BACKGROUND Opened in 1876, Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof is the flagship property of Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts. It is a part of Deutsche Hospitality that also owns hotel brands — Jazz in the City and InterCity. It has been designed by architects Mylius and Bluntschli.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? It is one of those iconic properties where antiquity meets glorious architecture. A striking sandstone building welcomes you to the property. Walking through its marble lobby, I couldn’t help imagine what it must have been like around 150 years ago. A pathway with the reception on the right and elevators on the left directs you to a carpeted lounging area with a grand chandelier and pieces of art. Gourmet Restaurant Français, Hofgarten and Autorenbar are up ahead.

WHERE IS IT? In the heart of Frankfurt’s historical city centre and financial district. Central Station is a 13-minute walk and Frankfurt airport is 17 minutes by road. The Maintower, Römer and Paulskirche are only a few steps away.

ROOM FACILITIES The hotel’s soundproofed accommodation has been renovated and it’s hard to tell the age of the hotel by its modern rooms. Its 261 rooms and 42 suites are categorised as Superior rooms (35 sqm), Grand Deluxe rooms (45 sqm), Junior suites (55 sqm), Studio suites (69 sqm), Executive suites (90 sqm), Presidential suite (120 sqm) and Royal suite (300 sqm). I stayed in a Grand Deluxe room that has a flat screen TV, a hairdryer, a safe, a bathroom with a separate rain shower and bathtub, and a Nespresso machine. Dark shades of brown and bronze give this room a bold and edgy look. Rich fabrics and leather are used across the space. The work desk is beside the window in front of a lounging chair where I unwound in the evenings with an espresso. Ample table and wall lamps brighten up the stark room. Power sockets are placed thoughtfully. Wifi is free across all levels of accommodation.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS The hotel has three restaurants and bars. This includes Restaurant Français that serves fine French fare and is spearheaded by award-winning chef Patrick Bittner. Its elaborate wine list features around 500 wines from Germany and France. The restaurant has an al fresco terrace that offers an impressive view of the city — an ideal place to enjoy drinks with your colleagues. Breakfast is served at Hofgarten. OSCAR’s — Brasserie Moderne has art-deco charm that makes it an endearing dining venue. It was under renovation during my visit and was temporarily moved to the first floor. It reopened in the beginning of October. Cigarrum that opens only by request from guests, prides itself on fine wine, cigars and exclusive spirits. The Autorenbar, or “Authors’ Bar” is known for its Royal High Tea and signature cocktails.

MEETING FACILITIES There are 19 well-equipped, daylight flooded and air-conditioned meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 700 persons. This ranges from a cozy salon to the colossal ballroom (Festsaal). Meeting rooms are equipped with microphones, projectors, LCD screens and a simultaneous translation booth on request.

LEISURE FACILITIES A 24-hour fitness centre and THE SPA that sprawls across 1,000 sqm. It houses a Turkish bath and a traditional barber shop as well.

VERDICT A luxury property with iconic history in the heart of Frankfurt. Great service teamed with tradition and modernity.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in a Superior room in mid-December started from €203/₹15,663.

CONTACT Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof, Am Kaiserplatz, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; tel: +49 69 21502; steigenberger.com

Ravi Lalwani