Hamburg is often regarded as Germany’s most refined and cosmopolitan city, renowned for its exceptional art museums, chic boutiques, stylish cafés, and countless picturesque brunch spots that dot its elegant streets. It’s the perfect city for a break.

With its layered cultural history, bold architecture, and vibrant, contrasting neighbourhoods, Hamburg offers far more than first impressions suggest. It’s not a city to rush through, it’s one to discover, slowly and thoroughly with a cool, dynamic creative scene.

It’s also the birthplace, or spiritual home, of two fashion giants: Jil Sander, who built her minimalist empire here, and Karl Lagerfeld, who now has a promenade named in his honour. While Lagerfeld spent most of his career in Paris and became a defining figure in French and Italian fashion through his roles at Chanel and Fendi, Hamburg always remained close to his heart. That emotional connection found full expression in the 2017 Chanel Métiers d’Art show, staged at the newly inaugurated Elbphilharmonie, one of the city’s most iconic architectural achievements. The collection paid tribute to Hamburg’s maritime legacy, with sailor caps, naval tailoring, and seafaring motifs, a stylish homage and heartfelt return to the city where his journey began.

Decades earlier, it was Hamburg’s gritty nightlife that shaped another global phenomenon: The Beatles. Between 1960 and 1962, the young band played exhaustive sets at venues like the Indra Club, Kaiserkeller, and the legendary Star-Club in St. Pauli’s red-light district. Performing night after night to tough, unpredictable crowds, the Beatles honed their craft and built the foundation of their electrifying live sound. As John Lennon famously put it, “I might have been born in Liverpool, but I grew up in Hamburg.”

Housed in Kaispeicher B at Koreastraße 1, Hamburg’s oldest surviving warehouse built in 1878/79, the International Maritime Museum opened its doors on 25 June 2008 and its collection is impressive. It is home to the vast private collection of Professor Peter Tamm, who began collecting ship models at the age of six. Over time, his passion grew into an extraordinary archive of maritime history, comprising more than 40,000 artifacts and over one million photographs, which he donated to the Peter Tamm Sen. Foundation.

Not far from this fantastic museum is 25hours Hotel Hafencity, the perfect spot to visit the docks and other cultural sites. This remarkable hotel is also five-minute walk to Elbphilharmonie, U-Bahn at Überseequartie.

25hours Hotels is a collection of hotels, each with its own unique design and personality, inspired by its location and surroundings. The hotels are known for their unique and elaborate designs, and they aim to offer a welcoming and adventurous experience for guests. With a true community spirit!

In the 170 cabins at the 25hours Hamburg HafenCity, guests can quench their thirst for travel, sailor’s inspiration included. Upon arrival, a fantastic shop of souvenir, waiting area and large dining table, and the access to the hotel’s wonderful restaurant, welcome guests. The atmosphere is relaxed, cool and very professional.

The contemporary, family-friendly restaurant offers a menu featuring German and regional dishes, with vegetarian and dairy-free choices available. Breakfast includes warm entrees, a selection of cheeses, and fresh fruits and it’s vast and delicious. With its large-scale underground car park, this is another bonus for this amazing hotel.

“The story of the 25hours Hotel HafenCity is rooted in the spirit of Hamburg’s harbour and maritime history. The hotel concept was inspired by the seafaring culture and adventurous lifestyle of sailors, making it one of the most character-rich properties in the 25hours Hotels family. Situated in Hamburg’s HafenCity, the hotel draws heavily from the area’s port heritage. HafenCity is Europe’s largest inner-city development project, and the hotel reflects the raw, industrial charm of the docks while incorporating modern comfort.” a spokesperson at 25hours Hotel HafenCity explains.

The idea behind the hotel was to create a basecamp for urban explorers, adventurers, and modern-day seafarers. The storytelling-driven concept was shaped through interviews with real sailors, whose narratives inspired many of the interior details and design elements.

In the colourful rooms (Medium, Extra Large, Large and more options), guests will find some of these maritime elements such as sailors’ tattoos drawing walls, decorative ropes and boxes with local guides and magazines, as well as a bucket bin in the bathroom. It’s so fun and creative!

“The architectural concept was developed by Markus Stoll and Stephen Williams Associates, while the interior design was crafted by Conni Kotte Interior and Eventlabs. The result is an immersive, narrative-rich environment. Each room feels like a cabin full of stories, brought to life with logbook-inspired décor, nautical artifacts, and imaginative details. It’s an experience-first approach that favours personality over traditional luxury.” It’s the personal and fascinating design touches that make guests return to the 25hours collection.

The rooms in tones of dark blue, orange and yellow, are equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, minibars, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Additional features include work desks, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Has it served any fashion shoots in more recent years? “Shootings take place regularly in various corners of the hotel. VIPs have also stayed here, without naming names.”

What truly sets the hotel apart is the seamless fusion of its greatest strengths: the thoughtfully curated art, exceptional comfort, bold and immersive design, and a strategic location in the heart of HafenCity. It’s this harmonious blend that creates a uniquely enriching experience, one that’s as visually inspiring as it is effortlessly convenient for visitors from around the world. Every element works together to make a stay here memorable.

“The 25hours Hotels brand has a devoted following due to its unique concept hotels, and HafenCity is a standout for its bold storytelling. Guests tend to develop a personal connection to the brand, often seeking out other 25hours locations in different cities. The hotel’s immersive experience, local integration, and standout F&B options foster repeat stays, especially among business travelers who return frequently to Hamburg.

The Finnish sauna at 25hours Hotel HafenCity offers guests a tranquil retreat high above the city. Located in a striking repurposed shipping container on the top floor, the sauna combines industrial charm with Nordic wellness traditions. It features a classic dry heat experience, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation after a day of exploring Hamburg. Especially after a long day of visits in the city.

Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the harbour and HafenCity skyline while unwinding in the sauna or cooling off on the adjacent terrace. Towels are provided, and the area is thoughtfully designed for discreet solitude. Access is complimentary for hotel guests, making it a standout feature that enhances the overall experience of staying at 25hours HafenCity.

“The hotel also builds loyalty through local partnerships, cultural events, and social spaces like its restaurant and bar, which attract not just guests but locals too.” Some of the events hosted in Hamburg included Poetry Slams, a Drink & Paint workshop, and City tours offered at the reception of the hotel.

25hours Hotel collection has ambitious plans in the future with the opening of The Olympia in Sydney which will open this Summer so expect more destinations to discover in the future!

25hours Hotel HafenCity is bold, characterful, and effortlessly welcoming. Staff are truly friendly and amazing! With its vibrant interiors, imaginative design, and thoughtful details, it ranks among Hamburg’s most stylish destinations for both romantic stays and professional business meetings.

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Thanks to 25Hours and Sophie Schonebeck, Brand & Marketing Manager at 25hours Hotel HafenCity. All images of the hotel are by Stephan Lemke.