Where? Tucked down an unprepossessing side street in the centre of bustling Hamburg, close to the opera house, theatres, main shopping drag and business district. Yet another downtown boutique hotel? Far from it. Although the stone facade blends harmoniously with the surrounding environs, the glass-fronted atrium is far from uniform, flooding the minimalist reception area with natural light, which is enhanced, according to the time of year or weather conditions on any given day, by computer-controlled light impulses. Sensory-modern style? Indeed. The relationship between space and light is a defining feature in this five-star hostelry, which has fast become one of Hamburg's most happening places since opening last year. Tell us more Well, 'fried-egg' lights and colourful pod seats dot the light, eighth-floor lounge area, while the bedrooms and bathrooms personify pared-back designer luxe: dark-wood floors, crisp white linen sheets, free-standing baths and funky taps. What about home-office stuff? All rooms have two telephones with voice mail, fax and modem plug. For a view of the Alster lake, book one of the glossy, all-white 'flying suites', situated on the 10th and 11th floors. Sounds uber-chic And that's before you get to the Fusion bar and restaurant where 'Chef Picasso's' artistic east/west food is a favourite with hip locals. Anything else we should know? The 'wellness centre' (that's spa to you and me) is luminously beautiful, thanks to its colour-coded areas, which denote different aspects of health and beauty. Superior rooms 180-255 euros (HK$1,370-$1,940); deluxe rooms 205-280 euros; executive rooms 305-380 euros; suites S-XXL 330-875 euros. Drehbahn 49, 20354 Hamburg, Germany. Tel: [49] 4030 9990; www.side-hamburg.de
