Business capital? That too.

A January 2003 trip to Frankfurt by LBN

Frankfurt on the surface is a booming business capital with tall buildings otherwise nonexistent in Germany, and empty of the small-town charm seen in a lot of German cities. But it has charm of its own.

  • 3 reviews
One thing you won't find in much of Germany is customer service. But, probably due to the high number of business contacts flowing daily through Frankfurt, you are almost certain to get a smile in Frankfurt.

It's also unlikely that you'll need to rely on your tourist dictionary, if you don't know German already -- almost everyone can speak English here.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

The underground system and trains are very efficient here. Around 2 euros for a two hour ride around town, I think.

The Manhattan Hotel was a wonderful, refreshing experience in Frankfurt. The hotel itself was modern, sleek, stylish, and friendly. It's located directly across from the main train station and is very easy to find. Everything about it--the service, decor, location--was friendly, if not overstated.

The entrance to the hotel was welcoming: a lounge with several armchairs and information about the city, a sleek bar (open 24 hours with drinks and snacks), a welcome desk with politely warm staff, a computer where guests can check email and surf the Internet for free. A skyline of Manhattan lit up the back wall.

Even the elevator was a bit understated: it barely fit three or four people, but rather than being cramped, it was an experience to watch the modern metal doors neatly fold to open and close.

The rooms also had a modern feel, without the overloaded flower print found in most hotel rooms. The decor was mostly blue and white with darker woods and angular furniture. Little packages of gummi bears sat on the pillows. Our view wasn't terrific, but in some of the other rooms, it may have been.

All in all, the hotel was very comfortable, stylish, and somewhat minimalist. All the essentials were there (TV, hair dryer, takeout menus), and it was very clean but not sanitary-feeling.

Pluses: Great shower with massage showerhead, and a timed red heat lamp to keep the bathroom warm. The staff were exceptional and all spoke English. Checkout was not until 12pm.

From 7 to 11am, breakfast was served in the breakfast room, and was also very good. A real German breakfast, it included fresh rolls and breads with various cheeses and meats, fruit, yogurt, muesli, and hot coffee! Nice to wake up to.

Downside: just one. Although the checkout was at noon, a room attendant came in--twice--to check the condition of the room, after only knocking briefly, which was kind of a surprise. I didn't see any "Do Not Disturb" signs, but they might be worth asking for.

All in all, I would highly recommend this hotel.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by LBN on January 9, 2003

Manhattan Hotel
DUSSELDORESTRASSE 10 Frankfurt, Germany 60329
49 69 234748

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Attraction

Ever wonder where all the rich gay men in Germany go to? They are here. ALL of them. This whole area of Frankfurt, actually, is a hopping, very Schicki-Micki (as the Germans say) scene. There's good, mostly techno, music found more often in London than in Germany. For women: if you're looking for a good, hot place to dance, you've found it. For men looking for men: have a good time. Ask around for other bars/clubs in the area, too.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by LBN on January 9, 2003

Pulse
Bleichstrasse 38a Frankfurt, Germany

About the Writer

LBN
LBN
Boston, Massachusetts

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