Hamburg Welcomes Tortue

The opening of Tortue, a in the centre of Hamburg has captured the imagination of thousands of tourists since its opening. Taking its name from the French word for ‘turtle’, the hotel expends the joy of taking one’s time and proffers a certain Gallic savoir-vivre; a stylish translation of the French occupation of this city between 1806 and 1814, when none other than Napoleon lived on the same street. In this temple to the art of life, led by Design Hotels Originals Marc Ciunis, Carsten von der Heide and Anne-Marie Bauer, guests are welcomed to another realm, where the outside world has no choice but to wait.

Comprising a combination of 126 accommodations – 114 bedrooms, eight suites and four long stay apartments – alongside a spectrum of gastronomy, event spaces, and nightlife spots, Tortue presents a world en miniature. Each corner of the landmarked early 20th century building presents a distinct mood, defined by bespoke wallpaper, exclusively produced by Amsterdam-based Little Owl Design, different design eras, and varying colour schemes, masterminded by David Chipperfield Architects and the Hamburg-based Stephen Williams Associates. The result is a network of spaces that offers a classic and sophisticated atmosphere, framed by high ceilings and bisected by historical courtyards. As the first commercial project of interior designer Kate Hume, guest rooms are warm and intimate, and feature comfortable Hypnos beds as plush respite from the city’s cobblestone streets.

Binding Tortue’s sense of theatre are five food and drink outlets, as well as a rooftop space with unrivalled views of Hamburg. Designed by Joyce Wang, pan-Asian restaurant Jin Gui features a dark, seductive, and texture-filled interior, leading out to a sunroom and terrace. Elsewhere, Kate Hume’s French-German Brasserie is characterised by black metro tiles, shadowy booths, and marble counters, while three drinking establishments – including the Stephen Williams-designed Bar Noir and Hume’s created lobby level Bar Bleu – complete Tortue’s new standing as a prime social hub for Hamburg’s emerging Stadthofe-Quartier.