Review: Hyatt Regency Mainz, Germany

I feel the need to commiserate about the difficulties in trying to avoid pork products in some parts of Germany that don't have a high number of vegetarians and such. We don't do red meat and my spouse nearly had a drop on your knees and praise Jesus moment when we found a rotisserie chicken place in Garmisch-Partenkirken because we had at last found an alternative to yet another margherita pizza.

Man can't wait to hear @liveandletsFly reaction to this given he raves about this average looking hotel (similar to the Carmel Highlands).

We have stayed at Hyatt Mainz during Corona restrictions in the Summer of 2020 as a family of 4, two rooms with connecting doors.
Our experience was the exact opposite of yours. The hotel was nearly empty during our stay and the service and friendliness of the staff were exceptional.
I have also stayed at other Hyatts in Germany (Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Berlin) and would have put the Hyatt Mainz right up there.
We have had a breakfast experience like yours at the Andaz Munich, by the way, but that was also ridiculously overcrowded.
It seems during Corona, that hotels are having a hard time maintaining service standards when they get busy.
In the Frankfurt Hilton City (normally a nice property), I also had a terrible breakfast experience. Lackluster buffet, staff completely overwhelmed, I just had a cup of coffee with a brezel and left.

Mainz is not the same distance from FRA as Frankfurt City....although it may take you equally long to get to either, depending on traffic. Mainz and Wiesbaden form essentially one urban area divided by the Rhine, whereas Frankfurt nestles along both banks of the Main - yet "Mainhatten" is more businesslike and not as quaint. And we get plenty of sunlight here in the FRA area in spring, summer, and fall...although this past year was strange as there was mostly rain.

I stayed at the HR Mainz in 2016 and really enjoyed the stay. The hotel and service sounded better than now.

My husband and i really enjoyed Mainz. It was very pretty with the river and architecture. There is a small but interesting museum on the Gutenberg printing press with some ornate medieval hand drawn books. They have a delicious and fun outdoor farmers market in the summer.

hyatt is going so downhill lately. im shocked hyatt corporate is allowing all this nonsense like a free jam from the buffet as a welcome amenity. what a joke. maybe its time for a new hyatt ceo who cares more about the product and the guest experience.

This Hyatt is a Joke for globalist!
Lounge still closed? YET breakfast area is so full that you need to wait for 20 minutes for a Coffee.

“Personally I find the color choices in the rooms to be rather strange, in particular the matching teal tile and desk.” Surely you mean teak and not teal!

Sunniest cities in Germany (hours of sunshine per year):

01 - 1740 h - Freiburg
07 - 1681 h - München
13 - 1623 h - Berlin
16 - 1586 h - Mainz
18 - 1557 h - Hamburg
22 - 1515 h - Frankfurt

Source:
Mens Health

Watch out for the hookers at their bar

To me Bellpepper was one of the best chain hotel restaurants I have eaten at in Germany. I have always had excellent meals there during my stays.

I've always wanted to stay here since Matthew raves about it. I certainly look forward to his rebuttal to your review, but aside from the service lapses, your stay doesn't seem that terrible. The Happy Hour setup seems great, the bar seems fairly posh, I think the shower/tub room setup looked nice, and being positioned on the Rhein seems cool.

When I stayed at hostels, I liked them. When I moved to HI Express, I thought they were fine. I like Hyatts now. If I ever make it to FS/Ritz/Claridge's I probably wouldn't like Regencys anymore either.

An example of why the grass isn't always greener on the Hyatt side for those of us who are Marriott loyalists. No suite upgrades? Sounds like a Marriott thing. Closed club lounge but still sending club lounge rooms? Sounds like Marriott, although at least they provided a replacement in the restaurant. I have cheated on Marriott with Marriott a few times over the past 5-6 years. I have found a good number of Hyatts, including both Hyatt Regency and Grand Hyatt, have that same tired appearance in the guest rooms with early 2000s blonde/light brown wooden furniture.

I've stayed at this hotel a couple of times and have fond memories of it. It's a shame that service seems to have deteriorated. It could indeed use a renovation by now though.

BTW, I'm pretty sure that I was able to turn off that night light in the room.

I stayed here twice in July, first time since a stay in 2002. I too had fond memories of that stay many years ago. For the most part, it met my expectations. On the plus side, the location next to the River and the ability to walk or run just outside the front door is great, not to mention views of the marine traffic. During our stay the hotel must have been much less busy, tables were never more than 60% occupied at breakfast, but oddly it was very difficult to get a table at lunch or dinner - I think maybe in July there were fewer restaurants open in Mainz. I am surprised that they are still doing to lobby lounge replacement, I was disappointed in that, to me the main benefit of the lounge is to be able to run in and grab a coffee/beer and go to my room - can't do that very easily from a lobby bar. For some reason I remembered this hotel being a lot closer to FRA, the price of getting out to Mainz and back in a cab/Uber is probably the biggest reason I would not go back, much easier to just stay at the airport or go into FRA next time.

As a globalist, I had two rooms for both stays, and as I said the hotel appeared to be very lightly occupied - no room upgrades for any of the nights or rooms.

I wish Hyatt would open a full service Hyatt in downtown Frankfurt. I know there is one at the airport but it would be nice to have one in the city itself!

The part of your post where you explain that you've flown paid first class got cut off 😉

Strange - this hotel was just mentioned in a recent post:

"Cathay Pacific’s coronavirus outbreak in Germany
Some of Hong Kong’s recent imported coronavirus cases are linked to Cathay Pacific crews, and the details are interesting. Specifically, three Cathay Pacific cargo pilots have tested positive for coronavirus, following two separate layovers at the Hyatt Regency Mainz (just outside of Frankfurt)."

Maybe you received feedback from Hyatt and hence the nice review?

That’s a problem when disposable income increases with age - Hyatt is no FS or Aman; First beats economy

Who spends 160 EUR per night to stay in a Hyatt in Mainz? FFM area has so many decent hotels and even if you are specifically looking for 4-5 star chain hotel, could easily get it for half the price.

A Gemüseomelette isnt necessarily vegetarian. It just has vegetables. I dont think the first one you can blame on Hyatt here.

It´s a lovely hotel in case Frankfurt near the airport is all crowded for an early morning flight. Same goes for the Hilton nearby.

We are recent Hyatt converts and stayed at this hotel in Sept for 2 nights. We really liked the location on the river with the walkway right out the back door. We were also upgraded as globalists to the club floor which of course was closed but did provide the nice views of the Rhine. The hotel was busy though I'm not sure it was full and we never saw the waitstaff to be frantic. We had good, reasonable service at breakfast. The weather was great and dinner outside was lovely one evening. The lobby bar was never full the 2 evenings we visited and was a decent alternative to the lounge being closed. Can't say we overhead any such interesting conversations though, lol. And if the light you mention was coming from the closet area, it does turn off though I forget exactly how.

A nice review? Ben basically came down a bit hard on an otherwise fairly good Regency property as to the value and brand.

Oh my. No wonder the pilots left their hotel room.

(Yes, I understand technically they didn’t leave, they stopped at the activities and services between the airport and the hotel, but still - those rooms are depressing)

I'm kind of lost with this review. I think it's a bit off as to the expectations of a Regency brand. It appears more to be skewed as to the expectations at Park, Andaz, or others. It's Regency. I mean, my god, to complain about the Jam gift? To even GET an amenity at the workhorse properties like a Regency these days would be a plus/miracle. Ben has been staying at a lot of luxury properties to date, and that's great, but I feel it tends to skew the reality of what you get at less than $200 a night hotels that are clearly not branded or established as that.

Sorry, this comes across as a bit elitist and with less pulse on the finger of reality in todays world of travel. I'm all for luxury properties and the expectations I have for them. But I am also realistic in expecting at a Regency level hotel that what he described (other than the parking lot) is pretty much just wonderful for a Regency.

It's the issue with this review. But Ben should know better. As someone who jumps from luxury to mainline I manage my expectations. And I know what to expect with each. Ben seems to allow himself to be skewed by Claridges as to why a Regency property would only give him jam as a gift. What is left is Ben's review of an otherwise perfectly fine Regency property that must live with a slanted and awkward review that will now live on the internet forever.

Yes, god forbid a Regency at less than $200 a night would only give you Jam for a gift. It's horrid. The shame!

@John It's an under $200 a night hotel branded as a Regency. What in the name of god do you want in the room to make it more to your liking? Get real as to value and expectations. This is not sold or priced as a Four Seasons. You are more than welcome to go to Villa Kennedy in Frankfurt, as well a lovely hotel, and pay $400 a night for a room that I am sure is to your expectations and needs. But, you will have spent $400 a night. Instead of the latter. Get it?

@Stuart, i can appreciate your point, but unfortunately, but Ben is in the right on the welcome amenity, which has nothing to do with "elitism" or $200 rate or brand "Regency", but has everything to do with it being a Privé Participating hotel. They need to better, because that offering is below standard, or not be part of the program.

So for the equivalent of $200 a night what would you like as an amenity? An $80 a bottle of champagne? And I was addressing your comment as to the rooms being depressing. Again, what would you like for a $200 a night hotel? Frette linens and Jean-Michel Gathy designed rooms?

