Tag Archives: Frankfurt

Things to do in Frankfurt

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When choosing a destination to escape to for a weekend break I consider several factors: flight time, size of city, and cost of trip. And so, though an unusual choice for a leisure holiday, Frankfurt proved to be the ideal place for a 1-night getaway with a friend. 40 pounds for flights, 60 minutes on a plane and a small enough city centre in which almost everything is in walking distance.

To Stay

Roomers Hotel– Seductive and stylish this design hotel is a luxurious place to stay in Frankfurt for the weekend. Located in the centre of town and boasting a chic bar & restaurant, and stunning rooftop spa, it is a brilliant option for both business and leisure visitors.

To Eat

Carmelo Greco– Considering the size of the city Frankfurt has a large number of Michelin star eateries, predominantly to cater for the business customers. Carmelo Greco is a lovely, relaxed restaurant offering delicious refined Italian cuisine. I could not fault the service, quality of food or ambience, it was the perfect way to spend our only evening in the city.

Magarete– This trendy restaurant is must try in the city. Offering modern German cuisine in an arty cool dining space it is always full of fashionable, beautiful people.

Zeit Fur Brot– Translating to ‘Time for Bread’ this inviting café makes all the bread and pastries on site everyday with organic ingredients. At the end of the day they donate the leftovers to the homeless. I don’t normally like cinnamon rolls, but the freshly baked variety here was utterly irresistible, soft, sweet and warm it was very comforting and the perfect snack with a cup of coffee.

To Drink

Plank café bar– This all-black corner café is found in the red-light district. Visit for cake and coffee in the day or at night for a glass of fine German wine. The Plank crew love music and live bands often play, entertaining the evening guests.

The Parlour– Impossible to find and certainly just for in-the-know cocktail aficionados, this tiny bar is setting the mixology trends in Frankfurt. Speak to talented bartender Maxim Kilian who will create you a magical, perfectly mixed drink or order from their inventive list. We tried all kinds of wonderful creations, but I would recommend the Bourbon-based and well balanced Napoleon Dynamite.

Lorsbacher Thal – cider and apple wine is a speciality in Frankfurt and this traditional tavern is the ideal place to try it. Sit at one of the communal wooden tables, admire young charming surroundings and enjoy a refreshing glass of apple wine.

To Do

MMK museum– Frankfurt’s Museum for Modern Art was founded in 1981, it is known as the ‘piece of cake’ because of the unique shape of the building. Exhibiting thrilling and innovative shows, I saw a thought-provoking exhibition inspired by The Divine Comedy in which Heaven, Hell and Purgatory is interpreted by contemporary African artists.

The Dom – With so many high-rise financial buildings it is pleasant to see this historic cathedral and tower, dating back to the 14th century. Climb to the top of the tower for impressive 360 views of the entire city.

Staedel Museum– The main art gallery in Frankfurt has an important collection of paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures from seven centuries. The building goes underground in a fascinating extension with a curved ceiling, on ground level there is an amazing and unique garden accenting with circular skylights on the floor.

Villa Kennedy Spa– Indulge and revitalise at this outstanding spa. Located in the grand Villa Kennedy hotel this spa is a pampering palace. Have a soothing massage then enjoy the indulgent facilities, I particularly loved the Turkish steam room and the granite-lined pool which overlooks the lush garden.

To Shop

Tia Emma– This multi-coloured little shop is a delight for kids and adult. Crowded shelves display trinkets, stickers, toys, stationery and other useless but wonderful artefacts. You’ll need to sit down after all the excitement, and grab a coffee and slice of cake from the shop’s café.

Designe Kleine– This miniature design store is definitely worth visiting. Owner Susanne Stahl rents out the display boxes to showcase and sell the work of other designers. There is always an eclectic mix to discover inside, and even when the shop is shut you can use the 24 hour vending machine outside to the shop which dispenses surprise design creations, different every time for 3 Euros a pop.

Apfelweinhandlung: This site was previously home to the beloved concept store Colekt which recently shut. Owner JB’s minimalist shop serves and sells his own brewed apple wine, a Frankfurt specialty. Just 8 Euros a bottle, this delicious brew uses eight types of apples including rare varieties from old German apple trees. Chat to JB about the fascinating process and buy a bottle to take home.

Bitter & Zart– A chocolate shop to inspire and excite. The beautiful interiors wow, with wall art designs by Renata Kos and Oriana Fenwick complementing the cabinets of rainbow hued chocolates. Sit nextdoor in the seductive velvet clad café for Parisian tea or coffee from locally based roaster Jorges.

