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Where to Stay in Hamburg: The George Hotel Hamburg, A Boutique Luxury Stay by the Alster

If you’re planning a trip to Hamburg and looking for a boutique hotel that blends luxury, coziness, and style, let me share my experience at The George Hotel Hamburg. This elegant design hotel is located right next to the beautiful Alster Lake, offering both a serene atmosphere and convenient access to the city.

For me, it turned out to be the perfect place to unwind after busy days of sightseeing, walking, and exploring Hamburg’s lively neighborhoods.

The Room

I stayed in The George M Room, which came with a partial garden view and a balcony overlooking the hotel’s garden, plus a glimpse of the Alster River. Waking up to this peaceful view felt like a dream and perfect way to start my day in Hamburg.

The interior design is a perfect balance between aesthetic charm and home-like coziness. Every detail, such as the soft lighting to the tasteful furnishings, created a warm and relaxing atmosphere.

The hotel also provides everything you need for comfort, including:

A coffee machine and tea for slow mornings on the balcony
A soft shower gown and slippers
Thoughtfully selected body care products like hand cream and body wash (which you can purchase at the reception if you like them)
Snack bar in the room

It’s the kind of room where you can return after a long day in the city, close the door, and immediately feel at ease.

Breakfast at DaCaio Restaurant

Breakfast at DaCaio Restaurant quickly became one of the highlights of my stay. The buffet offered a great mix of sweet and savory dishes, with fresh bread, pastries, cheeses, eggs, and more.

But what really stood out to me was the freshness of the fruit. Especially the strawberries I had were genuinely sweet and flavorful, something you don’t always find at hotel buffets. Also I highly recommend their chia pudding, which was SO delicious!

The restaurant itself is located on the ground floor next to the DaCaio Bar, so the setting is stylish yet comfortable.I loved how it has a glass wall facing the street, so you can have breakfast while enjoying the view. It felt like a calm, elegant way to start each day before heading out into the busy city.

Atmosphere & Design

What makes The George Hotel truly memorable is its ambiance. It’s not just a hotel where you sleep but it feels more like a complete experience.

The lobby has dimmed lighting, which instantly creates a cozy and intimate vibe.
The interiors combine luxury with artistic touches, making the whole space feel special without being over the top.
It’s the kind of place where you actually want to spend time, not just pass through.

If you appreciate aesthetic boutique hotels, The George will absolutely charm you.

Location: Near the Alster Lake

The location is one of the hotel’s biggest strengths. While it’s not in the middle of Hamburg’s city center, it’s still very well-connected:

About 30 minutes on foot or 17 minutes by public transport to the Rathaus (City Hall).
Just a 3-minute walk to the Alster Lake, where locals jog, stroll, or simply sit on benches watching the water.

I loved being able to take a quiet morning or evening walk by the Alster. It gave me a different perspective on Hamburg, being away from the busy streets and closer to nature.

The neighborhood also felt very safe, and having an EDEKA supermarket just across the street made it super convenient for picking up snacks or water. For me, the location offered the best of both worlds: close enough to the city but located in a calmer, more relaxing area.

Service & Hospitality

The staff at The George Hotel Hamburg were both professional and welcoming. Everything was handled smoothly, which made the stay feel stress-free from start to finish.

Why I Recommend The George Hotel Hamburg

When you’re traveling, especially in a city like Hamburg where there’s so much to see and do, it’s essential to have a hotel that feels like a sanctuary. That’s exactly what The George was for me.

It’s a place where you can recharge and relax while still feeling connected to the city.

I recommend this hotel if you’re looking for:

A boutique luxury hotel in Hamburg with personality
Proximity to the Alster Lake for morning or evening walks while still having great connection to touristic areas
A cozy, stylish, and artistic design that feels welcoming
A delicious breakfast buffet with fresh ingredients

Whether you’re planning a city break, romantic weekend, or business trip, The George Hotel Hamburg offers the perfect mix of comfort, design, and location.

Staying at The George Hotel Hamburg elevated my trip to another level and gave me the balance I needed between exploring and resting.

I highly recommend a room with a balcony and view if you can, you’ll enjoy peaceful mornings with fresh air and beautiful scenery. And don’t miss a walk along the Alster lake, it’s truly one of the most beautiful parts of Hamburg and a perfect way to start or end your day.

For me, this hotel wasn’t just accommodation; it really made my Hamburg trip special. If you want aesthetic, luxury, cozy, and the convenience of being close to Alster Lake while still having great connection to the central area, then The George is the ideal choice.

Booking link: Click Here

12 Things To Do in Hamburg

Hamburg is the second biggest and one of the most amazing cities in Germany. It is located in the northern part of the country and has lots a big lake, park areas and so many nice places. If you have a chance to visit, here are 12 things to do in Hamburg.

