I fully admit it: I’m quite the penny-pincher. I’m convinced I might have some Scottish ancestry because I hold on to things forever and always compare prices at least ten times before making a purchase to ensure I get the best deal.
Given this, it’s no shock that we usually stay in budget-friendly hotels that offer just a bed and maybe some breakfast. And that’s it.
But for my husband’s birthday, we wanted to splurge a little. We chose a chic, stylish design hotel in Hamburg called the 25hours Hotel Hafencity and stayed for one night.
I’m not trying to hype this hotel specifically, but I do want to suggest that you visit a great Design Hotel occasionally. It can inspire you in the same way visiting an art or design museum does.
This hotel is in the up-and-coming HafenCity area of Hamburg and features a container-ship-meets-nautical theme with an industrial yet inviting vibe.
Besides the nice rooms, the hotel has the coolest Smokers Lounge, lined with shelves full of vinyl albums from artists like David Hasselhoff to Led Zeppelin. The built-in record players in the sofas let you enjoy the music either privately with headphones or with everyone using the speakers. It’s a great idea!
The nearby smoke-free common room has a cozy, social atmosphere with low seating, board games, and table football. The hotel’s restaurant, aptly named Heimat, offered a delicious menu and even had a band playing the night we stayed.
We left feeling more inspired, uplifted, and creative than when we arrived. That’s the impact of great design, and it’s why you should occasionally stay in a Design Hotel to experience the design, not just see it in a museum.
suansuan