BACKGROUND The only privately-run luxury hotel in Frankfurt, Grandhotel Hessischer Hof is owned by the Landgrave and Prince of the German state of Hesse. It opened in 1952.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? A small, carpeted staircase welcomes you to the six-storey property. Owned by German royalty, it exudes a palatial vibe. The lobby resembles a princely residence, with a chandelier, antique paintings, vintage furniture, delicate fabrics and flower arrangements. Its partially carpeted wooden flooring adds warmth to the area. I was offered a refreshing welcome drink from the Lobby bar upon arrival. With lamps, a library beside the bar and artwork, it is ideally called the living room of the hotel. The welcoming staff politely escorted me to my room.
WHERE IS IT? It is located directly opposite the Frankfurt Trade Fair. Frankfurt Central Station is five minutes by tram while Messe Underground Station is a few minutes’ walk.
ROOM FACILITIES The rooms are homely yet elegant with artwork and antiques from the collections of Hesse’s royalty. I stayed in the Comfort room (30 sqm) that is decorated in subtle, pastel tones and carries an art deco theme. My room overlooked a lovely view of Frankfurt’s bustling banking district. There is a wooden desk in front of the bed and an additional lounging chair beside the window. The carpeted room is bright with a number of lamps spread across, although there is enough natural lighting because of a large window. The marble bathroom has a bathtub and a heated towel rack. The other room categories are Classic (20 sqm), Superior (50 sqm) and Executive (55 sqm); while suites are categorised into Junior (60 sqm), Grande (83 sqm), Family (70 sqm) and Presidential (180 sqm).
RESTAURANTS AND BARS Sèvres is its fine-dining restaurant that serves Asian, South American and classic European cuisine. The food here is defined by superior quality and regional produce. Its wine cellar with an array of vintage grapes is quite impressive. Jimmy’s Bar is its classic bar that’s known to entertain the social circles of Frankfurt since the inception of the hotel. Live piano music and high quality cigars are offered here. Conservatory is its charming coffee shop known for its home-made cakes and pastries. And of course, there is the previously mentioned Lobby bar.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There are 11 meeting rooms that boast of state-of-the-art technology and elegant decor with ample natural light. There is an in-house events team that helps you plan seminars, conferences and banquets depending on your requirements.
LEISURE FACILITIES Located on the top floor is FINEST, the hotel’s gym. I spent a morning here working out and looking at Frankfurt’s skyline. There is also SOKAI, the hotel’s spa that offers Asian-inspired massage treatments. There is no pool.
VERDICT Traditional luxury with modern facilities.
PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in a Comfort room in July started at ₹16,662.
CONTACT Grandhotel Hessischer Hof, Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 40, 60325 Frankfurt am Main; tel: +49 69 75400; grandhotel-hessischerhof.com
Ravi Lalwani
