Fairmont Vier Jahreszeiten

Even the “starter” rooms here look like something from a fairytale. The Deluxe Single Room Lake View may have a snug footprint (269 square feet), but more than make up for it with gleaming chandeliers dangling from sky-high ceilings, tufted headboards, antique furniture, and brocade fabric draperies and billowing sheer curtains that frame the waters of Inner Alster lake as if from a dream. (DVD players, Nespresso coffee machines, 42-inch flat screens and private in-room bars bring the fairytale back to earth.) To sprawl out a bit, the 646 to 883-square-foot Lake View Suites are ideal, thanks to separate living rooms—complete with flickering fireplaces.

A lakeside gem since 1897, with lavish rooms, seven buzzing restaurants and a woodsy spa.

Hands-off. Service here is as legendary as the property itself, with an in-house florist, hairdresser, valet, laundry and housekeeping, plus doting concierges.

The hotel’s own etiquette gurus are on-hand to teach your tween about manners at mealtime.

After your gold facial and hot stone massage in the spa, you’re feeling about 10 years younger and ten pounds lighter. The only thing left on your to-do list today? Curl up in one of the spa’s reading chairs before the fire and lose yourself in your latest page-turner and a flute of bubbly. Heaven.

Restaurant Haerlin - Mediterranean and Francophile cuisine Jahreszeiten Grill - Offers the experience of traditional Hanseatic dining Nikkei Nine- Japanese cuisine Cafe Condi - Well-known for the variety of its breakfast buffet Jahreszeiten Bar - Relaxing atmosphere Wohnhalle - Light snacks, coffee and a classic British Afternoon Tea Condi Lounge - A modern gastronomical affair