Le Méridien Hamburg

Le Méridien Hamburg is a nine-story glass tower on the eastern shore of the Außenalster, across from the Atlantic and the Hotel Reichshof, and from its upper floors it offers what is probably the best sundowner view in the city: a 360-degree panorama over the Außenalster with the skyline in the background. 282 rooms, many with Alster views, are modern and generously cut in the typical Le Méridien style with French-inspired service. The real highlight is the Heritage bar on the top floor with a 19-meter indoor pool, from which you can look out across the entire Alster through the glass wall - nobody else in Hamburg does this. Spa, sauna, fitness area. Restaurants: Le Ciel (brasserie with Alster view), Bar Le Ciel for cocktails at sunset. Practical: five-star, from €250/night (a relative bargain at this price point with Alster view), Booking 8.7/10 across 2,080 reviews. Getting there: U/S Hauptbahnhof a seven-minute walk away, directly on the eastern shore of the Außenalster (An der Alster 52-56). Ideal for: a weekend with a view, a business trip with lifestyle ambitions, and honeymooners on a tighter budget than the Atlantic or Vier Jahreszeiten.