Neither the facade nor the room interior would have made my 5* rating. We had a double room on 5th floor with a balcony facing the shore. The hotel is not directly situated on the shore side but offered good views from our window. The room looked dated but very well maintained. A new bed-sofa, a new desk chair and a new tv set were nice touches. The bath room was new and clean. Strange enough, the lady's bath room for restaurant guests (restaurant on 6th floor) was opposite our room. After all, this did not disturb at all, since we had a double door shutting us off from hallway noise (if there was any). Overall we spent a quiet night here.
So, why 5* rating here? The staff was very nice and helpful. The restaurant was just excellent. It offers a very careful selection of food offerings. Fish and meat are prepared in a show kitchen. Beverage selection is very good as well. Our neighbour next table was a woman living on the island of Helgoland. She was a frequent guest here and so we got easily involved into some insider talk. The waiting staff was nice. The restaurant had a modern make up, the cutlery is this old "hotel silver cutlery" and had the "D" icon on it. All in all, we loved it.
Breakfast is served in a room next to the restaurant. Here we expected a time warp next morning back into the 70's. What did we find? Old fashioned indeed. Again, very nice staff. Coffee pot and tea pot of the same hotel silver cutlery fashion. An outstanding selection of food items including an excellent "bircher muesli".
Next morning. we made a carriage ride to "Neuwerk", a small island accessible during low tide. What an outstanding experience and adventure! (You need warm clothing) You can also hike there (tour guides exist), but the tide would allow for one way only.
We were sorry for leaving Donner's Hotel after one night already. I am looking forward to our next stay here. It is a rather expensive hotel, but due to the state of maintenance (ongoing renovations, I was told), the staff and the restaurant and breakfast experience, this is good value for money. We did not try the pool and sauna. The beaches are a bit further away, this hotel is connected to the town of Cuxhaven which is pleasant place.
Back at home we found a hand-written post card from the hotel staff thanking for our stay. This is a very rare experience.
Dear hotel staff, thank you!!!