1. Explore the Hafencity & Speicherstadt, UNESCO Site

First of all, you have to visit Speicherstadt, which is a historic district in Hamburg. It is one of the most iconic and picturesque areas with lots of cultural and architectural highlights. Here you can take canal boat tours, explore the museums such as Miniatur Wunderland or Hamburg Dungeon and enjoy the cafes and restaurants. Not only does it hold great importance in Hamburg’s maritime history, Speicherstadt is also a vibrant and culturally rich district, making it a must-visit destination for tourists exploring Hamburg. In 2015, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Kontorhaus District with the famous Chilehaus building. I’d recommend a walking tour (as I did) so you can also learn about the history more in depth. Click the following link for the guided tour: LINK

2. Water activities and picnic in Alster Lake

The Alster Lake is an outstanding landmark and a must-see in Hamburg. It is actually divided into two parts: the Outer Alster (Außenalster) and the Inner Alster (Binnenalster). The lake is located in the heart of the city and offers a range of activities and attractions. There are many water activities going on in the lake – you can rent sailboats, paddle boats, row boats, or even take a guided sailing tour to enjoy the water. You can also jog or cycle around the lake, which is 7.4km (4.6 miles) in circumference. Or if you just want to relax, it’s perfect for having a picnic, as well as sitting and watching the beautiful Hamburg sunset.

3. Escape from the city to Planten un Blomen

Planten un Blomen is a beautiful park located in the heart of the city. As you enter the park, you can enjoy nature and calmness as it provides an escape from the busy city scene. The park has botanical gardens featuring a diverse collection of plants and flowers, and it also has a Japanese garden which I love! It’s also known for its ponds, fountains, and waterfalls. The largest and most famous fountain in the park is the Great Fountain, which hosts regular water and light shows during the summer, as well as open-air performances like concerts. You will spot lots of local people picnicking and relaxing there, so join them and enjoy the nature of Hamburg if you have time.

4. Michael’s Church for the panoramic view of the city

St. Michael’s Church is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hamburg. It is a Baroque-style Protestant church that is known for its architecture and history. St. Michael’s Church has a tower where you can climb up to enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the harbor. Watching the sunset here was one of the most amazing experiences for me in Hamburg. For information about hours and entrance fee, visit the following link: https://www.st-michaelis.de/en/#main

5. Visit Elbphilharmonie concert hall

Elbphilharmonie is one of the most impressive and architecturally stunning concert venues in the world. Located on the Elbe River in the HafenCity district of Hamburg, its unique and impressive structure will definitely get your attention. The venue has two concert halls where they host a wide range of musical events, including classical concerts, contemporary music performances, jazz, world music, and more. The walls of the concert halls are made of gypsum fiber panels, which helps create outstanding sound quality. My tour guide explained that you can even hear the sound of a piece of paper falling! It is considered one of the best concert hall acoustics in the world. It has a publicly accessible plaza above the ground level. Visitors can access the plaza for free and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the harbour.

6. Visit Hamburg city hall

The City Hall of Hamburg is one of the most famous and important governmental buildings in the city. It is located in the heart of the city, near the historic Altstadt (Old Town) and within walking distance of other major attractions such as the Alster Lake and the HafenCity district. The interior of the Hamburg City Hall is also impressive, so I definitely recommend for you to explore the courtyard, hallways, and the grand staircase. The City Hall is also the site of the annual Rathausmarkt Christmas market, which I hope to visit one day during the holiday season 🙂

7. Bicycle tour around the city

Cycling in Hamburg is not only an eco-friendly and healthy way to get around but also a great way to experience the city’s many attractions and natural beauty. Hamburg is very bike friendly and offers a public bike-sharing system called “StadtRAD Hamburg”, which allows people to rent both traditional and electric bikes. You can cycle along the Elbe River, through parks, and around lakes, such as the Alster Lake and Eppendorfer Moor. If you want a guided tour, there are many good ones available. Check out some options at this link: LINK

8. Night out in Reeperbahn

Reeperbahn is a famous and historic street in the St. Pauli district, and it is also known for its vibrant nightlife. It’s full of cool bars and clubs with different types of music, which makes the neighborhood really come to life in the evenings. They also have a Red-Light District, in case you’d like to venture into adult entertainment venues. In any case, I definitely recommend Reeperbahn if you want to experience the lively nightlife of Hamburg.

9. Enjoy Elbstrand Beach

Elbstrand is a sandy shoreline (or “beach”) along the Elbe River in Hamburg. It offers a relaxing escape from the city and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy the waterfront. It is easily accessible by public transportation – I personally used the public transport ferry. During summer months, people go there with a towel or beach chair to soak up the sun. They also have several beachside cafes and restaurants – it’s truly a great place to enjoy a meal or refreshments while taking in the river scenery. Elbstrand is particularly popular for watching the sunset over the Elbe River. As the day comes to an end, the atmosphere becomes very peaceful and romantic.

