thomas from Belgium – 10 November 2024 (10/10)

  From spacious surroundings outside … to the large well designed rooms inside … amazing rooftop terraces… hands down best hotel I have visited … they bring Asia standards to europe ..
  
  What could be improved: Lumpey breakfast prices
  Mini bar could be a little more extensively stocked

• Sabine from Sweden – 28 October 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, very luxurious
  
  What could be improved: All good, I was a bit disappointed that we couldn’t check in earlier (we arrived at 11:30 but had to wait until 14:30 for our room; official check-in is 15:00, so no drama, but you always hop to get in earlier)

• Ciaran from United States – 12 October 2024 (10/10)

  The rainfall shower head was a wicked indulgence, nice walk-in closet, lighting and curtain controls with push of a button, and a balcony. What’s not to like.
  The staff is respectively friendly and makes a point to greet you personally, lovely touch.
  If the budget allows, make sure you visit the Lakeside restaurant on the 7th floor. A true dining experience.

• Mike from United Kingdom – 10 September 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent late breakfast until 1130am. Good selection of food available
  
  What could be improved: 42 Euros for breakfast is a bit expensive.

• Henrik from Denmark – 14 July 2024 (10/10)

  Breakfast, atmosphere, and overall quality
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Jd from United Kingdom – 3 June 2024 (10/10)

  the staff are excellent. the hotel is superbly positioned. the breakfast is amongst the best i've ever experienced.
  
  What could be improved: nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities