by Berlin, Hamburg, Munich. All are much-loved weekend destinations known for avant-garde clubs, cultural intrigue, great food, and Oktoberfest shows. But one of Germany’s most interesting cities has been flying under the tourist radar for years. As Germany’s financial hub, Frankfurt has always had a somewhat dowdy reputation, but the city is anything but boring. Now, the city is currently in the shadow of the city due to the influx of creative street art, an epic food scene, and the rise of designer hotels such as Roomers Frankfurt.
Part of Germany’s Gekko Group, the hotel is taking up residence in a derelict office block close to the city’s River Main. Although the facade feels a little soulless, once the property’s large matte black doors – emblazoned with the Scarab-esque Gekko logo – are opened, a haven of sumptuous interior and intrigue emerges.
Where?
Ideally located, just ten minutes’ walk from the somewhat ominous surroundings of Frankfurt’s main train station, the five-star hotel has made its home in the lively Westend district, away from the hustle and bustle of Frankfurt’s historic market square, Römerberg. The rest of the city, and the many museums and galleries can easily be reached on foot or by bike since the whole city seems to revolve around two wheels, especially during the weekends when the cobbled streets of the central town are often overcrowded.
Just a 1 hour, 30 minute flight from the London terminals, return flights can be snapped up for as little as £32 (crazy, that’s less than most London to Brighton return train services).
Style
Many deep mauves, and other dark, seductive tones, as well as sheer black drapes, and low lighting give Roomers Frankfurt a boudoir-style air, although it is more sophisticated than it sounds, Roomers Frankfurt represents sleek, understated luxury .
Communal areas, including the hotel’s bar and Asian-cum-California restaurant, are known as Frankfurt institutions, and locals regularly drop by for evening cocktails or uninhibited weekend getaways, and yet, the place doesn’t feel ever crowded. Black lacquered surfaces, high-gloss coffee table books, and wispy dried pampas grass with peacock feathers complement the decor of the communal space. There’s even custom design-oriented merchandise available for purchase in the lobby, ‘ACID’ emblazoned cap, anyone?
Which room?
With stunning views of the Frankfurt skyline and its dense clusters of high-rise buildings, room 414 is hard to beat. The spacious room marries comfort with an artistic flair that provides the ideal haven to rest and refresh after a day exploring the city’s impressive murals. Backed by a padded golden headboard the comfy bed is dressed in soft satiny sheets and also of epic proportions, continuing the color theme of deep purple and black throughout.
The room also has a desk with a Marshall radio on top and an impressive range of drinks and snacks, from M&M peanuts and Haribo bags to Ruinart champagne and Gude beer bottles. Aromatherapy bath and body products from the German brand Daluma are provided in each of the hotel’s 118 rooms from the ‘petite’ category to the ‘Roomers Suite’ with its own two bathrooms and private lounge.
Food & Drink
Room rates include a full buffet-style breakfast with everything you’d normally expect from a five-star hotel, plus extras like fresh ginger shots and Bloody Marys to revive weary souls. The Burbank hotel restaurant opens daily for dinner and is located in the same dining room where breakfast is served. The menu is an eclectic mix, featuring various plates of translucent ceviche and sashimi, as well as dishes such as crispy fried duck with green papaya salad and fried chicken wings with ‘Mr Duc’s fire sauce’. It is worth noting that cocktails are particularly good and extremely potent.
For lunch, it’s worth joining the queue, usually spilling out of an inconspicuous glass and tiled hole-in-the-wall in the Kleinmarkthalle in central Frankfurt. The restaurant in question, Schreiber, only serves a handful of German sausages, along with bread and pickles. The lunch will cost you less than €5 and will certainly put a smile on your face.
extra curricular
Boasting more than 30 murals Frankfurt has a great street art scene and many famous urban artists from the city itself. One such artist is Andreas von Chrzanowski, otherwise known as Case Maclaim, whose photorealistic work often focuses on parts of the human body, particularly the hands and fingers, in great detail.
Renowned in the art world, Macaulay’s large scale pieces can be seen not only in and around Frankfurt but on city buildings around the world from Tbilisi, Georgia, and Milwaukee USA to Vienna, Austria.
He prefers…
Anyone kicking off after an exciting weekend getaway. With its wonderfully relaxing spa, dimly lit bedrooms, and provocative vibe, Roomers Frankfurt is a great base for couples, solo travelers, or friends, but go now. Frankfurt is growing in popularity so this lively, walkable city will never be without a crowd.
Double rooms available from £135 including breakfast. roomers-hotels.com
