We have the pleasure of visiting Hamburg, Germany, for a two-day vacation. As we planned our trip, we decided to stay at the Sir Nikolai Hotel, as we really enjoyed our previous stay at the sister property Sir Adam in Amsterdam. This time, it’s a girl’s weekend with our friend Renate, our teenage daughter and one of her friends Rûne. We are excited to explore the hotel, the city's history and culture, as well as enjoy some family-friendly activities and dining experiences.
The hotel Sir Nikolai is in the heart of Hamburg's historic Old Town, surrounded by charming cafes and boutiques and very near to the famous HafenCity. This harbor area is a fascinating part of Hamburg that offers a glimpse into the city's rich maritime history. Once a bustling port, the neighborhood has undergone a transformation in recent years and is now home to a range of attractions, restaurants, and bars.
Sir Nikolai is housed in a historic building that had been renovated to offer modern amenities and comfort. We are pleasantly surprised by the spaciousness of our suite which was beautifully decorated and featured high-quality bedding. The suite is elegantly furnished providing a cozy and inviting space for relaxation and entertainment. The suite has two spacious bedrooms, each with its own luxurious en-suite bathroom. We did not hear one sound of the environment, which is great for a city hotel; the suite ensures a comfortable and restful night's sleep.
Love the design
The Atrium has a glass roof that opens up to the sky above. Looking up an artpiece is visible on one of the buildings’ inner courtyards’ wall: “Collective Ascension”. 'It reflects all the many journey we take in life. We all have the same goal: rising to a higher level’. Our suite also overlooks this work of art.
The hotel offers a fitness center and spa. The latter is located on the lower level of the hotel and features a sleek and modern design that creates a calming and tranquil atmosphere. The treatment rooms are spacious and elegantly furnished, providing the perfect environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can choose from a variety of massage as well as specialty treatments, facials and body treatments. After a treatment, one can relax in the spa's sauna or steam room or take a dip in the indoor pool. Kids under the age of 16 are welcome before 18.00.
Don’t miss out on the excellent onsite restaurant. A rather sophisticated place that offers a range of culinary delights. The restaurant's interior is a mix of modern and classic design, with high ceilings, sleek furnishings, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu is inspired by classic German cuisine, with a modern twist. You will be impressed by the restaurant's use of local and seasonal ingredients, which adds to the freshness and quality of the dishes. The menu also features a range of international options, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy. In addition to its dining room, the restaurant also features a cozy bar area where guests can enjoy a range of handcrafted cocktails and spirits. The bar's cozy atmosphere and creative drinks menu makes it the perfect spot to unwind after a long day exploring Hamburg. We imagine the design of the bar is based on the view: the Elbe River. And we are surprised by the element of low and high tide in centre of the city. Under normal circumstances, Hamburg has a difference in water level of about 3.5 meters.
Hamburg has a rich and fascinating history that has helped shape its unique character today. Founded in the 9th century, Hamburg quickly became a major hub for trade and commerce, thanks to its strategic location on the Elbe River. Throughout its history, Hamburg has been shaped by its status as a major port city. The city's docks and wharves have been the lifeblood of its economy, serving as a gateway for goods and people traveling to and from Europe and beyond. This has contributed to a multicultural and cosmopolitan character that is still evident today.
Despite being heavily bombed during World War II, the city has managed to preserve many of its historic landmarks, including St. Michaelis Church and the Speicherstadt, a historic warehouse district that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Hamburg is a thriving metropolis with a vibrant cultural scene and a reputation as a major center for business and innovation. The city is home to a range of world-class museums and galleries, including the Kunsthalle Hamburg and the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe. It also hosts several major cultural events throughout the year, such as the Hamburg Dom fair and the Reeperbahn Festival.
Hamburg's character is defined by its waterfront location, with the city's bustling port and the Elbe River providing a constant source of activity and inspiration. The city also boasts several beautiful parks and green spaces, including Planten und Blomen, which is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a family picnic. Overall, we are impressed by the diversity of the city, the friendly locals, and the abundance of activities and attractions for all ages.
