You walk into an old iron foundry on St. Pauli’s infamous Reeperbahn and the first thing you notice isn't the check-in desk. It's the smell. Not industrial soot—though the building’s history is baked into the brickwork—but a mix of high-end perfume and expensive gin. This is east Hamburg hotel Germany, a place that basically redefined what a "design hotel" was supposed to look like back when it opened in 2004, and somehow, it hasn’t lost that edge. While other hotels from that era started looking like outdated IKEA showrooms, east (they insist on the lowercase 'e') feels more like a living, breathing entity. It’s moody. It’s concrete. It’s undeniably Hamburg.
Most people heading to Northern Germany think they need to stay near the Alster Lake to get the "real" experience. They’re wrong. If you want to understand the soul of this harbor city—the grit, the wealth, and the obsession with electronic music—you go to St. Pauli.
The weird architecture of the east Hamburg hotel Germany
Architecture nerd or not, you can't ignore the bones of this place. Jordan Mozer, the Chicago-based designer behind the interior, didn't just renovate a factory; he sort of melted it. The walls curve in ways that feel organic, almost like you’re inside a giant, high-tech cave. You’ve got these massive floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto a courtyard, but the interior is all about shadows and orange light. It's a vibe.
The building used to be a foundry. You can still feel that weight.
Instead of ripping out the industrial soul, Mozer kept the exposed brick and the massive steel beams but contrasted them with "blob-ism" furniture. Think velvet, flowing plastic shapes, and beds that look like they're floating. There are 129 rooms, and they aren't all the same. Some are tiny "smart" rooms for the business traveler who just needs a crash pad, while others are sprawling suites where you could probably host a small wedding.
Honestly, the lighting is the real hero here. It’s dimmed to a level that makes everyone look about 40% more attractive. If you’re checking in after a long flight, that’s a feature, not a bug.
What’s actually inside the rooms?
Staying at the east Hamburg hotel Germany means you’re signing up for a specific aesthetic. Don’t expect floral wallpaper or "homey" touches.
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- You get Bose sound systems because, well, it’s St. Pauli.
- The bathrooms are usually integrated into the room design—sometimes with glass walls.
- High-speed Wi-Fi that actually works (a rarity in some German brick buildings).
- Sky TV, though why you'd watch TV in Hamburg is beyond me.
One thing to watch out for: the "Large" rooms versus the "Extra Large." If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room facing the courtyard. The Reeperbahn is right outside, and while the windows are thick, Hamburg’s nightlife is louder. It's a party district. People scream. Bass thumps. That’s the trade-off for being in the heart of the action.
The restaurant that everyone talks about
You can’t mention this hotel without talking about the east Restaurant. It’s located in the old foundry hall, and the ceiling is staggeringly high. It’s easily one of the most photographed dining spots in the city. The menu is "Euro-Asian," which sounds like a 90s buzzword, but the food actually holds up. The sushi is legit.
I’ve seen locals who live in Blankenese—the fancy part of town—trek all the way to St. Pauli just for dinner here. That tells you something. It isn't just a "hotel restaurant" for stranded tourists. It’s a destination.
The Yakitori is great, but the Nigiri is where the chefs really show off. They use local seafood where it makes sense, but the flavors are strictly Eastern. If you're staying there, book a table in advance. Even on a Tuesday, the place gets packed with people in black turtlenecks and expensive sneakers.
The bar scene and the "Yakshi’s" factor
Yakshi’s Bar is the heart of the ground floor. It’s long, glowing, and serves cocktails that are probably too strong for a weekday. This is where the business crowd and the club kids overlap. You’ll see a CEO in a bespoke suit sitting three stools away from a DJ with a neck tattoo.
There’s also the "Clouds" bar nearby, which is part of the same hospitality group, located in the "Dancing Towers" at the end of the street. If you want the view, go there. If you want the atmosphere, stay at Yakshi’s.
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Is it actually in a good location?
Let's be real about St. Pauli. Some people hate it. It’s the red-light district. It’s where the Beatles cut their teeth in dive bars like the Indra and the Kaiserkeller. It’s messy. But it’s also the most authentic part of Hamburg.
