Sir Nikolai, Hamburg

Continuing to expand across Europe, Liran Wizman’s one-of-a-kind Sir Hotels docks at Hamburg’s Nikolaifleet canal. Sir Nikolai, Hamburg. Words: Guy Dittrich | Photography: Courtesy of Europe Hotels Private Collection

Sir Nikolai is a captivating hotel in the centre of Hamburg with a beguiling charm that belies its former use as an office. The 94-room property is one of the growing stable of Sir Hotels developed by Europe Hotels Private Collection (EHPC), which also includes the Max Brown Hotels and Park Hotel brands. Liran Wizman, CEO of the Amsterdam-based management company speaks of three principles that make his projects work – collaboration, balance and innovation. “With each hotel, I surround myself with various points of views and tastes,” he tells. “I balance these elements with a high level of service and strong F&B concept.” In Hamburg, Sir Nikolai ticks all the boxes. Its quirky and homely interiors reference the locale in a vibrant yet subtle way; the visual identity of the property continues the cutesy imaging and humorous language of the brand; and the ongoing collaboration with The Entourage Group, co-founded by Wizman, sees Izakaya Asian Kitchen & Bar occupying a good portion of the ground floor to great success.

The design point of view comes from Colin Finnegan at Amsterdambased FG Stijl, who is also working on another EPHC property, Park Hotel in The Hague. Finnegan brings his aura of effortless style, generously filling spaces with a luxurious comfort. He creates a mélange of pattern and colour, of unpredictable artworks, finishes that will patinate over time, and materials made to last. There is clever use of space in the retractable roof creating a conservatory from a light well, and the effectively separate entrance to the restaurant and bar aimed at attracting passing trade. “There is a layered approach which means you can keep on looking, keep on discovering,” Finnegan relates. Like other hotels in the Sir collection, the original brief was related to a fictional guest. Sir Nikolai is a well-travelled aristocrat with a trading background typical of the harbour city. In this case, the name is taken from Nikolaifleet, the small tidal basin on to which the hotel backs. Wizman gives wider scope, explaining that “the design of each Sir is based on its surroundings,” which is not only hits the zeitgeist but allows more flexibility as the brand expands.

Finnegan’s approach necessitates a local and connected design. Far from opting for a seafaring pastiche, he has understandably opted for a more intriguing concept that picks up on the broader, well-travelled theme. Walls are dotted with framed historic maps of the city, exotic fauna and flora, and Japanese-inspired woodblock landscapes. Along the entrance to Izakaya are tattoo-related photographs by Patricia Steur that reference the art form’s historic associations with both sailors and Japanese irezumi tattooing; Izakaya’s menu is a fusion of Japanese and South American cuisines, hence the Japanese references. Patterned oriental carpets are in abundance; Hamburg is a key global carpet trading city. And local is also seen in craft beers (Ratsherrn, brewed appropriately on Lagerstraße in the Karolinen quarter of Hamburg) and gin (Skin Gin in ‘reptile’ covered bottles distilled in nearby Steinkrichen). Somewhat squeezed along an unremarkable side street in a partresidential part-office neighbourhood, the hotel is right on the water’s edge. Nikolaifleet is connected to Hamburg’s docks, the second busiest port in Europe. While there’s no access from the water, getting approval for the two small terraces overhanging the canal was crucial in Finnegan’s eyes. As was covering over the courtyard, formerly a desolate light well, with the retractable roof. Together they provide outdoor seating choices for diners in summer months.

The key idea of the F&B spaces is that guests can look through from the courtyard to the water. Emphasising this and running the length of a communal table is a reflective steel ceiling panel mirroring the canal outside. Other nautical references include tables topped with brass, and the bar counter covered with horizontal black steel strips with a ripple effect. Along with dining chairs by Stellar Works, the restaurant features a wide variety of seating options, with Gubi’s Beetle chairs fronting a sushi counter, curved banquets opposite a fireplace in the atrium, and high seating built alongside the bar. The hotel’s entrance posed something of a dilemma however. Entering through a decorative arch leads immediately to the barreled ceiling of a tiny lobby. Here, a doorman directs guests upstairs to either the restaurant and bar, or to the reception area. Guests reach a cosy lounge lined with bookshelves and are greeted at an island table by standing staff. This provides a very intimate and personal welcome before being shown to their rooms. This and the 24-hour doorman are a significant expense, but as Finnegan points out, guests of a Sir hotel expect service.

The story of materials is told through the floor treatments. Terrazzo at the entrance is typical of when such buildings were originally constructed, this one as a warehouse. The lobby and guestrooms have dark oak floors, while the atrium is laid with black Belgian stone. Additional to the local art elements, guestrooms have many luxurious touches. Velvet and Alcantara upholstery. Drawer minibars and brass drinks trolleys are both well stocked. Vases have fresh flowers. Marshall Bluetooth speakers are on bedside tables. Colour tones are relatively masculine, enhanced by the dark wood flooring, and offset by gentle lighting from pleated lampshades. All fixed casework has been designed bespoke by FG Stijl.

Nevertheless most rooms are compact. Even suites have sliding doors. Some have freestanding bathtubs. Standard are Grohe fittings in marble-effect showers and solid stone sinks from the US with trough-like taps from the Rettangolo Cascata collection by Gessi. Deep marble-topped windowsills hide wall radiators and are home to unobtrusive aluminum window frames, a legacy from the former office use. Rooms looking on to the atrium space have steel shutters thoughtfully fixed at appropriate angles to give privacy amongst rooms, especially those at corners. The hotel has seen significant investment and when quizzed over which design element gives the best return, Wizman wisely covers all bases: “There is no one design element that we identify as having a great return on investment, we focus more on authenticity which in itself is a pleasing design element.” There is certainly a genuine feel to the interiors and the overall experience of Sir Nikolai is one of great service and comfort.

sources: Sleeper, 01-02,  2018

Tweet

Subscribe to receive free email updates: