1985 Eugen Block from the steakhouse chain BLOCK opened in the charming part of the center of Hamburg the hotel, that he as a frequent traveler always was dreaming of: owner managed, warm & highly professional hospitality, very elegant rooms with warm design & materials, a huge lobby boulevard with a wonderful Café, a Bar and three restaurants and a fashion shop – so that his guests don’t have to leave the hotel to walk, dine & wine and shop.

In these days I was so lucky twice a year to have to visit my major client in Hamburg for Monday til Friday – and guess, where I stayed? And even the location is a dream: close to the beautiful Binnenalster, Außenalster, the high end shopping streets and the Dammtor train station, so that you can walk from your train to your hotel, stroll along the water side or go shopping.

I watched over 40 years all new hotel openings in Hamburg, but I’m still a loyal fan of the GRAND ELYSEE, since Mister Block is still around every day and ensures his highest standards. If ever I would change, it would be the new TORTUE with cool design & great restaurants. Talking restaurants: while the Café in the Élysée is just wonderful with their own Patisserie – the restaurants for my taste are good, but not very good. But still I love my ÉLYSÉE!