A business city through and through, the newly opened Kimpton Main Frankfurt adds playful flair and design to the city center. This boutique hotel is convenient to all of the city’s office towers, but also within walking distance to top tourist attractions. And as with any Kimpton, it comes with a bevy of inclusions that make any stay more enjoyable. These are some of our favorite reasons why the new Kimpton in Frankfurt (and the first in Germany) should be top of mind on your next trip to “Mainhattan.”
The design
Kimptons around the world are known for making their mark when it comes to being unique and local. The mix of Bauhaus and Art Deco design here weaves its way through the architecture and interiors. It is most notable in the lobby where low-slung seating, carpet-style wall art and woven pillows of different shapes set the scene.
To one side is the reception desk (don’t forget to mention the secret password, easily found with a Google search although it changes by the season, for special perks like free drinks or even an exciting upgrade) and to the other is the lobby bar. A bowl of fresh fruit is always available as is barista coffee or a cocktail menu.
Like other parts of corporate Frankfurt, the rest of the hotel follows a more modern take on luxury with contemporary design elements in hallways and guest rooms. What else would you expect for a building that was once the headquarters of Deutsche Bank.
The dining
The official name of this IHG One Rewards brand is Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, and that’s because food and beverage elements pay such an important role in each of the properties.
Lazuli is the rooftop dining restaurant here that serves a wide range of Mediterranean and European fare with striking views of the neighborhood. On the ground level is Anni, which is home to the breakfast spread with an impressive array of bread and pastries, cooked-to-order egg dishes and a spread of fresh fruit, cheese and veggies.
As a vegetarian, I was particularly impressed with the hotel’s effort to cater to vegetarian and vegan diners. Meats and sausage are to be expected on a German breakfast buffet, but there were also faux cured meats made from celery and turnip so no one would feel left out.
The rooms
With 155 rooms and suites, the property’s layout is unique with hallways branching off from every corner of the elevator landing. This hotel is part of a mixed-use development of office towers, and the shape of the rooms is evidence of that.
Open the cupboards, and you will discover stocked minibars (IHG One Rewards elite status members receive a credit), complimentary bottled water, yoga mats and plush robes with slippers.
Bathrooms have a lovely fragrance for the toiletries, which come in eco-friendly pump bottles mounted on the walls. The tiled baths have large towels, extra-bright lighting with makeup mirrors, and glass shower stalls with excellent shower pressure.
The beds are topped with soft duvets and four large pillows. On either side is a convenient power port with even more by the desk. I particularly liked how the light switches were simple to use and that the room was designed for form and function (not just attractive design).
The Kimpton signatures
Like all Kimptons, there are loads of extras that are part and parcel of the brand ethos. Like the secret password that can unlock exciting goodies, there are also a lot of other freebies packed into the rate. Most notable is the Kimpton Social Hour, which offers free wine and drinks to guests with light bites up on the rooftop.
All Kimptons are also pet-friendly, and the staff can set up water bowls, special dog beds and other treats in the room with advance notice. There is even a concierge-drafted list of neighborhood spots that are particularly pet-friendly. A fitness center also features the latest workout equipment.
Near reception, the hotel’s fleet of bikes and helmets are free to borrow. You can also ask for something from the “Forgot it, we’ve got it” menu. Unlike other hotels where the selection is rather basic things like dental kits or razors, Kimpton stocks a wider variety of amenities like lip balm and hair ties. During my visit, I didn’t ask for anything, but they did say they had a wide range of toiletries and travel items should I need something.
Each morning (before the restaurant opens), the lobby has a small selection of juices and smoothies for early risers to enjoy. While U.S.-based Kimptons also offer coffee and tea, European properties rely on the ensuite coffeemakers. But, when I asked the staff if there would be coffee for my early-morning departure, they offered to have some waiting for me when I came downstairs
The location
Perhaps the best surprise of this hotel is not its business-friendly amenities or courteous staff. Instead, it’s the location. Guests are within walking distance of most major office towers, but also a stone’s throw from the riverfront, popular art museums, pedestrian shopping streets, nearby farmer’s markets and top restaurants.
Frankfurt is not a spread-out city, and it’s easy to walk most places. From taking a short river cruise to visit nearby towns like Mainz or Rudesheim to eating traditional German food at a local café, Kimpton Main Frankfurt is in the center of it all.
