The Fontenay

I would stay here again just for the breakfast! It's quite pricey, but a well-appointed hotel with exceptional service. It's in a very quiet, residential part of town, but it's easy enough to take the bus around. Also the views of the lake are unbeatable!

Reception said the room would be ready in 1/2 hour and would have a side lake view. It wasn’t ready for over 2 hours. The view was of other buildings - not attractive and impinged on privacy. We were told rooms with full or side lake view were all taken, the hotel was full (though we could see availability online) and the only other option was a marginally better view on the floor below. No apology for the failure to deliver on the promised side lake view. Fontenay is in a lovely quiet location (though some noise from neighbouring builders in our room at the back) but feels corporate and soulless. The pool/spa is a plus though very crowded. Our room was large, clean and extremely well thought through. Karina on the concierge desk was friendly and very helpful. Having visited the Fairmont and experienced their location, service, public facilities and more personal approach, it would probably have been a better option for us

Here’s a polished version that is strong, credible, and focused on your experience rather than speculation or personal attacks: I visited this hotel today at around 11:00 p.m. while passing through Hamburg. I wasn’t staying overnight—I simply wanted to stop by for a drink at the rooftop bar after reading the excellent reviews. I travel frequently and regularly stay at Hilton and Marriott hotels, so I thought it would be a nice place to spend an hour before continuing my journey. Unfortunately, the experience ended the moment I walked through the door. The receptionist on duty—a slim lady with glasses and green eyes—gave me one of the coldest welcomes I have ever received in a hotel. She wasn’t directly rude with her words, but her attitude, facial expressions, and body language made it very clear that I was not welcome. She looked irritated from the moment I approached the desk and made me feel like I was inconveniencing her simply by asking about parking and access to the rooftop bar. I was told that parking was completely full and that I would have to leave my car on the street. While I understand that parking may be reserved for hotel guests, there appeared to be available spaces, and the explanation was delivered without any willingness to help or offer alternatives. After a long drive, this was a very poor first impression. Good hospitality is not only about having a beautiful hotel or a nice rooftop. It’s about how people are treated from the moment they arrive. A friendly explanation would have completely changed the experience. Instead, I left feeling unwelcome. I’m actually glad I wasn’t staying at the hotel because, had I been a guest, I would have asked to speak with the duty manager. Reception is the face of any hotel, and unfortunately the service I experienced today fell well below the standard I have come to expect from quality hotels. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this hotel. I hope management reviews this feedback and invests more in customer service, because first impressions matter.

hotel has a number of bad rooms. bad views. SPA area is filled with lots of locals with day passes and loud kids and babies. get ready to wait 15-20 min for your coffee at breakfast. too expensive for the quality of the rooms and service.

My wife and I just stayed at the Fontenay for three nights. It's location is conveniently near the St. Nicholas Church, the Hamburg bunker, and shopping of every variety. The breakfast was amazing and the decor impeccable. If you happen to meet Anastasia, she is the sweetest and will greet you every time she sees you with a smile.