10. See one of Europe’s busiest ports

Hamburg’s port, Hamburger Hafen, is one of the largest and busiest ports in Europe. The Port has an interesting history dating back over 800 years and it has played an important role in the city’s economic development. It is located along the Elbe River in the northern part of Hamburg and extends into the North Sea. The whole area is very impressive and quite large, including multiple docks, terminals, and facilities along the river and the harbor.

11. Enjoy fresh seafood in Hamburg Fish Market

Dating back to 1703, the Hamburg Fish Market (Hamburger Fischmarkt) is one of the most popular and vibrant markets in Hamburg. It is known for fresh seafood and its lively and entertaining atmosphere with street performers and musicians. The market opens early in the morning, starting at around 5:00 or 6:00 AM, and it goes until mid-morning (typically around 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM). If you are into eating delicious fresh seafood (like me), I strongly recommend that you visit.

12. Walk around Portuguese Quarter

The Portuguese Quarter is located near the Landungsbrücken (landing stages) along the Elbe River, close to the famous Reeperbahn entertainment district. It is a relatively small area – so you can have a very quick visit – but despite its size, it is very interesting and definitely worth seeing. Here you will find a mix of Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian cultures, so you can find numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants that serve Mediterranean and traditional Portuguese cuisine.

TIP 1. Place to Stay

Hotel Motel One is a great place to stay in Hamburg. They have several locations in Hamburg but they are all central and well connected with the hot spots. The room is well equipped and have everything you need. Their lobby is very spacious and nice with the bar comes to life during the evening. Their breakfast buffet has all you could ask for. I specifically stayed the one in Fleetinsel and it was perfect as it’s located right in the middle of the centre close to many must visit spots such as city hall and Elbphilharmonie. Here’s a direct link for booking: LINK

TIP 2. Hamburg Card

I highly recommend for you to get the Hamburg Card. It is a tourist pass that offers various benefits and discounts for visitors exploring the city. It provides access to public transportation, discounts at museums, attractions, and other activities. I had it and it was very useful as Hamburg’s public transportation was very well organized. They also have a mobile app and you can download the card on your phone, which really comes in handy. Get your Hamburg card HERE.

TIP 3. Enjoy Hamburg Cruise Days

Every 2 years Hamburg celebrates “Hamburg Cruise Days” which is one of the world’s most beautiful cruise festival. I had a chance to participate this year and I can totally say it was such a special experience. If you would like to visit Hamburg during these special days, the next event is on 12-14th September, 2025. For further details, check out my blog post: LINK

TIP 4. Exploring Hamburg on a Cruise

The cruise tour will take you through the beautiful Speicherstadt and really close to the port. With all the lights on, you will be impressed by the amazing city view. This was definitely one of my favourite activities in Hamburg and I can’t recommend you enough. Here’s a link to the tour: LINK

Hamburg Cruise Days 2023

Every 2 years Hamburg celebrates “Hamburg Cruise Days”, which is recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful cruise festivals. It is truly a spectacular celebration of cruise ships and the cruise industry. During the event, Hamburg’s harbour transforms into a vibrant and cheerful hub for sea enthusiasts, as well as locals and tourists who come out for the festivities. This year I was lucky to be an invitee checking out the scene 🙂

The Hamburg Cruise Days features an impressive parade of cruise ships. They sail along the Elbe River, with lots of fireworks, offering a spectacular sight along the waterfront. Visitors can also enjoy various onshore activities, including entertainment, delicious food and drinks (which i had lots of!), and the opportunity to tour the fancy interiors of some of the docked cruise ships.

AIDA Cruise

As part of the event, I had a chance to go on an AIDA cruise, which was a wonderful experience! AIDA Cruises is a German cruise line that specializes in offering fun and luxurious cruise vacations. They provide a wide range of cruise itineraries with lots of amazing destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean seas. Their itineraries often include stops at popular ports, which gives you a chance to go out and explore different cultures and attractions in many lovely places.

If you want to check out more details about AIDA cruise, visit this link: HERE

Hamburg Cruise Days is truly a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s most luxurious and impressive cruise ships up close. I was so amazed by the ships, and all the crews and the people around were super nice.

This festival should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list! I was taken away by the festive atmosphere, the charm of cruise travel and the beauty of Hamburg’s waterfront. I recommend for everyone to check it out in the future.

Hamburg Cruise Days 2025

Make sure to start planning for the next festival in 2 years. Hamburg will be celebrating their 10th Hamburg Cruise Days on 12-14 September 2025. I hope to see you there!

If you are looking to make your Hamburg trip even more unique and unforgettable, check out the following link for more information: HERE