This is the best Hotel i have ever stayed in, my husband expressed to me. The Staff impart a Soul to this Hotel. The history, furnishings, service and the view of and from this hotel were first class. We wanted to take up residence there.

My husband and I stayed here 5 nights during the middle of October 2011. The weather was perfect, with daytime temperatures in the mid 60s and lows in the evening around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The trees were vivid orange, red and yellow, set against cerulean skies. The weather brought people out in droves to stroll the lakes, or hang out in the many beautiful plazas. Our beautiful, spacious suite overlooked the lake, which lies in the heart of the city. The hotel is truly grand in the European tradition. The rooms have recently been beautifully remodeled but retain an old-world charm. The service was impeccable, professional, yet amiable at all levels all the time. The dining options are many and are regarded as some of the finest in Hamberg. Unfortunately, the Haerlin, which is the hotel's gourmet restaurant, was closed while we were there. (I am truly disappointed that we were not informed at the time of our booking, nor any mention online, that their fine dining restaurant would be closed while we were there, only to reopen the day after we left. Had I known, we would have adjusted our itinerary.) I have reviewed on tripadvisor some other very fine restaurants in the area, though.) The hotel is a five-minute walk to the city center and shopping, shopping, and more shopping. It's a 15-minute walk with luggage to the train station, but, of course, minutes by taxi. The Hanseatic city of Hamberg is incredibly quaint and charming, full of historical intrigue (Hamberg is the third largest port in Europe), yet modern, cosmopolitan and sparkling clean. The hotel concierge arranged for a private walking tour of Hamberg, which I highly recommend doing early on in your visit to give you the "lay of the land" and to help you determine what you want and have time to do while you're in this magnificent city. Of course, save time to relax in your plush accommodations, or by the fire in the lobby, which were stunningly decorated for the fall season.

This hotel is a true gem in the middle of the city within walking distance to almost all sight seeing and shopping. Beautiful, individually decorated rooms with, if you choose so, great views of the downtown lake. Unfortunately I only stayed for one night but, due to the sincere service and historic ambiance, it was very memorable one. Opted to have dinner in the Haerlin Restaurant shortly after it was awarded it's 2nd Michelin star and the experience was exceptional. One of the best dinners of my life and a must when in staying in the hotel or even only in Hamburg.

Alas, no reservations in Hamburg last week, but I noticed, "yes," "yes" there is a Fairmont in Hamburg, let's go there. Started off rather grim at the front desk, i.e., 2 guys wanting separate rooms in a place with only one inner garden room available. My President's Club card opened things up a bit and ultimately changed this little part of our trip in the most memorable. Two lake front rooms, both of which were exquisitely appointed, top notch service as we were escorted to our rooms by the front desk manager. Cocktails in a tea room that echoed pre-WWII Germany and invited visions of Marlene Dietrich walking in sitting down by the piano player and singing. Corny? I know, but this is just the way it was. Wonderful restaurants on the first floor (Zagats #1in Hamburg). The location on the lake is in the middle of everything. Guest services was extremely helpful in giving us a walking itinerary that took us down by the sea captains's ancient homes and the sailing clubs along the Elbe River (needed to take the subway). All in all this was a great experience for us and is to be highly recommended. I skyped my wife and showed her pics of the room as it looked onto the lake.