World Events: Hotels for Hamburg’s Hafengeburtstag

“Each May ships sail to Hamburg from all over the world to join in one of the world’s greatest maritime festivals. Hafengeburtstag sees more than 300 vessels gather in Hamburg for spectacular shows, along with displays and celebrations on land, all ending with a massive firework display. For more than 800 years Hamburg has been celebrating the anniversary of its all-important port, and the festival is a draw for sailing enthusiasts and casual observers alike.

– – – – – –

Hotel Hafen Hamburg
——————–

Just in case the name didn’t give it away, the Hotel Hafen Hamburg is right at the heart of the port, directly above the St Pauli Piers (or Landungsbrücken). The building was originally a seaman’s mission, the décor is nautical-themed and you can’t be more in the thick of the Hafengeburtstag waterfront goings-on than here. You can really immerse yourself in the maritime fun here, and some rooms come with a view of the port.

– – – – – –

25hours Hotel HafenCity
————————

HafenCity is Hamburg’s newest neighbourhood, the result of major regeneration in the port area in the 21st century. Its best-known building is the remarkable Elbphilharmonie concert hall – one of the world’s finest – but HafenCity is also home to many of the on-land events and is also a great place to see much of the water programme. 25hours Hotel HafenCity is in the heart of the district with uber-cool interiors that blend decidedly hipster flavours with nautical leanings like shelving made from rope ladders.

– – – – – –

AMERON Hotel Speicherstadt
—————————

Another focal point for Hafengeburtstag events – and Hamburg’s maritime life in general – is Speicherstadt, the city’s historic warehouse district. The area played a key role in Hamburg’s development into a major power thanks to its port, and has a distinct character thanks to its neo-Gothic-styled buildings. The AMERON Hotel Speicherstadt is the only hotel in the district and features a unique collection of art that reflects the character of Speicherstadt and the history of the building.

– – – – – –

Cityhotel Monopol
——————

If it’s all about the celebrations and you’re keen to keep the good times rolling, you might be planning to combine your Hafengeburtstag trip with a visit to the Reeperbahn on at least one night. Yes, the Reeperbahn has its seedy side, but it is the undisputed nightlife centre of Hamburg. If you’re ok with that and want to be easy distance from the bars and clubs then you can stay right on the Reeperbahn – handily Cityhotel Monopol is under a 10-minute walk from the St Pauli Piers and the heart of the port.

– – – – – –

Empire Riverside Hotel
———————–

Sister hotel of the Hotel Hafen Hamburg, the Empire Riverside Hotel is a modern contrast to its historic counterpart, with a high-rise design that gives some of the best views on the port from the Riverside and Riverview rooms. Facilities are also thoroughly modern, with a fitness suite and spa, so the hotel combines access to those mod cons with an exceptional port location.

If you want to see more hotels in Hamburg, visit our Hamburg hotels page.“