THE HOTEL
The four-star NH Hamburg Mitte is in the city’s Eimsbüttel district, an easy 15-minute walk to the Hamburg Exhibition Hall and Congress with the option of cutting through a leafy park. Formerly known as NH Hamburg Norge, the hotel was completely renovated in winter 2017 and has 134 rooms and suites. It’s one of four NH hotels in the German city.
THE CHECK-IN
The contemporary and cheery lobby was fairly quiet when I arrived on a Sunday evening. With no queue at the reception desk, I was quickly checked in and in the elevator to my family room on the sixth floor. A welcome note and lovely plate of sweet bites and a fruit salad greeted me.
THE ROOM
My room was decorated in soft neutral tones with splashes of turquoise, a wooden floor and rugs. Windows on two sides let in plenty of light. A large desk and a swivel chair on wheels was great for working and the well-designed storage had hanging space, plenty of deep cupboards and a safe. As a non-coffee drinker I appreciated the kettle and choice of tea but there’s also an in-room Nespresso machine. The lights and the 46″ flat-screen TV were easy to operate.
THE FACILITIES
A buffet breakfast – cereals, fruits, yoghurts, pastries, sausages and cheeses – is served in a bright room with white chairs and tables and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the street. On the other side of the reception is a small bar where guests can get drinks and snacks 24/7. Soft, low sofas here were a nice place to relax after a busy day at a trade show and Celia looked after us, keeping us topped up with salty snacks with our reasonably priced wines and ice cold beers. A little ‘honesty’ kiosk was stocked with Pringles, Lays crisps, M&Ms cashews and other snacks, plus items guests might have forgotten, such as toothpaste and razors.
THE VERDICT
It’s the personal touches that make a stay special and in this case it was when I was surprised during breakfast with a slice of delicious almond cake for my birthday, complete with a candle. I assumed colleagues had arranged it but apparently the hotel had spotted the date on my passport and always surprised guests with birthdays. They even sang. It made my day.
THE DETAILS
Rates start at around €100 room only or €140 with breakfast.
