6 Best Hotels in St. Pauli and Schanzenviertel, Hamburg

Not content to limit itself to merely being a place to sleep, this chic landmark hotel combines a buzzing cocktail bar with a similarly trendy sushi and steak restaurant to create one of the hottest spots in town. The inside of this former iron foundry is full of curvy, funky shapes and forms and open spaces of deep oranges, dark browns, and creams. The effect is one of almost immediate comfort and a sense of escape from the frenetic nighttime activity of the nearby Reeperbahn.

The prime location between the Reeperbahn and the harbor, the clever use of space and light, and a top-floor cocktail joint, 20up, that attracts thousands every weekend make this a favorite with locals and out-of-towners alike. White-walled guest rooms feel spacious and airy, and most have river views. Dark-wood banquettes replace traditional desks, and pocket doors lead into the bright bathrooms. Even though the hotel is three short blocks from the center of the Reeperbahn, there is little noise.

Moored at the start of the Reeperbahn, this black-glass monolith houses a welcoming design hotel ideal for those who want to just dip their toes into the waters of the red-light district. The inside of the hotel is full of light colors, with golden marble floors in the open-plan lobby and medium-size guest rooms highlighted by yellow leather headboards and bull's-eye windows. There's a small, stylish bar for refreshments before and after exploring the area’s musical theaters, bars, and clubs, and a little gym and spa area.

This little hotel squeezed into an old apartment building in the center of the Schanzenviertel has been transformed into fun, swinging '60s-style accommodations. Guest rooms remain small, but have been decked out with stylish flower-print and geometric-shape wallpaper, crystal fruit-bowl lampshades, and vintage teacups and saucers. Modern touches include flat-screen TVs and standard hotel beds that feel a little out of place next to the retro armchairs and tables. Given that space is at a premium, there's no breakfast room, but room service is available.

This harbor landmark, just across from the famous St. Pauli Landungsbrücken and a few streets back from the Reeperbahn, is a great value considering its central location. The main part of the hotel has small but nicely renovated rooms, while the modern tower annex offers a great view of the harbor. The Tower Bar is a popular Hamburg hangout and a great spot for a sundowner.

Occupying five levels above Hamburg's iconic St. Pauli bunker, this vibrant, music-themed hotel features tech-savvy rooms, live music spaces, and a stylish bar. The hotel embodies Hard Rock's signature energy, blending contemporary design with Hamburg’s rich musical heritage. The Karo & Paul bar and restaurant offers international cuisine and live music several evenings a week.