The Westin Hamburg

The Westin Hamburg lives inside what is probably Germany's most famous building: the lower plinth and upper floors of the Elbphilharmonie itself, with its own Plaza access and a dedicated elevator. 244 rooms and suites stretch from the 5th to the 20th floor, with roughly a third offering direct views of the harbor or the Speicherstadt through the artfully tilted glass panels of the Elphi's wave-shaped architecture (Herzog & de Meuron). The spa's sun deck and the 20-meter pool on the upper floor offer the rare pleasure of swimming at the same height as the concert hall. Restaurants: The Saffron (Asian-inspired), The Bridge bar with excellent cocktails, and the Plaza Café right by the Elbphilharmonie's famous viewing terrace. The practical bit: 5-star, from €380/night, Booking 9.0/10 across 1,860 reviews, a guest favorite. Getting there: U4 Überseequartier (5 minutes), or ferry line 72 from Landungsbrücken to the 'Elbphilharmonie' stop right outside. Ideal for: a first Hamburg trip combined with an Elphi concert (hotel guests have priority access to the Plaza), architecture lovers and harbor-view devotees.