Hotel InterContinental Hamburg
Hamburg, Germany · 5-star
Anna's Weekend Verdict
"Hamburg is Germany's most underrated weekend city — the harbour, the Elbphilharmonie, the Reeperbahn, and an excellent Spielbank that occupies a prime spot on the Esplanade. The InterContinental overlooks the Alster lake and puts you in walking distance of both the casino and the city's best districts."
The Hotel
The InterContinental Hamburg stands on the shore of the Außenalster lake, with many rooms offering water views. The hotel has been a Hamburg landmark since the 1960s and underwent a thorough renovation. Rooms are contemporary and spacious, the executive lounge is one of the best in the IHG chain, and the Fontenay Bar serves excellent cocktails. The location between the Alster and the city centre is ideal for a weekend — the main shopping streets and Spielbank are a 10-minute walk.
The Casino
Spielbank Hamburg is one of Germany's premier state-run casinos, located on Stephansplatz in the city centre. The casino occupies an elegant building with a classic gaming floor upstairs (Roulette, Blackjack, Poker — jacket recommended) and a more relaxed slot floor downstairs. The casino's Tarantella restaurant serves Italian cuisine that's genuinely good. Spielbank Hamburg has a reputation for being welcoming to international visitors — staff speak excellent English.
Best Weekend Activities Nearby
Elbphilharmonie
Hamburg's spectacular concert hall on the harbour. Even without concert tickets, the free plaza viewing platform offers extraordinary harbour views.
Speicherstadt & Miniatur Wunderland
The UNESCO-listed warehouse district houses the world's largest model railway. Allow 2–3 hours and book online to skip queues.
Reeperbahn & St. Pauli
Hamburg's famous nightlife district is 15 minutes from the casino. Live music, bars, and the Beatles' original Hamburg venue.
The Verdict
Best for: Couples and friends wanting a port city weekend with harbour culture and elegant gaming
Anna's weekend tip: Book Elbphilharmonie plaza tickets (free) for sunset, then walk to Spielbank Hamburg for your evening — the route along the harbour is Hamburg at its best.
Ratings
Practical Info
Fontenay 10, 20354 Hamburg, Germany
Spielbank Hamburg: 12:00–03:00 (slots), 15:00–03:00 (tables)
Hotel garage €28/day
Hamburg Airport (HAM) — 11 km, ~25 min by S-Bahn
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