Many thanks to the Frankfurt Tourist board for their help with this trip, more information here.

The Villa Spa, Villa Kennedy Hotel, Frankfurt

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After a late night out in the city there is nothing more restorative than a morning at a peaceful spa. Villa Kennedy is located in the quiet, leafy outskirts of Frankfurt, a Rocco Forte Collection hotel of some grandeur.

As a triathlete Sir Rocco Forte insists on luxurious spas in all of his hotels, The Villa Spa is renowned in Frankfurt as the best place to refresh the body and mind. With eight treatment rooms, a Turkish steam room and sauna, a relaxing room and garden, a fitness centre and a granite-lined pool, there is every facility you could need to totally replenish and revitalise. We considered lingering in the retreat all day and cancelling our plans to explore the city!

The pale pristine spa is a joy to experience and I couldn’t understand why there weren’t more guests taking advantage of this blissful bonus to the hotel. After changing into the enveloping bathrobes, we were escorted to the private treatment rooms. There are over 120 treatments to choose from, we were booked in for the ‘Whole in One’ 60 minute massage. My chirpy therapist explained each stage of the massage before we began. Face down on the heated bed I felt able to let go of every tension in my body. Using her arms and elbows she eased away knots in my back, focussing on my tight shoulders. It was incredible.

As I woke from my light massage-induced sleep, I realised how clear-headed and light-bodied I felt. The therapists returned with a strongly scented red rose and a cup of hot ginger tea, to sooth and awaken the senses. In the relaxing room a fresh berry smoothie was waiting, looking exotic and tasting delicious. Resisting the urge to lie on the sun lounger in the garden and sleep, I went through to the sauna and steam room and let the heat cleanse my pores. The pool is the centrepiece of the spa, and certainly cannot be ignored. I jumped into the rippling pale blue water and swam back and forth, the most peaceful kind of exercise.

We left this palatial hotel feeling like we’d been rested and revived, it was like waking from a deep sleep. The Villa Spa is an absolute must for guests wishing to take a break from their city itinerary.

More information and book a spa treatment here.

Many thanks to the Frankfurt Tourist board for their help with this trip, more information here.

Roomers Hotel, Frankfurt

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Many of the hotels in Frankfurt are designed to suit corporate travellers and finding accommodation which caters for holidaymakers can be tricky. Hoteliers Micky Rosen and Alex Urseanu are changing all that with their design-led, luxurious properties. Roomers Hotel is a seductive and stylish example which opened in central Frankfurt in 2009.

The building isn’t much to look at – a converted office block, the exterior doesn’t aim to impress, but swing open the heavy entrance door and you discover a dark and mysterious room with fire blazing, plush sofas, veiled windows and gothic artworks. On the ground floor guests can enjoy a variety of facilities including a casual restaurant and fashionable bar, ideal for an aperitif or late night cocktail.

Our Superior room was number 505, located upstairs among the other 115 rooms. It was petite but decorated immaculately with thick expensive materials and attractive furniture. The luxurious bouncy bed had a cushioned satin headboard, and super soft feathered duvets and pillows that sink around your head. The desk was equipped with glossy magazines, chocolates and fruit, and nearby a smart armchair invited slumping into after a day of sight-seeing and shopping. The moody lighting gave the room a cosy feeling but made it quite difficult to see oneself in the mirror at night, so make-up application was tricky. The bathroom was decked completely in black granite. There was a huge power shower with plenty of space to move about, but sadly no bath. Toiletries were from Eau des Minimes, from Provence, and had a lovely citrus fragrance.

Spa and fitness fans will be pleased to discover the heavenly glass-roofed spa, a lovely place to indulge while admiring the view of the city skyline. Here we experienced the wide range of facilities; glass bead-filled relaxation tubs, Medyjet electronic massage beds, dry sauna and Jacuzzi pool. All guests are welcome in the spa and it really is an unmissable feature at Roomers, I recommend spending an hour here before dressing up for supper.

After a peaceful sleep we went in search of a morning meal. Breakfast is served in the large dining room but we chose to eat on the patio outside where we could enjoy the summer weather. Everything you could desire was on offer, international and continental treats to devour. We sampled the croissants and coffee, returning to the buffet for a cheese and smoked salmon second course!

Roomers is a glamorous base for style-conscious, savvy travellers. With everything you need on site and a clued up concierge at your service, you can have the best of both worlds, hunting down the coolest city hang-outs and returning to the lavish hotel to relax and replenish.

More information and book a room at Roomers Hotel here.

Many thanks to the Frankfurt Tourist board for their help with this trip, more information here.