Fodor's Expert Review Le Méridien Hamburg

This luxury hotel along the Alster oozes beauty inside and out, with contemporary art on view throughout—including the elevator. The sleek but unassuming facade and ultramodern interior might border on cold, but the outstanding spa and wellness area (complete with an indoor lap pool) and the impeccable service make you feel quickly at ease. Staff are the perfect blend of helpful and friendly. The hotel offers guests complimentary entry to the nearby Deichtorhallen art galleries and, in warm weather, a free ferry takes you across the Aussenalster to Jungfernstieg.