Industrial chic design standout. Luxurious loft like rooms. A memorable experience.
First Impressions
It’s no surprise that the Gastwerk is a member of Design Hotels because it truly is a design standout. In addition to the incredible, industrial-style design, the 4-star hotel is completely flawless in every sense of the word. Every corner of the 19th century converted gasworks has been carefully planned out and transformed into a modern luxury design hotel.
The Gastwerk did an impeccable job with the design and space planning of the entire hotel where the small things stood out. Lamps when I needed light. Quaint sitting nooks when I needed somewhere to sit. It was apparent that a lot of thought went into the Gastwerk and as a traveler it is much appreciated.
From the moment I arrived to the moment I left I felt as though it was more than just another stay in another hotel, it was an experience.
From Gas Plant to Gastwerk
“About 120 years ago, the old gas plant brought light to the streets and houses of Hamburg`s western districts for the first time. In the impressive and carefully restored industrial building, built with brick and steel, modern design and historical architecture form a fascinating harmonic interpretation – the Gastwerk, Hamburg’s first design hotel. The brick hall of the building, flooded with light, reflects with its 6500 square feet the unique, loft-like character of the hotel, which ranks among the city’s very best hotels since its opening in 2000.” –The Gastwerk Hotel
At The Hotel
International restaurant, day spa with sauna and steam room, library, complimentary MINI Coopers to drive subject to availability, WiFi throughout. In rooms: flatscreen TV; iPod docking station; espresso machine with complimentary illy coffee; minibar; bathrobes; hair dryer; in-room safe with outlet inside (genius!).
The Rooms
The Gastwerk has six different room types: Atrium Rooms, Small Lofts, Business Lofts, Lofts, Junior Suites and Suites. I was staying in the “Loft.” My room reminded me of what I had always wished my New York City apartment looked like – a spacious loft with exposed brick, floor-to-ceiling windows flooding natural light, and and immaculately designed. Considering that I put the word “spacious” in my NYC dream apartment it was definitely just that… a dream. And so I had to travel all the way to Germany to live out my picture perfect living quarters. If only I could stay forever.
Cozy down comforters and blackout curtains made a perfect night’s sleep – only I completely overslept! The Satellite TV had multiple channels in several languages which was fantastic considering the fact that I don’t speak a word of German! I made use of the safe which had it’s own outlet inside the safe… genius! As soon as I walked in I noticed the illy coffee machine. Nothing like having a morning espresso in the comfort of your room.
The Spa
The hotel also has a spa on the premise. The oriental design of a spa is an interesting combination with the industrial style of the hotel but it blends seamlessly. Small lanterns are scattered throughout the spa which brought back memories of Thailand. I spent the next forty minutes indulging in the Detox & Refresh Massage which was incredible. The massage therapist was excellent. I’m quite the spa and massage junkie and I can put the Gastwerk Spa in my top five spa experiences. After my massage, I took a quick trip to the sauna (steam room also available) and then relaxed on one of the bright white lounge chairs in the waiting area while sipping tea and eating an apple which my masseuse set out for me. Overall, top-notch spa experience that I highly recommend.
Hotel Restaurant & Bar
Breakfast is served in the Mangold Restaurant which is also open for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is buffet style and typical European breakfast although I’ll have to admit the selection is better than most hotels. Scrambled eggs, cereals, muesli, yogurts, cheeses and cold cuts, smoked salmon, wide bread selection, sausages and more. It was quite the spread.
I hung out in the hotel’s bar called L.BAR while enjoying a glass of Riesling and a Caesar salad. Now I should mention that I am a Caesar salad addict. Whenever I see one on a menu, I always without fail will order it. So I’ve had my fair share of the Cardini classic and I really loved the hotel’s dressing. The salad was served with grilled shrimp then garnished with cherry tomatoes and micro-greens.
The Rundown
ROOMS 141 rooms, lofts and suites
CHECK-IN & OUT Check-in at 3:00pm and check-out at 11:00am. Early check-in, late check-out subject to availability.
RATES starting at €79.52 (approx. $103) per night
ALSO The Gastwerk has free MINI Coopers available. So grab the keys (subject to availability) from the front desk and head off out to explore the countryside.
What’s Around
Located just steps from the hotel entrance is a small shopping complex with stores, a market, pharmacy and more.
Getting Here
The Gastwerk Hamburg is 650 ft from Bornkamps Weg Bus Stop, and a 9-minute walk from Bahrenfeld S-Bahn Station. Drivers are just 4 minutes from highway A7.
Find It
Beim Alten Gaswerk 3, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
Phone:+49 40 890620
www.gastwerk.com
Final Say: MUST GO! Other hotels could learn a thing or two from The Gastwerk. My overall rating: 10 out of 10. Round of applause to the Gastwerk!
My stay at The Gastwerk was provided complimentary. As always, services provided complimentary do not always guarantee favorable reviews. I am always 100% honest in my reviews and will always be completely transparent to ensure that my readers remain completely confident in The Wellist.
Hotel looks great. And great photos Krista.