Hamburg Hotels

In an effort to add a distinctive feature to an otherwise ordinary hotel, Hamburg's largest private hotel recently added a seven-story leisure center that features—of all things—a 150-meter water slide, not to mention an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sun terrace, squash courts, massages, and even a golf simulator. If you go, note the separate elevators for barefoot and shoed guests.

Fitness aside, this establishment is unremarkable. Its large, plain lobby was filled with smoke when we arrived. Guestrooms are modern, but lacking in charm. Twenty nonsmoking rooms are available.