3 Best Hotels in Blankenese, Hamburg

Those who make the effort to travel 20 minutes from the center of town to this small yet luxurious hotel perched above Elbe will gain a mixture of sophistication, Michelin-starred dining, and fine Hanseatic hospitality. Founded in 1791, the hotel has drawn plenty of famous names to its chandeliered dining room and oak-floored guest rooms over the years. From one of the hotel's tastefully appointed, river-view rooms you can watch passing ships, while the spacious rooms of the hotel's more modern wing across the road look onto manicured little courtyards.

Inspired by its location right next to the zoo, the hotel features artwork, furnishings, and even aromas from Asia and Africa to create spaces reminiscent of 19th-century safari outposts. The hotel also has every modern amenity, and because it is not in the heart of Hamburg, rooms are generous in size and many have balconies. You can buy tickets to Tierpark Hagenbeck and the Tropen Aquarium at a 25% discount from the concierge.

Housed in a historic villa that's an easy walk from the Schanzenviertel, this friendly, modern little hotel attracts a young, cosmopolitan crowd, families, and business travelers. Guest rooms can sometimes be on the small side, but they are all tastefully outfitted with wooden shutters on the windows and black slate in the bathrooms. Despite the minimal style, the hotel has an obvious warmth; staffers are helpful, and there are special rates if you're under 27.