Hamburg, Germany
Fairmont Vier Jahreszeiten
Storied Stunner
What it is
A lakeside gem since 1897, with lavish rooms, seven buzzing restaurants and a woodsy spa.
What it isn't
Hands-off. Service here is as legendary as the property itself, with an in-house florist, hairdresser, valet, laundry and housekeeping, plus doting concierges.
What we think
Even the “starter” rooms here look like something from a fairytale. The Deluxe Single Room Lake View may have a snug footprint (269 square feet), but more than make up for it with gleaming chandeliers dangling from sky-high ceilings, tufted headboards, antique furniture, and brocade fabric draperies and billowing sheer curtains that frame the waters of Inner Alster lake as if from a dream. (DVD players, Nespresso coffee machines, 42-inch flat screens and private in-room bars bring the fairytale back to earth.) To sprawl out a bit, the 646 to 883-square-foot Lake View Suites are ideal, thanks to separate living rooms—complete with flickering fireplaces.
You're here because
The hotel’s own etiquette gurus are on-hand to teach your tween about manners at mealtime.
The Moment
After your gold facial and hot stone massage in the spa, you’re feeling about 10 years younger and ten pounds lighter. The only thing left on your to-do list today? Curl up in one of the spa’s reading chairs before the fire and lose yourself in your latest page-turner and a flute of bubbly. Heaven.
Restaurants & Bars
Restaurant Haerlin - Mediterranean and Francophile cuisine
Jahreszeiten Grill - Offers the experience of traditional Hanseatic dining
Nikkei Nine- Japanese cuisine
Cafe Condi - Well-known for the variety of its breakfast buffet
Jahreszeiten Bar - Relaxing atmosphere
Wohnhalle - Light snacks, coffee and a classic British Afternoon Tea
Condi Lounge - A modern gastronomical affair
Location
Fronting Aussenalster Lake in downtown Hamburg, within walking distance of Miniatur Wunderland—which is exactly as amazing as it sounds (note their 52,000 five star Google reviews), with everything from a teensy Grand Canyon to a teacup Venice, Italy, complete with gondolas that appear to bob on the water.