he Fontenay is a modern 5-star hotel located on the tranquil shores of Lake Alster in the heart of Hamburg. A proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, it has earned three Michelin Keys - a prestigious distinction from the Michelin Guide which recognises exceptional hotel quality. The hotel is conveniently located just 25 minutes, by taxi, from the airport (approx. €30).
Opened in 2018, the hotel was envisioned by architect Jan Störmer as a ‘hotel in the park’, with a distinctive structure formed from three interlocking circles. This design allows the building to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, with no defined rear side. At its centre lies a glazed courtyard and a 27-metre atrium.
Störmer, a prominent Hamburg-based architect, has played a key role in shaping the city’s architectural identity.
Surrounded by over 50 mature trees – including 250-year-old oriental planes – it is set within expansive lawns, and the hotel is bathed in natural sunlight.
Every detail of The Fontenay is custom designed, from the furniture to the interior elements. All of these reflect its flowing, curvaceous architecture. Circular and semi-circular shapes appear throughout the hotel – from the 25-metre-long sofa in the atrium to the lighting fixtures and carpets.
Check-in was efficient and discreet. The staff were both attentive and welcoming. We were given a brief tour of the hotel before being shown to our room.
Throughout our stay, the atmosphere was calm and unhurried which created a sense of quiet luxury.
Its 130 rooms and suites are seamlessly integrated into a layout that prioritises light, space, and a sense of retreat.
Our Fontenay Premier Room, located on the fourth floor, had beautiful park views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Our room was bright and spacious, decorated in soft, neutral tones that felt soothing and modern, with solid wood parquet flooring.
A balcony with two chairs and a table allowed us to enjoy the peaceful surroundings together with a morning coffee or evening glass of wine.
The signature German bed setup featured two single mattresses within one grand frame – each with its own duvet. The bed was very comfortable, dressed in soft, high-quality linens.
Our room had a cosy seating area with an armchair and couch, a walk-in wardrobe, iron, ironing board and an in-room safe. It also had USB and HDMI ports for charging devices.
On arrival, a delightful gift was left in our room: freshly baked Franzbrötchen, a local cinnamon pastry, accompanied by fresh fruit and beautifully presented on a map of Hamburg. A special gesture that made us feel very welcome.
The minibar – complimentary for all room categories – was restocked daily. It included apple and orange juice, Coca-Cola, water, Pilsner beer, and a selection of sweet and salty treats such as Haribo, peanuts, and chocolate bars. There was also a Nespresso coffee machine with capsules and a kettle. Everything was neatly concealed behind cabinet doors, maintaining a clean and uncluttered aesthetic.
The bathroom was a standout feature, blending sleek contemporary design with smart functionality. It included a rainfall shower equipped with mood lighting and intuitive digital touch controls for adjusting water temperature. A discreet button marked with a music icon activated built-in speakers, filling the space with calming tunes.
Lighting was motion activated, so if you left the bed at night and returned, soft illumination switched off automatically just seconds after you lay back down.
La Biosthétique toiletries were provided, alongside a high-end GHD hairdryer and convenient plug sockets in the bathroom. The motion-sensing electric toilet, complete with an integrated bidet function, all added to the sense that nothing was overlooked.
Plush white robes and slippers embroidered with the hotel logo were provided in our room, along with flip-flops for use at the spa.
The hotel’s restaurants blend modern cuisine with stunning lake views, creating an ideal setting for both casual dining and special occasions.
Parkview, located on the ground floor of The Fontenay, is a casually elegant garden restaurant with high ceilings, expansive windows, and a summer terrace overlooking Lake Alster. Head Chef Stefan Wilke serves refined international cuisine. The restaurant seats 90 guests and offers a private dining room for up to ten.
Breakfast is served here daily from 6.30AM to 11.30AM, lunch from 12.30PM to 2.30PM, and dinner from 6PM to 10PM.
The breakfast buffet includes an extensive selection of cereals, fresh breads, cheeses, cold cuts, seasonal fruits, and pastries, all beautifully arranged. Guests can enjoy cooked-to-order egg dishes with a variety of sides. Waffles, French toast, and pancakes are also served to your table. The food is delicious, and the service was very good.
A selection of newspapers, including The New York Times and Financial Times, are available free of charge to guests.
Dinner at the Parkview was a standout experience, combining a relaxed atmosphere with professional, attentive service. Our meal began with warm, freshly baked white and seeded brown bread, and a knowledgeable sommelier was on hand to recommend the perfect wine pairing.
