Taking design cues from suave British members' clubs, The George in Hamburg brings traditional cool to the most vibrant quarter of the city. Located in St. Georg, it draws in savvy locals (and budding Anglophiles) with its distinct design and buzzing atmosphere.

The facilities

Brit-cool inspiration is everywhere, from the James Bond-style bar to the afternoon teas. Prop yourself up at Bar da Caio to sample the Martini Menu, or settle into one of the cracked leather couches with a good whiskey. Eclectic Mediterranean cuisine at Restaurant da Caio suits fashion-forward diners, and black leather seating, oversized black lightshades and gold curtains make for smart styling with a kooky edge.

The Spa terrace is the best place for rooftop views of St. Georg - head here when relaxing between treatments. Inside, get pampered top-to-toe in Moroccan-themed surroundings - facials, massages, manicures and body treatments are all available. Continue the indulgence with tea in the clubroom-inspired Library afterwards.

The rooms

118 guestrooms, plus 5 junior suites and 2 suites all have touches of British eccentricity. Union jack cushions, Edwardian-print wallpaper panels and vivid sari throws on king size beds jazz up the coffee-and-cream decor, and some of the monochrome bathrooms have chequered tile floors. Flatscreen TVs and iHomes (which have MP3 player connectivity) are nifty additions to every room.