The Best Hotels with the Best Restaurants in the World
"The Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten has set the bar for luxury in Hamburg since the late 1800s, today blending a historic charm with modern touches in 156 elegant rooms. Sitting directly on the Inner Alster Lake." - Alexis Benveniste
"Those longing for the timeless elegance of Old World Europe need look no further than the Fairmont Hotel. Since its opening in 1897, this grand dame on the banks of Hamburg's Inner Alster Lake has drawn travelers for its elegance, service, discretion, and attention to detail. (The hotel counts Maria Callas, Peter Ustinov, and Prince Heinrich of Prussia among its former guests.) Notable, too, are its spacious rooms, curated interiors, and two-Michelin star Haerlin restaurant. The hotel even has a "dog waiting room" for restaurant guests reluctant to part with their pooches."
"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."
My stay at the Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg was nothing short of phenomenal. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the elegance and charm of the hotel. The service was impeccable, and every staff member went above and beyond to ensure that my experience was memorable. The amenities were top-notch, and the atmosphere truly felt luxurious.
I couldn't have asked for a better location, as it allowed easy access to the city's major attractions. The dining options were exquisite, and I thoroughly enjoyed every meal.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Vier Jahreszeiten to anyone looking for something special. Whether you're visiting for leisure or business, this hotel guarantees an unforgettable experience. I would book again in a heartbeat!
Vito L Tanzi
Google
Staying at the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten felt like stepping into a storybook. The location alone is incredible — right on the Inner Alster Lake — but it’s everything inside that makes it unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, the service was flawless. The staff welcomed us like old friends, remembered our names, and handled every detail with warmth and precision.
Our room was beautifully appointed, with a perfect mix of historic charm and modern luxury. The bed was heavenly, the bathroom like a private spa, and the view over the lake was absolutely stunning — especially at sunrise. You could easily spend a full day just relaxing in the room, sipping coffee by the window and watching the city unfold outside.
What truly sets this hotel apart is its sense of tradition and excellence. Breakfast in the lakefront restaurant was a daily highlight, with exceptional food and a calm, elegant atmosphere. We also had one of the best spa experiences we’ve ever had — the wellness area is intimate, serene, and beautifully designed.
This hotel doesn’t just offer a place to stay. It gives you a feeling — of comfort, of history, of being genuinely cared for. It’s the kind of place where every moment feels special, and you find yourself already missing it before you even check out.
If you’re visiting Hamburg and want to treat yourself to something truly exceptional, this is where you stay. It’s five stars in every sense — and then some.
amandacyen
Google
Extremely clean, well staffed and very friendly. The breakfast was excellent and the gym was the best decorated and fully equipped 5-star gym I have seen. |They take care of everything. My son forgot his contact case and one was immediately provided. It was truly a 5 star experience. Also, I had the best massage I have ever had at the Fairmont. Great stay. Thank you.
englishabdullah
Google
This hotel offers a comfortable and traditional ambiance in an excellent location. The lobby and rooms were impressive, but the initial greeting was disappointing. I was informed that no room was available until 3 pm, despite my Platinum All status. There was no empathy or attempt to check the availability, and I was not recognized for my status.||The breakfast was pleasant, but the scrambled eggs took an unusually long time to cook, and we had to follow up a couple of times to get them. Overall, it’s a nice place to stay, but the service could be improved.
Katie Hensel
Google
We loved our stay at the Fairmont Vier Jahreszeiten - from check in until check out everyone was friendly, professional, and welcoming. The breakfast was amazing, and our room was comfortable, clean, and spacious. The location is great, too, with wonderful views. While we didn't have time to experience more of their food and beverage outlets, nor the amazing spa and fitness area, we loved that there were so many options, and wouldn't hesitate to choose it again in the future.
gabrielaX9012US
Google
Obviously a great hotel with an exceptional focus on servicing the guests. |Very much attention on you the guest and the hotel is beautiful and cosy. ||The fitness area is above par offering cold towels, bottled water and even headsets in case you forgot your own. Machines are top shelf. ||Why only the three stars then? |I would say everything was just as expected at this level and price.
Scott Howard
Google
A Truly Exceptional Stay at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
From the moment I arrived, the experience at the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten was nothing short of outstanding. The staff was warm, professional, and attentive, making me feel welcome and well cared for throughout my stay. The hotel itself is a masterpiece—elegant, timeless, and immaculately maintained.
