A Mediterranean Gem in Hamburg

Nestled against the picturesque Blankenese staircase district with sweeping views of the Elbe River, stilwerk Strandhotel Blankenese is the latest addition to Hamburg’s thriving boutique hotel scene. This Art Nouveau treasure, originally built in 1902, has undergone a stunning transformation. With a focus on timeless design, rich textures, and a bold colour palette, this newly opened hotel promises not only luxurious accommodation but also an immersive design experience for its guests.

A Design Oasis Inspired by Nature

We are talking with Karlotta Bott, Head of Curation & Design at stilwerk, about what makes this place so special. She emphasizes the unique atmosphere of the hotel, from the striking Art Nouveau architecture to the natural light that floods the rooms, creating a warm, almost Mediterranean glow.

“When the sun shines, it immediately transports you to the South,” she says, highlighting the hotel’s calming, almost transformative ambiance. This setting, surrounded by water and greenery, served as a major inspiration for the hotel’s design concept, which is all about creating an oasis where guests can relax, disconnect, and feel inspired.

The Creative Process Behind the Design

Bott describes the creative process as highly collaborative, with the design team beginning by visiting the location to gather initial impressions and develop the mood that would guide the overall concept. “It’s not just about concrete ideas at first; it’s more about the atmosphere we want to create, the essence of the place,” she explains.

For stilwerk Strandhotel Blankenese, the design is deeply connected to its surroundings. “Water, sand, and lush greenery define our colour palette. We wanted to be bold with the use of colour, making it a statement without being too loud or overwhelming,” says Bott. The result is a harmonious combination of natural materials like wood, marble, and brass, paired with subtle contrasts and unique shapes in the furniture and accessories. The interplay of textures and tones creates a soothing yet dynamic space that invites guests to linger.

Design Experiences and Exciting Brands

The hotel is more than just a place to stay; It’s an opportunity to experience design in a tangible way. “We wanted to introduce some exciting new brands,” Bott reveals, so guests will find furniture and décor from renowned names from Italy, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway - including Northern.

When Bott designed the hotel, it was important to her that the colours and materials in the room harmonized, and she tried to coordinate the design language of the bed, bedside tables, and lighting to bring everything together. The Valet collection and the Balancer wall lamp from Northern are central to many of the studios in the hotel.

“I love the Valet wall drawer and console because we can use them to place little notes or treats for the guests. It feels more personal and conveys a feeling of home. The integration of leather inside the drawer gives a feeling of fine quality.”

A Space to Unwind and Connect

The stilwerk Strandhotel Blankenese offers much more than stunning interiors. It’s a space designed for interaction, whether through events, workshops, or simply unwinding in one of the hotel’s many common areas. The Club & Atelier Room doubles as a café, lounge, and bar, offering breathtaking views of the Elbe and providing a perfect spot for both locals and guests to relax or connect over a cup of coffee. As Bott points out, “We want this to be a place of inspiration, a home away from home where creativity and community thrive.”

A Timeless Design with a Modern Twist

The hotel is a masterclass in combining historic architecture with modern, cutting-edge design. Its commitment to quality craftsmanship, locally sourced materials, and an emphasis on sustainability has resulted in a unique space that blends the old with the new. Bott sums up the hotel’s vibe in her own words: “Cool ornaments with timeless, modern designs meet a good dose of edge – and of course, there’s just the magic of the place.”

We really believe the stilwerk Strandhotel Blankenese is poised to become one of Hamburg’s most iconic destinations for travellers and design lovers alike.