It is safe to say that this hotel has it all: beautiful architecture, history, professional five-star service, and a whole lot of culinary offers. Vier Jahreszeiten was opened in 1897 by a german restaurateur named Friedrich Haerlin. It was he and his wife who additionally invested a rather large sum of money in order to fullfill the necessary renovations. After a few years, the first restaurant with the name “Haerlin” was added to the hotel. This turned out to be a brilliant idea, as it evolved into a gathering place for those interested in culinary delights.

The Hotel

The hotel sits right on the Binnenalster, making it a superb location to visit all of Hamburg’s sights and restaurant. In order to experience a hassle free arrival, I decided to use valet parking. This part went down very smoothly and my questions were answered thoroughly. Before I arrived at the check-in desk, I took the grand staircase leading into the hotel. This was my first glimpse of the historic Vierjahreszeiten from within, and it did not disappoint. Mahogany wood and a lot of marble provide the guest with a sense of elegance. Although very luxurious, it never felt overbearing. The Vierjahreszeiten in Hamburg actually employs its own florist, which was very apparent as soon as I stepped foot into the hotel. The flowers added a touch of freshness to the historic hotel, which worked out quite well. Just like the arrival hall, the dining areas are sophisticated without missing the level of comfortability one would expect from a grand hotel such as the Vierjahreszeiten. My favorite part of the hotel were the elevators, which triggered a nostalgic feel with every use. Golden doors, wooden handrails, and an old chair mix perfectly to create the ultimate vintage feel.

The Rooms

I booked a junior suite for a night, as I only planned on spending two days within the city. The junior suite is everything you would expect from a suite within that particular price category. High ceilings, wooden furniture with golden accents, and a comfortable bed will make you feel like royalty. The bathroom consists of two large sinks, each equipped with a silver faucet, a large bathtub, and a shower. The only downside was, that the faucets on both sides were leaking, which caused lots of spilling. I also had to leave the water running for quite some time, as it took quite a while for warm water to start leaving the faucet. This was, of course, a minor problem, but within this price range, you expect only the best. The seperation of the living and sleeping area made the room itself look larger than it really was, which made me feel a little more comfortable. Unfortunately, I was only able to score a room with a garden view, which was nice, but probably not as nice as a room with an Alster view.

Food and Beverage

As explained above, I decided against using one of the three restaurants that Vierjahreszeiten provides. In the following, you will receive a decent overview:

Restaurant Haerlin: Experience the pinnacle of culinary artistry with Chef de Cuisine Christoph Rüffer’s seasonal menu, expertly paired with an extensive wine selection.

Restaurant Jahreszeiten Grill: Indulge in premium cuts of meat and fresh seafood in a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by curated wines and cocktails.

Nikkei Nine: Embark on a fusion journey where Japanese and Peruvian flavors harmonize, offering a modern dining experience accompanied by an impressive selection of sake and cocktails.

The Spa

One aspect could surprise some of you: the hotel does not provide a pool. I knew this before I booked my stay, which led to no dissapointment from my side. This, by the way, was the first luxury hotel I stayed at that did not provide a pool. I guess there is always a first for everything. I made sure to visit the steam sauna as well as the classic Finnish sauna. Both of these were fantastic. Additionally, the hotel provided a relaxation room with a wood oven in the middle, which led me to fall asleep (I seem to be getting older).