To capitalise on Hamburg’s abundant urban greenery, it seemed only natural that Jan Störmer would conceive The Fontenay as a ‘hotel in the park’.
Guided by the idea of three interlocking circles, the locally based architect has created a building that ebbs and flows with the surroundings – the façade is both concave and convex to create internal spaces that narrow and open up unexpectedly around a 27m high atrium.
Every one of the 130 rooms, which include 17 suites, faces outwards. These, the Berlin-based interior designer Christian Meinert has painted in natural shades of beige, green onyx, turquoise and blues. The oak wood floors are laid with rugs woven by The House of Tai Ping, while surfaces pop with objets by George Jensen and original art by the Peruvian painter Antonio Maro.
Both restaurants present contrasting perspectives of the surrounding greenery and views. Executive chef Stefan Wilke stakes the Parkview on the ground level with an outdoor terrace and a classic menu that includes Königsberger Klopse (meatballs in a white sauce) and a chateaubriand that’s carved tableside; whilst on the seventh floor, Cornelius Speinle (ex-The Fat Duck) sends out foie gras infused with coffee, banana and tobacco.
The rooftop infinity pool also ticks all our boxes for its views of not just Lake Alster, but also Hamburg’s five principal churches.
ADDRESS
Fontenay 10