What's it like?
The latest addition to Hamburg's growing cluster of design hotels is a collaboration between the Italian interior designer Matteo Thun and the celebrated performance and installation artist, Robert Wilson. They have transformed an unprepossessing block in the centre of Hamburg's posh shopping district into a chic hideaway. Lighting design, Wilson's area of expertise, is much in evidence throughout the hotel, not least in the 100ft glass atrium that splits the hotel in two, flooding the reception area with soothing hues of blue and orange. Clever use of open space takes the edge off the severity of the hotel's design, and gives Side a tranquillity that is often lacking in hip hotels.
How do the rooms measure up?
Uber-modern with a touch of Zen. All 178 of them are finished in Matteo Thun originals. As in the rest of the hotel, much attention has been paid to the lighting, which swells from a cosy glow to a midday glare at the touch of a button. The bathrooms are temples of sparkling green glass and black slate, and loaded with lotions and potions made by the ever desirable REN Cosmetics. Everything in the rooms is also available to buy from the hotel, so there's no excuse for pinching the bathrobes or slippers on your way out.
What else is there to play with?
There's a full spa tucked away in the basement with a gym and a decent-sized pool. There's also a sauna, an aromatherapy steam room, a solarium and a massage area. Take the lift to the top floor and you'll find a roof terrace with views of the docks and (on a clear day) Hamburg's famous red light district, the Reeperbahn. Running alongside the terrace is a lounge that gives a spectacular, if vertiginous, view of the atrium. Don't be put off by the peculiar design of the sofas either - they may look like something out of a Ren and Stimpy cartoon but they're as soft and comfortable as a beanbag stuffed with marshmallows.
Food?
Side's worth a visit for the breakfasts alone, which are so beautifully presented it's almost a shame to devour them. The hotel chef, Olaf Niemeier, earned the nickname Picasso when he was cooking at Delhi's swankiest French restaurant, La Rochelle. It's easy to see why. No prizes for guessing what's on the menu of Fusion, the hotel restaurant: suffice to say that Niemeier approaches modern cuisine's most over-used adjective with originality and skill. Fusion's bar is one of Hamburg's hotspots for the city's media and fashion professionals, but despite this the atmosphere remains cosy rather than aloof. Mini televisions set into the top of each table show soothing videos of goldfish, while the smiley staff dish out huge glasses of beer and fruity cocktails.
What's the damage?
Surprisingly reasonable for a five-star, especially given the calibre of the hotel's design, but take note: the picturesque breakfast is not included. Doubles from 154 euros (£98); junior suites start at 229 euros (£145).
· Side, Drehbahn 49, Hamburg, D 20354. Tel: +49 40 30 99.