My room offered a perfect blend of classic charm and modern comfort, with beautiful views and thoughtful details that made all the difference. Dining at the hotel was a highlight—each meal was exquisite, especially at the Michelin-starred restaurant, where the service and cuisine were world-class.
The location is ideal, right on the Inner Alster Lake, with easy access to shopping, cultural landmarks, and scenic walks. It’s the kind of place where every detail is considered, and every guest feels special.
Highly recommend to anyone seeking luxury, comfort, and impeccable service in Hamburg.
651nicolass
Google
Frequently recognised among Europe’s top city hotels, it holds a reputation as one of Germany’s finest hospitality destinations. With its timeless charm, refined service, and iconic status, Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten remains a hallmark of luxury and tradition in Hamburg. The service is exceptional consistently courteous, genuinely attentive, and delivered with sincere warmth. For absolute luxury, fascinating history, and excellent quality of service, stay at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten.
Jason C.
Yelp
Among the top hotels I've ever visited. Warmth, professionalism, immaculate attention to detail. Beds phenomenal. The shower, amazing - a rain head with terrific pressure. Excellent breakfast - the orange juice so fresh, I could tell it had just been squeezed.
Shortly afterward I stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Berlin, and I can tell you, the Vier surpasses it on every level. Can't imagine there's a better hotel in Hamburg!
John M.
Yelp
Deserves a 4.5 stars but I rounded down to 4 Stars. Great comfortable beds, large room, wired internet connection and great housekeeping.
Breakfast was very good but pales in comparison to the Majestic hotel in Barcelona and the Raffles hotel in Beijing. The food choices are not as numerous and the area around the breakfast buffet very crowded in the morning. The hotel needs to relocate the breakfast buffet to a larger area. The hotel is considered the best hotel in Hamburg but its breakfast buffet is not at the 5 star level. Coffee was disappointing. You could get a better cup at the Tschibo (not sure of spelling) near the town hall. The cappuccino was excellent. One employee at the front desk was rude to me but all the rest of the staff was great. I will return.
Edit - I forgot to mention that the wifi is unsecured. I can't understand why a 5 star hotel would offer wifi that is not secured. Also the business center computer does not have Microsoft word read capability.
Kyle M.
Yelp
Excellent hotel! If you are visiting Hamburg I highly recommend staying here. A few minutes walking distance from the shopping area and the hotel is so unique! Everything from the smokers bar to the elevators, it's definitely an experience of its own.
Morgan D.
Yelp
What a beautiful hotel in the perfect location on the Binnenalster in Hamburg. I have not stayed at this hotel, but the lobby and bar are absolutely gorgeous. I can especially speak for the bar. The wood carved interior makes you feel as though you have stepped back over 100 years in history. The bar is very small. The bartender is one who knows his bar down to a splinter in the wood. The drinks are made with top alcohol, and I have to admit not such outrageous prices accompany them.
It is a cigar bar. So if you are sensitive to smoking then this is not the bar for you. The small second story up a winding set of stairs provides a bit of privacy from the rest of the bar. The small window looks out on Jungfernstieg and the rest of Hamburg.
Try the White Russian. Mixed to perfection.
Jens H.
Yelp
I do frequently travel to Hamburg - mainly for shopping and Vier Jahreszeiten is my absolute favourite. The location is excellent if you go shopping as the main area is just 2 minutes away. But the hotel is certainly also an attraction of its own. It's a historical hotel with a high quality in everything. The rooms are very, very nice and everything is kept in the highest quality. The rooms are cleaned to perfection with all the amendments you would expect.
You now have free Wifi with a very decent bandwidth.
My only problem is that you have almost 100 channels on the TV, but not a single Scandinavian TV channel. Hamburg is just over an hour from the Danish border and there are many danish visitors, but why do the hotel not have a single danish TV channel when they have Sudanese, Japanese, Kuwait and several UAE channels. I hope they will see to this.
Saint G.
Yelp
One of the most beautiful Hotels in the world! Pay a visit to the Smoker's Bar . Stay crispy!
Marc S.
Yelp
Premium hotel situated at a great location in hamburg. Excellent.
Saud M.
Yelp
Good Service, Good Rooms, The beds are very comfortable, the Internet connection was slow, But if you're in holiday in Hamburg you should come to this hotel