Paradise for Architecture and Design enthusiasts
The Fontaney Hotel is a city resort situated at one of the most beautiful spots in the world. In the heart of the Hanseatic city of Hamburg , nestled in a park directly on the shores of the alster lake.
You could be forgiven for thinking you are walking on clouds throughout the entire hotel, on soft carpets; the interior design is devoted to a love of materials and detail. There is no need for ostentatious chrome or gold leaf, fine wood and minerals express the understatement that is typical of Hamburg. Almost 200 members of staff attend to the guest’s every wish under the management of director Thies Sponholz. Check-in is at cosy curved desks and chairs, which are located in front of a green inner courtyard. However, my attention is drawn to the heart of the hotel. The 27-metre high atrium with round sofas up to 25 metres long. Six stories wide, my gaze is directed upwards to the glass banisters of the bar. When the pianist plays the Steinway grand piano, the tones drop like pearls along the eight-metre high chandelier down to the soft carpet. Can you feel the musical rain?
Guests can choose from a selection of 130 luxurious rooms and suites. Schramm Werkstätten in Germany designed an extra comfortable bed and mattress series specifically for the hotel. The “Parkview” garden restaurant offers a wide range of cuisine with a box view of the Alster. You are also granted a view of the Alster in the bar on the sixth floor. Above the bar, you will find the “Lakeside” gourmet restaurant; the crew, under the direction of Cornelius Speinle, offers contemporary fine dining and creative dishes of the highest level.
The hotel’s motto “Everything in flow” is also reflected in the exclusive spa area, extending over 1000 square metres. The urban roof landscape with a 20-metre long indoor/outdoor pool and sun terrace is a magical place. While you swim, the Infinity-Pool and the Alster Lake seem to merge to form one waterline.
Water, trees and the sky inspired the architect to create a building with a basic form made up of three intertwining circles, blending seamlessly into the Alster landscape. The result is not only a paradise for architecture and design enthusiasts but also a balance between nature and urban life.
www.thefontenay.de
Photos Copyrights: The Fontenay Hamburg
