Hamburg, 10 January 2023
An eventful year lies behind us, and it's time to look back on the many highlights and achievements of Hotel Hafen Hamburg. From inspiring apprentice trips and our commitment to sustainability to special events and new team members - the 2023 Year in Review provides a fascinating insight into the experiences and successes that have shaped our hotel.
February 2023 once again brought us five dedicated and eager-to-learn apprentices - five new sailors who want to experience life in the hospitality industry up close and enthusiastically carry it out. We are extremely pleased with how many young people have decided to join us on this exciting journey to develop personally and professionally while putting a smile on our guests' faces.
In 2022, we were proud to announce that we had already been certified at Level 4 by the GreenSign sustainability seal. We are now passionate and committed to continuing our efforts to promote sustainability, environmentally friendly practices and sustainable business practices. We organised our very first Sustainability Day in January 2023, but throughout the rest of the year we have been committed to continuing to have a positive impact on the environment and striving for further success. Find out all the latest news about our previous sustainability projects here.
An outstanding day on which both girls and boys were able to gain a fascinating insight into the workings of a hotel. Together with their kitchen colleagues, the children had the opportunity to give free rein to their creativity when baking pizzas. Whether round, oval or heart-shaped - the selection of different toppings allowed for a variety of designs.
It was a wonderful insight into the world of the hotel industry and the different areas of work, giving our young people valuable experience for life and inspiring them for the future. Our younger guests were also able to mix refreshing cocktails in our Tower Bar according to their personal preferences. To round off the day, each participant received a certificate and a goodie bag put together by us as a farewell gift.
An unforgettable summer party united the teams of the Hotel Hafen Hamburg and the Empire Riverside Hotel. Culinary delights, entertainment and a collegial atmosphere at the centrepiece created a unique memory of shared joy and team spirit.
But even during the winter months, we were able to look forward to a cosy, Christmassy get-together where delicious mulled wine was served. The waffles freshly prepared by our apprentices provided additional enjoyment, and for lovers of sweet pastries there was also a selection of delicious biscuits.
There was a sense of new beginnings in the air last August - not just for us, but also for our sister hotel. We excitedly announced the start of our newest crew of apprentices ! The first of August 2023 marked the start of the journey for one talented chef and two restaurant and event catering experts at Hotel Hafen Hamburg. At the same time, the Empire Riverside Hotel brought on board two aspiring chefs and a bright hotel management assistant. The excitement peaked in September when we welcomed our first apprentice to the newly offered digitalisation management apprenticeship.
This year's Cruise Days were once again a complete success and delighted both our guests and the service staff themselves. The atmosphere of the Hamburg harbour combined with the comfort and hospitality of the hotel created an unforgettable experience for everyone who wanted to enjoy the maritime spectacle.
In October, our dedicated trainees embarked on an exciting trip to Brussels, the political centre of Europe. The apprentice trip was not only an opportunity to broaden their horizons, but also to strengthen their team spirit. From historical city tours to a visit to the Atomium and the European Parliament - the trip offered both professional insights and personal development for our apprentices.
This year, together with the Empire Riverside Hotel, we collected donations at the joint summer party through a raffle organised by our apprentices. The proceeds went to the ReBBZ Altona. A heart-warming visit to the pupils emphasised the importance of our support. We received a warm welcome and were impressed by the pupils' creative work. We learnt how the school supports the individual needs of the children, especially in the musical, physical and emotional areas. The handover of the donation cheque was beautiful and emotional and we enjoyed coffee and biscuits together in a warm atmosphere at the end.
We are delighted to have supported the "Hamburg Leuchtfeuer" organisation again this year. This initiative does valuable important work and we are delighted to play our part. Together, we are committed to bringing light into the lives of those who need it most.
For 30 years now, every year there has been a cuddly teddy bear in a new design that can be purchased by companies or private individuals. The proceeds from this project go directly to the Hamburg Leuchtfeuer hospices and care and aid centres.
We are delighted to start another year together and to have spent the first hours of 2024 in the best of company. At our various events, whether at our Elbsilvester", the "Silvester Menu" in the Port or the "Discofever" in the Tower Bar, we celebrated together properly! We will remember this unforgettable evening with joy.
For Hotel Hafen Hamburg, 2023 was characterised by adventure, commitment and a sense of community. We look back on these eventful moments with pride.
We wish you and your loved ones a successful start to 2024 and look forward to welcoming you back to the harbour soon.
Your team from Hotel Hafen Hamburg