German friends who live near this hotel made the reservations for us and did us a big favor. The rooms are decorated in a deliberately old fashioned style but with expensive furnishings. The beds, couch, and chairs were comfortable, the lighting good, and the bath area very nice. Like most such hotels in northern Europe, it is not air conditioned, but because it is in a quiet residential neighborhood, you can use natural ventilation without having street noise. We did not make many demands on the staff while there, since we spent most of our time out and about, but every request we did make was met and everyone was very nice.

The breakfasts are very good with much food and many choices. It is served in an amazing room with an elevated banquette on two sides. My wife and I enjoyed the experience each morning. The decor of the public areas is over the top with knick-knacks, but I have to admit there were so many odd decorations everywhere that my eye never grew tired. It was a bit like sensory overload with porcelain ducks and antique frames and dried arrangements and lord knows what else. If that sounds negative then I've described it incorrectly - it was actually pretty cool. The back lawn is really nice and available to guests.

The hotel is located on Mittelweg, a main north south route in a residential neighborhood called Harvestehude. It's about a ten minute walk from a Metro station and also walking distance from the Alster, the large elongated lake at the center of Hamburg that gives it a pastoral feeling in the middle of town. There are some great neighborhood restaurants within a short walk - ask around.

We'd happily stay there again.