From the east Hamburg hotel Germany, you are a five-minute walk from the Landungsbrücken—the piers. You can jump on a ferry (Line 62 is the secret "cheap" harbor cruise) and see the massive container ships. You’re also close to the Schanzenviertel, which is the hipster neighborhood full of independent coffee shops and boutiques.
If you want to see the Elbphilharmonie, it’s a quick U-Bahn ride or a 20-minute walk along the water.
The stuff nobody tells you
Most reviews just say "it's cool." Here’s what they miss. The spa, "east Sporting," is surprisingly good for a design-heavy hotel. Usually, these places treat the gym as an afterthought, but here you’ve got a Finnish sauna and a decent selection of weights. They also have a rooftop terrace that’s a hidden gem in the summer.
Also, the breakfast. It’s German. That means high-quality bread, cheeses, meats, and eggs cooked to order. It isn't cheap—around €28 to €35 depending on the season—but it’ll keep you full until dinner.
Is there a downside? Yeah. If you’re looking for a quiet, traditional German experience with a "Gasthof" feel, you will hate it here. It’s dark. The music is always playing. It feels like a club that happens to have beds.
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How to get the best out of your stay
Don't just book the cheapest room on a third-party site. If you can, book the "Dine & Sleep" packages they often run on their own website. It usually includes a multi-course dinner at the restaurant, and it ends up being way cheaper than paying for both separately.
Also, check the event calendar. The hotel often hosts "After Work" parties or gallery openings. If you’re there to sleep early for a 7:00 AM meeting, check if there's a major event happening that night.
A quick note on "The Coast" and other sister spots
The people who run east also run "coast by east" in the HafenCity district. If the industrial vibe of the main hotel is too much for you, go there for lunch. It’s right on the water, overlooking the Elbphilharmonie. It’s brighter, airier, and serves similar high-end sushi. It’s a nice contrast.
Actionable steps for your Hamburg trip
If you’re planning to stay at the east Hamburg hotel Germany, here is the move:
- Request a room on the higher floors if you want to minimize street noise from the Reeperbahn.
- Use the U-Bahn. The St. Pauli station (U3) is right there. The U3 is a ring line and mostly stays above ground, giving you the best tour of the city for the price of a standard ticket.
- Walk through the Old Elbe Tunnel. It’s about 10 minutes from the hotel. It’s free for pedestrians and takes you under the river to a viewpoint where you can see the entire Hamburg skyline.
- Skip the hotel taxi. Download the FREE NOW app or use MOIA (the electric ride-sharing vans). They’re ubiquitous in Hamburg and much cheaper than the "black cars" waiting outside the lobby.
- Visit the Fischmarkt on Sunday morning. If you stay out late at the hotel bar, you might as well stay up until 5:00 AM and walk down to the fish market. It’s a rite of passage.
Hamburg is a city that doesn't care if you like it or not. It’s confident. The east hotel is the same way. It’s not trying to please everyone with beige walls and polite lobby music. It’s bold, it’s a bit loud, and it’s probably the most "Hamburg" hotel in the city. Just bring some earplugs if you’re a light sleeper and an appetite for some of the best sushi in Northern Germany.
The city is changing fast—the new Elbtower is rising, and HafenCity is expanding—but the east remains a fixed point in the chaos of St. Pauli. It’s a solid choice if you want to be in the middle of everything without sacrificing a high-end bed and a great drink.
Key Information for the Traveler
- Location: Simon-von-Utrecht-Straße 31, 20359 Hamburg.
- Best for: Couples, solo business travelers, design fans.
- Not for: Families with toddlers or those seeking traditional "old world" luxury.
- Pro Tip: The hotel has its own cinema. Ask the concierge if there are any private screenings or events during your stay. It’s an incredibly cozy spot that most guests don’t even realize exists until they’re checking out.
Hamburg is best experienced by foot and by water. Start at the hotel, walk down to the docks, and let the city do the rest.