Our favourite
Our breakfast spread in Sir Nikolai is extensive and offers something for everyone, including those with gluten intolerance. With our daughter’s friend being intolerant to gluten we are particularly pleased to see the gluten-free option such as bread, omelet, etcetera available. She is able to enjoy a delicious and satisfying breakfast just like everyone else. Our breakfast is served in a beautiful and comfortable setting, with plenty of space for guests to enjoy their meal. In addition to the gluten-free options, we enjoy a range of traditional breakfast foods, including freshly baked bread and croissants, yogurt, granola, and a selection of meats and cheeses. Our breakfast was accompanied by a range of hot and cold beverages. The atmosphere was calm and inviting, making it the perfect way to start our day in Hamburg.
We started our city exploration on foot, straight out the hotel, taking a city walk through the inner city and HafenCity. The walk took us through the historic streets of Hamburg, past iconic landmarks like the St. Michaelis Church and the concert hall. One of the highlights of the HafenCity is the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, which has quickly become an iconic landmark of Hamburg. It’s quite windy when we walk by this striking building, but the views from the observation deck are on our list for a warmer day. In addition the HafenCity is home to a range of other attractions, including the International Maritime Museum, which offers a fascinating look at the city's maritime history. Visitors can explore the museum's extensive collection of ship models, artwork, and artifacts, and learn about Hamburg's role as a key port city. It is also a great spot to enjoy some delicious seafood, with a range of restaurants offering fresh and flavorful dishes. We are impressed by the beauty of the city and the fascinating history that surrounds us. And we never saw so many bridges in any town.
As we explore further, we discover a range of family-friendly activities that are both fun and educational. A great suggestion is the Chocoversum, a chocolate museum and factory where you can learn about the history of chocolate and get to make our own chocolate bars. Your kids will love this experience and they will leave with a newfound appreciation for the art of chocolate-making.
On our way we have the pleasure of visiting Isabella Gluten free Pastries, a charming bakery that specializes in gluten-free pastries and baked goods. You will have to search your way in, since it is in the heart of Hamburg's trendy St. Pauli neighborhood. The bakery had a range of sweet and savory treats on offer, all of which were gluten-free. We decide to try a few different items: the spinach quiche, chocolate dome, cappuccino praline cake and vegan cherry lady. And we are blown away by the quality and taste of everything we sampled. The bakery also has a small seating area where we enjoy our treats and relax for a while, which was a nice touch.
After a long day exploring the city we dine at Rudolph's, a restaurant that specializes in gluten-free cuisine. The restaurant is conveniently located in the heart of the city and has a welcoming atmosphere. The menu is diverse and offered a range of gluten-free options, including pizza, pasta, and sandwiches.
Next day we visit the Kunsthalle, one of Germany's most important art museums. The museum's impressive collection features works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens and Picasso, as well as contemporary artists from around the world. It is divided into several sections, each showcasing a different period or style of art. The Old Masters section features works from the 15th to the 18th century, including masterpieces by Rembrandt and Rubens. The 19th-century section features works by the German Romantic painters, as well as French impressionists like Monet and Renoir. The museum's modern and contemporary art collection is particularly impressive, with works by other artists such as Klee and Warhol. The museum also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. In addition the Kunsthalle also offers a range of educational programs and events for visitors of all ages. The museum's interactive exhibitions and workshops are a great way for children and families to engage with art and learn about different artists and art styles. We are impressed by the museum's architecture and design, which provided an immersive and engaging experience.
On our way to the Kunsthalle
Overall, our visit to Sir Nikolai hotel in Hamburg is a wonderful experience that we will always cherish. We look forward to returning soon.
WOW
# The attention to detail in the decor and furnishings, the quality of the food and drinks, and the level of service of Sir Nikolai are all top-notch. The suite is beautifully appointed, spacious and still has a cozy feeling.
# We especially appreciate the gluten-free options available at breakfast and in the restaurant. The staff are always on hand to offer recommendations and advice.
# Sir Nikolai hotel provides us with the perfect home base for exploring the city. We are impressed by the city's history, culture and hospitality, and would highly recommend it to other families looking for a unique and memorable vacation.
