Hamburger king

The conceit of the fledgling SIR brand is that each hotel is inspired by a fictitious well-heeled dandy, whose character informs the design and mood. The newly opened Sir Nikolai in Hamburg is modelled after a hedonist bon vivant with a fine eye for arts and crafts. Designers FG Stijl’s interpretation for the 94-room property – in a former goods warehouse on the historic Nikolaifleet canal in the old town – is accented with plush fabric, terrazzo floors, Bohemian chandeliers and furnishings by Minotti, Casali and Cassina. Probably the hotel’s grandest statement is the library, which occupies a light, airy conservatory in the courtyard, with a retractable roof. Meanwhile, restaurant Izakaya is the place to enjoy lovely waterfront views of downtown Hamburg and chef Hariprasad Shetty’s modern Japanese menu of oyster filo with oscietra caviar, and pan-fried sole with a piquant red chilli shiso salsa. Daven Wu Katharinenstrasse 29, sirnikolaihotel.com. Rates: from €153

17: 110: 24: the century the Flemish oak renaissance cabinet, featured in the private lounge and dining area, dates from the number of shutters that shade the hotel rooms the number of illuminated onyx frames that hang in the entrance of restaurant Izakaya