Visitors to the busy German city of Hamburg have lodging choices in all price ranges available to them, from hostels for budget-conscious youth to deluxe hotels offering every imaginable luxury. In all, 30,000 beds are available in the city's more than 250 hotels and guest houses, which are often full when the annual trade fairs are being held.

A number of hotels are strategically located near Hamburg's international airport and the main rail station. The Airport Hotel Hamburg, one of the pricier choices in this type of accommodation, offers luxurious rooms, banquet facilities, and an art gallery. Other options near the airport include Kock's Hotel Garni and the Mercure Hotel Hamburg Airport Nord, both at somewhat lower prices.

The city's Hauptbahnhofmain, or main rail station, is surrounded by hotels in all ranges. Mid-range options include the Hotel Europäischer Hof, Hotel Fürst Bismarck, Hotel Terminus Garni, Maritim Hotel Reichshof Hamburg and Steen's Hotel. An inexpensive yet comfortable alternative is the Minotel Metro Merkur. Other establishments are also found within easy walking distance of the station, such as the Hotel Alte Wache, located in an atmospheric old townhouse.

Many visitors prefer the quiet and picturesque Lake Alster area. The Kempinski Hotel Atlantic is one of Hamburg's finest luxury accommodations, and has been an important part of the hotel scene for more than 90 years. Other excellent choices in the Lake Alster area include the small Aussen Alster Hotel, the traditional Prem with its lovely gardens and well-respected restaurant, the pleasant Relexa Hotel Bellevue Hamburg and the modern Wedina Hotel.

The Rotherbaum district, on Lake Alster's western bank, is home to the exclusive Hotel InterContinental Hamburg, where guests have splendid lake views and the chance to try their luck at the Spielbank Hamburg casino located in the hotel. Trade fair visitors often choose the Radisson SAS Hotel Hamburg, which boasts ‘Hamburg's highest nightclub,' and offers direct access to the trade fair centre, known as the Congress Centrum CCH.

Top names in the city centre include the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten and the Park Hotel Hyatt. The Hyatt features a nightclub, a large fitness centre and two popular restaurants. Other quality hotels are found in the area as well, such the Renaissance Hotel Hamburg and the Steigenberger. The Steigenberger is situated on an island in the Neustadt, where the Fleetinsel Festival is held each summer.

In the harbour area, high above the Landungsbrücken and towering above the River Elbe and the infamous Reeperbahn, is the Hotel Hafen Hamburg. In nearby Altona are the Best Western Raphael Hotel Altona and the Hotel St Annen. The Hotel am Holstenwall, also found nearby, offers entertainment in its own theatre, the Neues Theater am Holstenwall.

International youth hostels are located around the city, with the Jugendherberge auf dem Stintfang offering budget accommodation. Situated on a hill near the Landungsbrücken, the Jugendherberge features lovely river views as well as convenient access to the centre.