Walk into the lobby of the Reichshof Hamburg and the first thing you notice isn't the check-in desk. It's the smell of history mixed with expensive coffee. If you've spent any time in Hamburg, you know the area around the Hauptbahnhof can be... well, a bit chaotic. But the moment those heavy doors swing shut behind you, the noise of the central station vanishes. You're suddenly standing in 1910. It’s a vibe.
The Hotel Reichshof Hamburg, Curio Collection by Hilton isn't your standard cookie-cutter corporate stay. It’s got soul. Originally opened in 1910 by Anton Rehder, this place was designed to look like the luxury ocean liners of the era. Think Art Deco brass, dark wood paneling, and marble that’s seen more history than most of us combined. Honestly, it’s one of the few places where the "historic" label actually feels earned rather than just a marketing gimmick.
The Art Deco Vibe is Real
Most hotels try to fake "vintage." They buy some mid-century modern chairs from a catalog and call it a day. The Reichshof is different. The lobby, known as the "Stadt Hamburg," is a protected monument. You’re literally walking through a piece of German architectural heritage. The high ceilings and those massive chandeliers make you feel like you should be wearing a tuxedo or at least something nicer than your travel hoodies.
The rooms are a bit of a mix, though.
While the public spaces scream 1920s glamour, the rooms themselves—there are 278 of them—lean more toward modern functionalism. You'll find high ceilings and maybe some decorative molding, but the furniture is clean, contemporary, and very Hilton. It’s a weird contrast, but it works. You get the "cool" factor downstairs and the "I actually want a good night's sleep on a Serta mattress" factor upstairs.
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Why the location is a love-hate relationship
Let’s be real for a second. The Reichshof sits right across from the main train station.
On one hand, it’s incredibly convenient. You hop off the ICE train, walk 200 meters, and you’re at your hotel. If you’re heading to the airport, the S-Bahn is right there. On the other hand, the St. Georg district is gritty. It’s lively, diverse, and full of great food, but it’s also got that typical big-city station energy. Some people find it "authentic," others find it a bit much. But that's Hamburg. It’s a city of contrasts, and the Hotel Reichshof Hamburg, Curio Collection by Hilton sits right at the intersection of old-world luxury and urban reality.
Dining at Slowman and the Bar Scene
You have to talk about the Bar 1910. It’s not just a hotel bar; it’s a destination. They’ve preserved the original wood and leather, and the cocktail menu is heavy on the classics. If you order a Manhattan here, they treat it like a religious ceremony. It’s the kind of place where you can imagine 1930s spies whispering in the corner.
Then there’s the restaurant, Slowman.
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The name sounds like a weird indie band, but the food is solid. They focus on high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. The breakfast buffet is particularly legendary among Hilton Honors members. We're talking smoked salmon, local German breads that could double as doorstops (in a good way), and honeycomb dripping right off the frame. It’s a far cry from the sad continental breakfasts you find in mid-tier hotels.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Reichshof
A lot of travelers see the "Hilton" name and expect a glass tower with a rooftop pool. If that's what you want, go to the Atlantic or the Fontenay. The Reichshof is part of the Curio Collection, which is Hilton’s way of saying "this hotel is too weird and unique to be a standard Hilton."
- The Gym: It’s small. If you’re a hardcore bodybuilder, you might be disappointed. But for a quick cardio session, it’s fine.
- The Air Conditioning: In some of the older parts of the building, it can be a bit finicky. It’s a 110-year-old lady; she has her moods.
- The Quiet: Despite being next to the station, the soundproofing is surprisingly elite. Those walls are thick.
The Cultural Significance of the St. Georg District
Staying at the Hotel Reichshof Hamburg, Curio Collection by Hilton puts you in the heart of St. Georg. This is the city's LGBTQ+ hub, filled with art galleries, tiny cafes, and some of the best kebab shops in Northern Germany. You're a five-minute walk from the Kunsthalle (the art museum) and the Alster Lake.
If you walk towards the lake, the vibe changes instantly from "busy station" to "old money Hamburg." It’s fascinating to watch the transition. Most tourists stick to the Rathaus area, but staying here gives you a much better pulse on how the city actually breathes.
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Making the most of your stay
If you're booking, try to snag a room on the higher floors. Not because of the view—Hamburg isn't exactly a skyline city from this angle—but because the light is better. The "Medium" rooms are okay for a night, but if you’re staying longer, the "Large" or "Extra Large" rooms are worth the upgrade. The extra square footage in these historic layouts makes a massive difference in how claustrophobic you feel after a day of sightseeing.
Also, check out the spa. It’s not huge, but it has a Finnish sauna and a steam bath. After a rainy day in Hamburg (and let’s face it, it will probably rain), there is nothing better than thawing out in a wood-scented sauna.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just book the first rate you see. If you’re planning a trip to the Hotel Reichshof Hamburg, Curio Collection by Hilton, here is how to handle it like a pro:
- Join Hilton Honors first. Even the lowest tier usually gets you free Wi-Fi and sometimes a better cancellation policy. At this specific property, upgrades for Gold and Diamond members are frequent because they have so many different room configurations.
- Skip the taxi. If you're coming from the airport, take the S1 line. It drops you at the Hauptbahnhof, and the hotel is literally a three-minute walk from the Kirchenallee exit. You’ll save 35 Euros and probably get there faster.
- Explore Lange Reihe. This street is the backbone of St. Georg. Walk down it for dinner instead of eating at the station. "Kyti Voo" is a great spot for coffee, and "Cox" is fantastic for a more upscale dinner.
- Visit the Chocoversum. It’s just a short walk from the hotel. Even if you think a chocolate museum is for kids, you get to make your own chocolate bar. It’s worth it.
- Check the Bar 1910 schedule. Sometimes they have live jazz or specific spirits tastings. It’s a much better way to spend an evening than scrolling on your phone in the room.
The Reichshof is a survivor. It survived wars, it survived the decline of the grand hotel era, and it survived a massive renovation that could have stripped its character. It didn't. It’s still standing, still grand, and still a little bit moody. It’s the most "Hamburg" hotel in Hamburg.