The Fontenay

Since opening in 2018, The Fontenay has arguably been Germany's most spectacular architectural hotel: three circular buildings staggered around an open, light-flooded atrium courtyard, designed inside and out by star architect Jan Störmer. Set directly on the western shore of the Außenalster in Pöseldorf, one of Hamburg's four prime residential addresses, it is 5 minutes' walk from the city center but atmospherically in another world entirely: quiet, focused, a proper travel experience from start to finish. The 130 rooms and suites are built without right angles (everything organically curved), most with views over the Alster or the park. Rooftop spa with a 20-meter pool under a glass dome and a sauna with a city panorama. Restaurants: Lakeside, awarded two Michelin stars (Cornelius Speinle); Parkview, an upscale brasserie; and the Fontenay Bar with its own signature cocktails. The practical bit: rooms from €480/night, suites from €950. Booking rating 9.5/10 across 920 reviews. Getting there: 7 minutes by taxi from the main station, 20 from the airport; U1 Hallerstraße is the nearest U-Bahn stop. Ideal for: honeymoons, special weekends, architecture enthusiasts.