The Fontenay

The Fontenay is a contemporary luxury hotel set among old trees on the shore of the Alster lake and within walking distance of the shops and museums of the city centre. Its rooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, so the lake and the parkland around it are part of the experience from the moment you open the curtains. It is rated five stars and is listed with the Michelin Guide, Forbes Travel Guide and Leaders Club, among others.

The hotel's food is a major draw. Lakeside, the gourmet restaurant, holds two Michelin stars according to the hotel, and it is one of the reasons food-focused travellers choose to stay here. For something more relaxed there are Parkview and Osteria due. Room categories range from standard rooms to suites, including the Alster Suite and the Fontenay Suite.

Wellness is another strength. The spa includes a pool, and unusually for a city hotel there is a dedicated kids' spa area, which reflects the Fontenay's family offer and family packages. That makes it a strong choice for families who want luxury without leaving children out of the picture. Couples, honeymooners and business travellers who prefer a calm setting a little away from the busiest streets will also feel at home.

The hotel hosts meetings and events and is used as a wedding venue, and it offers packages such as The Suite Experience and seasonal Christmas and New Year arrangements, as well as offers for Hamburg residents. Its sister hotel is Castell Son Claret on Mallorca.

Book well ahead if you want a table at Lakeside during your stay, as two-star tables are rarely available at short notice. If you are celebrating, The Suite Experience package is designed for longer, more indulgent stays, and the lakeside setting makes the hotel particularly attractive in spring and summer, when the trees around the building are in leaf and the balconies come into their own. In winter, the spa and pool give it a cosy alternative to sightseeing in the rain. The setting on the Alster means a morning walk or run along the shore is easy, and the city centre, the Binnenalster and Jungfernstieg are within walking distance for shopping and sightseeing.