We stayed at this hotel in August of 2015. I was underwhelmed…read more
PROS: Location, as long as you don't have too many plans in Hamburg, which is far away (at least 30 mins by taxi). It's at the end of the main beach street in the suburb of Blankenese, offering lovely views of the river and a nice strip of beach. It's relatively quiet. One can walk to local restaurants or (up, up, up) to public transportation to go in to Hamburg (a 10-15 minute walk, somewhat strenuous, especially in heels). Taxis are readily available and expensive.
CONS: The rooms are small. The carpet in our room was stained from water that had come in through the window. The bathrooms are tiny and have no outlets, and the showers are of a "modern design" that has no closing door, meaning that water streams onto the bathroom floor when you shower. No bathtubs. The bathrooms are TINY and two people can't stand in them at once.
We stayed in the hotel during a heat wave. It was sweltering! There was no air conditioning and no offer of fans, although the concierge had one blowing at her desk (and did not offer it to her panting, sweaty guests). Service was lackluster and the internet free but very, very inefficient (low range and very low speed). They offer amenities like bicycles to guests, but charge for their use; indeed, there is a fee for EVERYTHING in this hotel. On my last morning I had a quick cup of coffee before leaving for the airport, and 4 Euros was added to my bill. I am accustomed to staying in nicer hotels, and usually expect a coffee and tea station to be free of charge and accessible throughout the day to guests. Not so at the Blankenese. Given the room rate, I was disappointed that they nickeled and dimed everything else. Breakfast was delicious (an offer of eggs with a choice of meat, as well as an ample buffet of cheeses, sweet and savory spreads, jams, fruit, yogurt, etc - a pretty typical German fare) but again, $$$. All in all I would not stay here again, especially if planning to see the sights in Hamburg.
