Sofitel Hamburg Alter Wall
Arrival/Check-in:
As I entered the lobby, a woman in a smart black suit rushed from behind the desk to take my luggage and welcomed me, asking me to sign the already completed registration. She escorted me immediately to my room, stopping to point the way to the breakfast room, café, restaurant and dedicated elevator to the spa, telling me the open hours of each. (30/30)
Guest Quarters:
In the room, she advised me that the bed had the custom Sofitel-soft mattress and advised I try it in time for them to replace it while I was at dinner. (I loved it — it felt like a featherbed on top of a good, firm mattress, a soft surface with no sag.) The room was stunning, in shades of gray, white and black, with rounded lines softening the geometric — a round table and elliptical ottoman by the rectangular sofa, an oval desk with an upholstered chair and a gracefully curved chrome lamp. A wall of white sheers and oyster drapes covered three windows through which flooded afternoon sunlight, and at night the room was lighted with ceiling spotlights, diffused room lights and reading/working lights at any place I could think of to sit. Recessed shelves next to the desk had a control panel of four outlets and the sound system. The large closet had a sliding mirrored door; the only problem here was that I had to keep sliding it back and forth to reach either the shelves or the hanging section. The light switches were not intuitive (at least not to me), but I discovered a bedside card in English showing how to operate them. The free in-room Internet was easy to access.
The marble bathroom had a large, double-ended tub and roomy separate shower, a make-up mirror and lots of vanity surface with a raised sink that was both attractive and practical. Amenities were L’Occitane’s Verveine line, and there were soft bathrobes. (28/30)
Services/Amenities:
The lobby is bright, spacious and elegantly uncluttered, with low upholstered seats and windows overlooking the canal. Several receptionists were on duty whenever I passed through it. The concierge was very helpful, even suggesting a route to our destination that added a mini architectural tour. Breakfast was an appetite-boggling array with six varieties of ham, three kinds of smoked salmon, eight select cheeses, fresh fruits, 10 breads and flaky fresh croissants — plus hot options and made-to-order omelets. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to sample the full-service spa, fitness center, sauna or pool. (40/40)
The Experience:
Silent air conditioning and no street noise made the room so quiet at night it was hard to believe I was in the city center, within an easy walk of the lake and the busy harbor area. This is a well-designed, well-managed hotel where I was made to feel constantly welcome.
Total Score: 98/100
Sofitel Hamburg Alter Wall
alter Wall 40
Hamburg, Germany
tel 49 40 369 500 www.sofitel.com
Read This Next
Jamaica, Tryall Club, Chef Kai Bechinger
2011 / March 2011
Mar 1, 2012Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Feb 8, 2023Maastricht is for Art Lovers
The southern Dutch city of Maastricht is one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands, and home to many art institutions and art fairs, including TEFAF Maastricht, Europe’s premier trade show for fine art.
Sponsored Content
Luxurious Adventures Await.
Discover why Global Traveler readers named Cunard® the Best Large-Ship Cruise Line for seven consecutive years. For a limited time, book your voyage during Cunard’s Explore with More promotion and take advantage of lower fares*, up to $1,200 Onboard Credit†, Free Specialty Dining for Two^, 50% Reduced Deposit††, and more. Choose from an array of exciting journeys, including Transatlantic Crossings and voyages to Alaska, the Caribbean and Canada & New England.
January/February 2023
Feb 8, 2023Sum of Its Parts: Discover the True Pulse of the City in Chicago’s Diverse Neighborhoods
Without visiting, it’d be easy to throw Chicago into any number of categories. Everyone thinks they know Chicago; after all, it’s the third-largest city in America, the most prestigious foodie city in the country, the city of jazz, a comedian’s playground, an architect’s dream, a writer’s paradise. The list goes on. Only when walking the streets themselves do you realize there’s nothing categorical about the Windy City, especially as it continues to evolve.
January/February 2023
Feb 8, 2023Airline Startups Take to the Skies, Offering Affordability and Accessibility
PHOTO: © ADRIAN OLSTAD
Daily
Feb 8, 2023New Ayurvedic Journeys at Anantara Resorts in Sri Lanka
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort and Anantara Kalutara Resort in Sri Lanka offer travelers new Ayurvedic experiences.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Debuts in Aruba
eFlyer News
Feb 8, 2023Self-Care Staycation at Bellyard Hotel
eFlyer Deals
Feb 8, 2023eFlyer Deals
Feb 8, 2023Regent Romance at The Lanesborough
The Lanesborough, one of London’s most luxurious properties and part of Oetker Collection, offers a romantic afternoon tea experience alongside a hotel stay just in time for Valentine’s Day. Available Feb. 11, 12 and 14, Valentine’s Afternoon Tea features Rosé Champagne and a rose cake to share with that special someone.
Sponsored Content
75 Years Connecting the Americas
Copa Airlines is celebrating its 75th anniversary by showcasing a Boeing 737-800 NG in an aircraft livery that harkened back to the airline’s look in the 1990s. During that time, Copa Airlines launched an expansion of their network to become the Hub of the Americas®, changing the way to travel to and connect in our Continent.
eFlyer Lead
Feb 8, 2023Devastating Türkiye, Syrian Earthquake: How to Help as Death Toll Rises
A deadly 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria Feb. 6, with more than 11,000 fatalities thus far reported. That number is expected to grow as rescue operations continue.
ShareThis