Hotel Louis C. Jacob

With a superb riverside location on the oh-so lovely and leafy Elbchaussee, the Louis C. Jacob combines classic Hanseatic hospitality with contemporary luxury. There’s no hip concept here, simply understated elegance, utmost comfort and outstanding dining in the hotel’s chandeliered, Michelin-starred Jacob Restaurant. The rooms—from superior doubles to the extravagant ballroom suite—are all spacious and light, with pristine beds, wooden flooring, natural stone bathrooms and either an Elbe or garden view. For extra cultural cache, book ahead for the Max Liebermann room, where the famous German modernist painter stayed and painted the hotel’s picturesque lime tree terrace. Part of the hotel’s exclusivity is its peaceful location beyond the city centre, but you’re only a 20-minute ride into town by bus, with car hire and limousine services also available.