Hotels
Tortue Hamburg's trendiest design hotel
© Tortue
Five years after its opening, Hotel Tortue has become a permanent fixture in Hamburg's city centre. Whether for overnight stays, meals or celebrations, the French-inspired hotel concept in the Stadthöfe is indispensable to Hamburg. This is due on the one hand to the central location, on the other hand to the beautiful interior that runs through the entire house, but above all to the excellent service.
As a sign of a noble excess of time, well-dressed dandies at the time of Napoleon used to stroll along the boulevards with turtles on leashes. In Hamburg's hotel of the same name, the French "Tortue" for turtle alludes to precisely this understanding of true luxury, which today seems more contemporary than ever.
It is not without reason that the Tortue invites Hamburgers to slow down with three very cosily furnished restaurants and five bars. While the brasserie on the Belle Etage serves German-inspired French dishes from dawn to dusk, the Asian restaurant Jin Gui is all about sushi, dim sum and co. Chez l'ami is the most exclusive place in the Tortue. Here, fine meats and shellfish are served by candlelight.
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Both face the secluded, French-style inner courtyard, which is an attraction in itself. With a fabulous 8,500 square metres, 128 rooms among them, the Tortue invites you to feel good and enjoy yourself. The philosophy of the oversized boutique hotel on Stadthausbrücke is to enjoy the moment and pause.
This is particularly successful at the hotel's recently opened rooftop bar, the Jardin Tortue. In a noble allotment garden ambience, you can not only enjoy the summer here, but also the view. Bumblebees buzz around lavender and clematis by day, while relaxed music, summery drinks and small dishes such as French-inspired pizzas accompany you into the evening.
Throughout the house, there is a whiff of perfumer Mark Buxton's scent in the air, specially developed for the Tortue, which is also reflected in the care products in the rooms. The graphically striking wallpaper and much of the furniture have also been customised.
The interior designer, Kate Hume from Amsterdam, is behind the exciting mix of room furnishings. The English-born designer is known for her clear and luxurious style and, in addition to many international clients, also counts the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg among her clients.
As a quiet reminiscence of the name Tortue, there is a porcelain turtle lamp in each room. Just like the toothbrush tumbler, which was also specially designed for the dignified Hamburg hotel. A box spring bed from the British brand Hypnos invites you to a restful night.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to get to bed early at the Tortue. The house has too much to offer. Lunch is enjoyed in the brasserie and dinner - after a great signature drink at the bar - in the beautifully designed restaurant Jin Gui. Last but not least, the Bar Noir is a must-see, which can mean that you don't get to the brasserie until quite late for breakfast.
The latter, however, is not to be missed, as the breakfast at Tortue is undoubtedly one of the best in the city. From chia seed porridge and sandwiches to French toast, herring bites, egg dishes and even oysters, the breakfast menu has something for everyone.
And around it? Hamburg's most beautiful shops are just around the corner. It's only a few steps to the Gänsemarkt and the Hamburg State Opera. Even the Alster is not far away. You can't find a more central place to stay in Hamburg. And probably no more beautiful either. Anyone who has stayed here once will always want to come back!
