Travel to the North of Germany – Reichshof in Hamburg
Contributed by Kathrin Sion.
Once a year I must travel to Hamburg. I love this city where I began my career as a journalist.
Furthermore I am back to the Reichshof Hotel which I have visited before.
In former times it was a really old house, with charm but a bit rusty.
Now I checked in – and what a surprise.
It is renovated, very fine and with care.
The hotel in the centre of the Hanseatic city and was one of the leading grand hotels of the early 20th century. Nowadays The Reichshof will be reopened as a unique combination of the historic and the modern style.
The hotel welcome guests under the brand „Curio – A Collection by Hilton“ with 278 rooms, junior suites and one-bedroom suites as well as an exceptional gastronomic offer.
Contemporary design meet style elements preserved from the early 20th century in the building by Hamburg‘s main station – and bring the unique, Hanseatic air of the listed hotel back to life.
Under the leadership of General Manager Folke Sievers it presents itself as a vibrant port of call for visitors to the city and Hamburg residents alike, and is also a relaxing retreat for business guests.
I got a superior room in the second floor and I was fascinated by the combination of old and new.
The room has a nice grandness – and the bathroom is perfect. The shower magnificant.
Next morning the breakfast check. Good food – and a special atmosphere: in the slowman at the Reichshof Hamburg, shiny marble and wood-panelled private rooms meet a contemporary concept. The restaurant has its origins in the TV programme „Rachs Restaurantschule“ and over the past years, it has developed its own very special philosophy in its former location at the Hamburg Chilehaus. The slowman is now welcoming guests, chef Frank Bertram and his team place people and their skills in the spotlight and cook in accordance with the rhythm of nature.
This means they reduce cooking to its bare essentials. For his dishes, Bertram exclusively uses products sourced from producers who are personally known to him and who produce their wares sustainably under fair conditions. For him, however, it is not just about the origin of the ingredients, but also about genuine culinary craftsmanship and natural, authentic avours.
I got up early and started with fine bread, delicious cereals, fresh fruits, cheese and eggs.
Wow.
After breakfast- time for downtown.
You go out – and you are in the city. Around the hotel, district St. Georg a interesting district with more and more shopping possibilities – nice shops, little brands like Mutterland, Kaufhaus Hamburg, Tibetan Lama Art and artist Julia Vahjen.
It is near to the harbour and to the so called “Hafenstadt”.
For dinner I went out to the restaurant Eisenstein. The opening of the restaurant Eisenstein in 1988 the ruins of the the world-famous ship Schraubenfabrik Zeise was given new life . The ancient architecture , coupled with industrial design , the now legendary pizza from the wood oven and a modern influenced international cuisine, the restaurant Eisenstein made from day one become a magnet for people from the music – film and cultural scene and from politics and business. It was a very delicious evening.
Back to the Reichshof. Must have seen is the Bar 1910 which continues the tradition of consummate bartending in the Reichshof. By carefully complementing the listed Art Deco elements with modern design, it radiates anew with the splendour of the Roaring Twenties.
On the menu: a good selection of high-quality spirits – primarily whiskies from across the world – as well as contemporary cocktails and one of the best club sandwich in the city.
Yummy.
A lovely experience.
Photos by Matthew Shaw.
