From a new duvet to a modern uniform: This is how top hotels stay ahead of the curve

Hamburg, 246th March 2026

Every hotel is a living place that evolves over time and, ideally, continues to improve as a result. The Empire Riverside Hotel and Hotel Hafen Hamburg are currently demonstrating how this can be achieved – and how the balance between renewal and continuity can be maintained.

It has been a lengthy process: developing a new corporate identity for each of the two hotels and then gradually rolling it out across all areas – from the website and stationery to guest folders and staff uniforms. It has taken two years in total, and now the traditional Hotel Hafen Hamburg and the design-led Empire Riverside Hotel present themselves in a new, distinctive look: more modern yet timeless, and perfectly aligned with each property, its strengths and its aspirations.

Guests’ wishes and expectations, the spirit of the times—which spares no logo in the world—as well as the necessary replacement of furnishings or technology: these factors make a hotel a hotspot of continuous change—not only when such measures become necessary, but planned well in advance. In practical terms, for example, all rooms at the Empire Riverside Hotel were fitted with new duvets and pillows last year, and new TV screens were installed. Guests settling comfortably into bed and switching on their screens are now greeted immediately by the homepage with menu overview, naturally in the new look. The “old” pillows and duvets—still in good condition—were donated to Der Hafen hilft e.V., while the “old” uniforms were given to Hanseatic Help.

The aim is not only to renew, but also to improve. As Enrico Ungermann, Director of both hotels, explains: “There is always something to be done, so we plan all ‘operations’ very carefully and with foresight—after all, everything takes place during ongoing operations. Many departments are involved, from procurement to technical services, and our well-coordinated teams are the guarantee of successful implementation.”

The latest project along the waterfront: at Hotel Hafen Hamburg, the underground car park is being refurbished, with the old flooring removed and completely renewed. A new guidance system and signage will also be introduced; these are currently being developed by the marketing team—naturally in the new corporate identity.

Enrico Ungermann: “Whether on a large or small scale, we move with the times and always strive to improve. In all our measures, we ensure that the core identity of both hotels is preserved. The renewal of the corporate identity—for example through more modern colour palettes and typefaces—is a good case in point. The cosmopolitan design hotel Empire Riverside, the maritime traditional Hotel Hafen Hamburg—and outstanding service in two waterfront hotels at a unique location in Hamburg. Who would want to change that?”

Press contact:
Katja Derow | redroses communications GmbH | k.derow@redroses-pr.com | +49 162 43 11 376