I sorta made a policy to avoid writing hotel reviews during Covid, but during my current 2-week tour of Germany, benefits were trending back to normal (e.g., a very pleasant stay at Marriott Berlin that far exceeded my expectations), and pretty much all hotels made some effort (GH Berlin, Sheraton Nuremberg, Westin Munich). In contrast, Marriott Hamburg was dire.

Most importantly, the rooms are in terrible shape. Old, run-down, well past due for a remodel. I initially had a connecting room, and could hear pretty much everything my neighbors said (and did!). Apparently there are a lot of connecting rooms, but they ultimately found me a room without connecting door, close to Gänsemarkt. Lots of street noise, but really no view to speak of. Room was stripped of amenities, and it took some effort to obtain some slippers. If you must stay here, perhaps bring some slippers from your prior hotel -- the carpet is disgusting. Also, make sure you don't touch the shower curtains! The entire room is in awful shape, really on par with some of the worst airport Sheratons I've seen in the US.

I guess technically my room was an upgrade. 5th floor, per the app an "Executive Room with Executive Lounge Access" -- except the lounge was closed, and there was no lounge replacement benefit (note that this was a thing at the other German hotels mentioned above). My key did work for the lounge, so I took a peek -- it's a small space, with everything loungey removed or covered up. It didn't seem like they have immediate re-opening plans.

I was given access to the breakfast buffet on the ground floor. There were a few hot items on display (pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon daily, plus alternating sausages/mushrooms), and if you charmed the waitress, she'd bring fried eggs. Some cold cuts, but really the lowest quality industrial stuff, and dreadful baked goods and fruit. When I checked out, some poor guy next to me was upsold breakfast at check-in, and I really had to bite my tongue to avoid telling him that there are FAR better ways to spend €28.

To be fair, I had a ridiculously low rate, and the location is quite central, so it's not all bad. I'd certainly advise going in with very low expectations. For me, the ancient rooms are too much of a turn-off, and the Atlantic (which I toured) is spectacular, so unlikely this Marriott will see me again.