Brick masterpiece in Hamburg with a rich industrial past
Gastwerk / Hamburg / Germany
Old buildings with a story to tell is something I am super fond of. And when they are taken care of without destroying the heritage I fall in love. That was the case with Gastwerk Hotel in Hamburg, Germany. This used to be an old power station dating back to the 19th century that has been transformed into a modern, industrial looking design hotel without losing its historic connection.
The first thing that hits you when arriving at Gastwerk is the massive red brick building setting the industrial theme from the get go. It is easy to see why this was a listed building with a strict preservation order which made the transformational journey really challenging. The work was led by local architect Klaus Peter Lange and together with designers Schwethelm and von Heyden they managed to include the old, industrial structures and machinery into the design without taking it too far. The hard, rough had to be combined with the opposite to not end up with a hotel that would scare its guests away.
There are a total of 141 rooms and in mine you could really sense the industrial heritage with the factory windows and the brick walls. This is softened by fitted carpets and in the communal areas with patterned wall paper, walnut tree trimmings and fringed lamps.
The hotel is located in the outskirts of Hamburg so perfect if you like to stay in a more residential area during your city break which usually means more calm than staying downtown. There is a train station just around the corner from the hotel that will have you down in the centre in no time.
Welcome to the Gastwerk Hotel in Hamburg, Germany where the industrial heritage is evident before you have even entered the building.
I love this stern looking atrium that the hotel is built around.
Concrete and exposed metal beams fits well with the industrial look.
My room with the signature brick wall and factory windows. The design is fairly discreet and pared down which makes the industrial elements stand out even more.
Gastwerk Hamburg is a member of Design Hotels and it is easy to see why.
The bar area where wood, brass and fringed lamps are brought into the design which makes it all feel more cozy than industrial.
I am obsessed with these lamps and the brass counter top.
This lounge area next to the bar and lobby is a perfect little place to relax if you fancy the cozy look before the industrial.
This is probably the most well stocked hotel shop I have ever seen. Everything you might need during your stay (or after) was available here.
This old part of the factory was at the far end of the atrium. It is so brutal and beautiful. I am happy it is a protected industrial heritage piece so that it had to be kept and integrated into the hotel design.
Red brick, blue sky and sunset works well together.
Ok, just one more photo from the outside in the sunset just because it is so stunning (if I may say so myself)…
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…like buildings with a heritage. If you like your city hotel to be located just outside the absolute center of town, this is your place. The center of Hamburg is only a short train ride away.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is all the industrial machinery that is still to be seen in the hotel. In the atrium of the reception/lobby area there is a massive green machine that is so impressive.
What not to miss when staying here is…
…to go see St Pauli football team play if you are in town during one of their games. They have the most committed fans. Unfortunately they rarely win but who cares when it is so much fun just to hang out with the other fans at the arena.
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