The buzz in Ruby Lotti Hamburg’s lobby makes it feel more like you’ve walked through the doors of a relaxed private member’s club than a hotel.
Think stylish vintage decor with one-of-a-kind pieces and a chic 24/7 bar instead of a reception desk. Located inside an old 50s publishing house, there are subtle references to the hotel’s history with typewriters nestling on tables, old 1950s newspapers in magazine racks, and classic cocktails featuring brandies and cognacs on the bar menu.
And then there’s the waterside view as you’re sipping on your Sidecar cocktail. With Hamburg dubbed ‘the Venice of the North’, the maze of charming water channels make up the city and Ruby Lotti is right next to the canal in its super-central Stadthausbrücke location. Here’s why it’s the perfect hotspot to explore more of Hamburg.
Navigate Hamburg city in chic layers. Here’s what to pack in your suitcase for Ruby Lotti (clue: pops of red).
THE VIBE
The décor may have a nostalgic nod to the 50s and 60s, but the hotel vibe is super-modern and forward-thinking. Think Ruby-branded coffee van outside for morning macchiatos on-the-go and bar staff ‘hosts’ that can mix a mean cocktails but also assist guests with any hotel queries. Without the pretentiousness or overbearing service of some city hotels, Ruby Lotti has a welcoming atmosphere that’s luxe but low-key all at the same time.
The hotel is also high-tech if you’re in a hurry – guests have the option of checking in via a tablet that prints out your key card meaning you can go from lobby to room within minutes. It’s laidback and informal and it’s why Hamburg locals love hanging out there too, whether it’s an organic early breakfast or after-hours at the cocktail bar. Music is integral to this hotel from the in-room Marshall amps (more on that later), to the hotel’s bespoke Ruby Radio that plays in all rooms and communal spaces.
THE BEDROOMS
Rooms at Ruby Lotti vary from small but perfectly formed Nest Rooms (13-15sq m), to the largest Loft Rooms (23-38sq m) that overlook the fleet when you wake up in the morning (paying a premium for a waterside view is worth every euro). With white oak-wood floors and cherry-wood panelling, every room is modern, light and bright with pops of accent red and a casual Marshall Bluetooth speaker…
Music lovers at Ruby Lotti can rent acoustic or electric guitars and strum away their favourite air guitar tracks in real life, thanks to the super-soundproofed rooms. A hotel that’s clearly tuned in to tech, Ruby personal tablet concierges allow you to play music and explore the hotel and city from underneath your duvet. British prudes beware: the open glass showers are v. European, but they do come with cool Ruby Care shower and hair products.
THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Whether you do (bike) wheels or walk, Ruby Lotti is centrally located at local landmark Stadthausbrücke so it’s a short walk away from all of Hamburg’s hotspots such as Speicherstadt, HafenCity and Landungsbrücken. These are the Christmas markets to visit while you’re in Hamburg:
Fleet Christmas Market
Surrounded by canals, the Fleet island – and the Christmas market which is held on it – has a bit of a maritime air, plus it’s right next to Ruby Lotti near the Stadthausbrücke S-Bahn station (runs until December 23rd).
City Hall Market
Probably Hamburg’s most Instagrammable Christmas Market, located in front of the Hamburg Rathaus. Its stalls are outside the city hall under a giant illuminated tree (runs until December 23rd).
Winterwald in Hamburg
Formerly known as ‘Traditionen in Winterwald’, this is the main Christmas market in the shopping streets that’s like a mystical winter forest around the Mönckebergbrunnen (runs until December 30th).
White Magic on the Jungfernsteig
The Weisser Zauber Christmas Market is located in a romantic location on the promenade which runs alongs the Binnenalster, the large artificial lake which is enclosed by the city (runs until December 30th).
Enjoy more inspiration for your trip to Hamburg, with our Citizen Femme guide to Altona, Hamburg’s most diverse district.
Any Questions or Tips to add?