New Five Star Hotel situated on Lake Aussenalster, in the Very Heart of the City.

Offering the city's most spectacular views of Lake Aussenalster, Le Royal Méridien Hamburg officially opened its doors on September 1 to impressive occupancy levels and a host of high profile events on the books, according to Klaus Brandstetter, general manager of the 284 room hotel.

"The construction of Le Royal Méridien Hamburg has been closely followed and embraced by the people of Hamburg, and we are thrilled at the reception we've received both locally and from our international business clientele," he said. "A great deal of focus was put on embracing the local culture in the hotel, and we are delighted that it has been so well-received."

Le Royal Méridien Hamburg opened its doors to 241 guests on Day One, and by its fourth day of operation was 100% occupied with all meeting rooms fully booked. Le Ciel Restaurant et Bar – the stunning rooftop restaurant, with food concept created by Two Michelin Star Chef Michel Rostang – is equally popular, fully reserved for dinner for the next several weeks.

Le Royal Méridien Hamburg is Le Méridien's second full Art + Tech design hotel to open, following the debut of the new Le Méridien Minneapolis (Minnesota, USA), which opened to similar acclaim in May. Two additional Art + Tech hotels – Le Méridien Vienna and Le Méridien Lingotto, Turin, will open within the next few months in Europe.

Designed by Yvonne Golds of London-based Real Studios, the Le Royal Méridien Hamburg's guest rooms feature the essential components of Art + Tech, including the signature Le Méridien Bed, 42 inch (106 cm) flat plasma screen televisions, high speed internet access and separate power showers with assorted massage nozzles. Each of the handcrafted etched glass headboards in the guest rooms depicts one of five motifs designed by local Hamburg artists.

According to Golds, " This project allowed us to really explore the possibilities of Art + Tech. Working closely with the client and their art consultant, pieces have been individually commissioned for the headboards, light boxes and showcases in the bedrooms, while in the 8th floor bar and restaurant dramatic large-scale pieces are placed against the equally dramatic view. The lighting schemes subtly change throughout the day, bringing the focus more equally onto the artwork during darkness".

Art + Tech was conceived to create a space ‘that will not only provide luxury accommodation but an environment that will engage, surprise and intrigue Le Méridien's guests'. Using a neutral backdrop, colour is used dramatically either in painted wall panels, soft furnishing or by the addition of coloured gels to light fittings. Furniture is designed and detailed using a minimal palette of materials, pale maple, satin stainless steel and glass (clear, frosted and etched). Surfaces are kept clear wherever possible providing a minimalist, clutter-free feel.

Perhaps the most popular component of the hotel's luxurious rooms is the Le Méridien Bed, featuring a 34 inch (87 cm) pillow top mattress, crisp, 200 thread count, 40's yarn Egyptian cotton sheets and duvet cover, together with lavish feather and down pillows.

One hundred of the hotel's guest room's and 6 two storey suites offer sweeping views of Lake Aussenalster, and guests of the top floor restaurant and bar can enjoy the best panorama in the house – accessed by a separate glass elevator on the hotel's front façade.

Concurrent with the hotel's opening, a haven for art aficionados has also been created at Le Royal Méridien Hamburg, with an unparalleled exhibition of over 600 original art pieces, the works of 50 Hamburg artists, brought to the project by Volksfuersorge AG, the hotel's owner and developer. Led by Hamburg gallery Ruth Sachse, the art project encompasses a wide selection of paintings and metal works, sculptures and light illuminations. The works can be viewed throughout the hotel.

The hotel also features a lobby bar, twelve conference rooms, including a ballroom for up to 250 guests, and a Wellness Centre offering a 33 x 20 feet (10m x 6m) swimming pool, fitness centre, whirlpool, steam and sauna. Massages and cosmetic treatments are also available.

Le Royal Méridien Hamburg is offering a special promotional rate of 125 Euros per night for a superior room, and 225 Euros per night for a junior suite. The offer is valid until February 29, 2004 and when occupancy levels allow, it also includes an automatic upgrade to the next higher room category. This special rate also includes complimentary use of the spa, including swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness centre and sauna. Beginning March 1, 2004, rates will begin at 175 Euros.

The hotel's official ‘grand opening' is scheduled for later this year.