"One of Hamburg’s most famous hotels, the Vier Jahreszeiten opened in 1887 in an elegant 19th-century mansion right on Alster Lake. Accordingly, the historic property offers excellent views from most of its rooms, which are decidedly upscale with their restrained color schemes and contemporary mod-cons. Sophistication also oozes from the hotel’s opulent furnishings (marble columns, antique furniture, expensive oil paintings), top-notch service, and exquisite dining options, including two-Michelin-starred Haerlin, with seasonal cuisine and lakeside views; the Jahreszeiten Grill, serving traditional Hanseatic dishes in an art deco setting; and the new Nikkei Nine, offering Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Additionally, guests can look forward to a library and rooftop terrace, and an expansive spa with a relaxation room featuring a fireplace, plus massages, body scrubs, facials, and other beauty treatments."