The highlight of the meal was the beef fillet steak. It was cooked to perfection and served with Madeira jus, sautéed chanterelles, green asparagus, and Parmesan-truffle fries. Dessert featured a smooth Tahitian vanilla crème brûlée, complemented by a mango-passionfruit sorbet that provided a refreshing contrast to the dish’s richness.
Lakeside is The Fontenay’s two-Michelin-star restaurant. It is located on the top floor with stunning views over Lake Alster. Its culinary excellence was formally recognised in April 2023, when it earned its second Michelin star under head chef Julian Stowasser – just two years after receiving its first in March 2021.
The kitchen offers a refined gourmet menu served in a minimalist, light-filled setting. The restaurant seats up to 40 guests, with a private dining room available for up to ten. A mirrored wall and floor-to-ceiling windows maximise natural light, creating a clean, modern space that keeps the focus on both the cuisine and the panoramic lake views.
A 7-course menu is priced at €275, with an optional 7-glass beverage pairing available for €165.
Lakeside is open Tuesday to Saturday from 7PM to midnight, with reservations available between 7PM and 8PM. Bookings for both the main dining room and private space can be made through the hotel or online.
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- Image Credit: The Fontenay
The Fontenay Bar, located on the sixth floor, offers a 320° panorama of Hamburg. Its 500 m² outdoor terrace provides stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks.
We dined here one evening and found the atmosphere vibrant and the overall experience enjoyable, though a few service issues left room for improvement. Tables cannot be reserved in advance – even for hotel guests – and we waited around 30 minutes after our arrival.
Additionally, while the truffle mayo was a delicious extra, the €5 charge per serving wasn’t mentioned at the time of ordering and only appeared on the bill. While it’s understandable for premium add-ons to come at a cost, clearer communication would have been appreciated. That said, the staff were friendly throughout, and the food itself was excellent.
The Fontenay’s newest restaurant, Osteria Due, opened in April 2025. It brings a stylish and authentic Italian dining experience to the hotel. Run by Francesco Delvecchio and chef Jochen Kempf, it serves classic Italian cuisine in a refined setting, and is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 12noon to 11PM.
The 27-metre-high atrium, featuring 198 frosted, scaled panes, creates a warm, inviting living room atmosphere. Its centrepiece is a seven-metre-tall light sculpture by Dutch company Brand van Egmond, composed of 140 LEDs on winding steel branches.
Guests can relax on the 25-metre-long semi-circular sofa or in various seating areas while reading or simply taking in the surroundings. Seasonal afternoon tea, crafted by chef-pâtissier Marco D’Andrea, is also served here. The Atrium Lounge is open daily from 10AM to 10PM, with Afternoon Tea served Thursday to Sunday from 2PM to 5PM.
Adjacent to the Atrium Lounge are three additional rooms. The Day Bar offers exclusive Fontenay products like chocolates, macarons, wines, and olive oil for purchase. The Library is stocked with over 1,000 carefully curated books selected in partnership with Hamburg’s Felix Jud bookshop. The Smoker’s Room features a small but premium collection of cigars.
The Fontenay’s spa offers a serene retreat. It spans over 1,000 m² and features a heated 20-metre indoor-outdoor infinity pool with a spacious terrace.
The wellness area includes five treatment rooms, relaxation zones, a Finnish sauna with panoramic views, an aromatic steam bath, experience showers, and an ice fountain. For added privacy, a Private Spa Suite accommodates up to six guests with exclusive amenities such as a sauna, steam bath, whirlpool, and TV lounge.
The 60 m² fitness room is equipped with high-end Technogym cardio and strength machines, designed in collaboration with the renowned designer Antonio Citterio.
Lemon-infused water is available, and ample loungers are arranged around floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light.
Elegant flower arrangements, which are refreshed every Friday, bring a touch of seasonal beauty to the hotel’s serene atmosphere.
Throughout our stay, we appreciated the integration of technology and design. Electric curtains that opened at the touch of a button, lifts operated by touchscreen swipes – accessible only with a room key, added an extra layer of privacy and security.
The Fontenay strikes an ideal balance between exclusivity and warmth, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of one of Germany’s most vibrant cities. Every element feels purpose-built for comfort, efficiency, and quiet elegance.
It is a hotel where design and service are seamlessly blended.
For more information, you can visit https://www.thefontenay.com/.
Cliona was hosted by The Fontenay; however, all opinions expressed are her own.