I stayed in this hotel several times and I like it. The location is very good, rooms have good views on the river, and I like the overall atmosphere of the hotel, in particular the lobby and restaurant. I don’t know what would be depressing about the rooms. Not sure what you were expecting, it’s a Hyatt Regency in a secondary city.

That’s the other Endre with the profile pic, you moron

@ stuart -- To be clear, the welcome amenity is a published benefit of Hyatt Prive. It has nothing to do with the hotel brand as such, and I don't expect a welcome amenity when staying at a Hyatt Regency otherwise.

As far as my expectations otherwise go, I think most of my complaints would be valid whether at a Holiday Inn Express or Four Seasons. There's a basic level of service you expect if you're a guest somewhere. If I asked for an omelet without bacon or pork, I expect it not to have bacon or pork. I expect a hotel to have enough parking for guests, especially when you have to pay for it. I expect the shower temperature to be easy to control, so it's not freezing or scolding hot. I expect a hotel to have toothpaste when simple bath amenities are advertised as being available.

Those are the things that disappointed me about the stay. Do you think I'm being unfair or unrealistic with any of those?

@ Grey -- Could you let me know which five star hotel I can book in Frankfurt for 80 EUR per night? Because I'm in!

@ Randy -- I'm sorry, but did you read the review? I'm confused by what you're trying to say.

@ Ekrem -- Same, I would LOVE that. Always sad when Hyatt isn't an option when actually wanting to stay in Frankfurt at a full service property.

@ Jerry -- There are plenty of Regency properties I like, this has nothing to do with getting used to Four Seasons properties, for example. My major issue with the hotel was the service lapses. If it weren't for the service lapses, I would have given this hotel four stars, probably, only dinging it for eventually being in need of a renovation. But basic decent hospitality, whether a limited service property or a luxury hotel, shouldn't be too much to ask.

Ben, I recommend you step out of your comfort zone a bit. Glad you are starting to enjoy fine meals more on your recent trips. If I may....you're in Germany. Your family is from Germany. Eat the pork! One of the best parts of visiting Germany for a foodie. So many delicious pork-based dishes. And better for the planet than eating beef. Just a suggestion....

Frankfurt and Mainz the same distance from the airport? Thats ridiculous. Frankfurt 10min by train and Mainz 30. I live in Frankfurt and I know it.

@ Mark Fischer -- Which train goes to Frankfurt city center in 10 minutes?

You seem angry and really dim. Using your logic, a bottle of jam is a perfect welcome aminity. Nothing else could ever be better. Because the only other option is an $80 bottle of champagne!

Turn the light on upstairs.

Hmmm the crowded breakfast area and skyrocketing infection rates could explain the Cathay pilot issues.

Basically every train. FRA Airport to Hauptbahnhof takes between 10-12 minutes and they run almost constantly.

Hey thanks for responding. I'm your biggest fan and I don't disagree that the breakfast issues were frustrating, but even with all that, 2 stars seems pretty harsh. Hopefully they'll get their service together because I "want" this to be a good property.

@ Jerry -- I appreciate the support, and I'm sorry if I came across as snippy. I hear what you're saying about the two star rating, and I think that's a challenge in general with having introduced the star rating concept on the blog.

The star rating isn't intended to reflect how many stars a hotel has (that's pretty cut and dry, and not subjective), but rather is intended to reflect how the hotel did compared to other properties of a similar caliber, and compared to what I was expecting. That's why a five star hotel can get two stars, and a two star hotel can get five stars.

My service experience at this hotel was the worst I've had in a long time, and also the worst I can recall having at a Hyatt. That's why I think the hotel deserved that rating. I want the hotel to get a better rating too, and you know I'm a Hyatt fanboy. So hopefully things improve.

@Ben
On the first day of the omelette debacle, you blame the server for your inaccurate order? If you had ordered something vegetarian, would you also complain if it came out non-vegan. There is a big difference between ordering a dish with vegetables in it, and ordering a vegetarian dish.

Yes, other than the parking, which I would also be upset with, the other things are real world issues when in a sub $200 a night workhorse hotel. Simple. Hardly worth writing what is damaging review of a hotel that is otherwise just fine in the context of what one might get a Regency at this price. It's entitled. Period.

I agree with you on Carmel Highland. This one, you are way off base.

At least I can spell "Amenity" properly.

Correct. Or even better, a taxi to Villa Kennedy which takes about 9 minutes. This, a hotel that may be better suited for Ben's growing standards as to service. But, of course, he will have to pay twice as much. And god forbid his amenity is just some chocolate.

Why so much animus, Stuart? You rag on everyone for the jam, even if that's not what they were commenting about. Maybe the terrible service is part of the picture, too?

But let's dig: are you a property owner or a Hyatt shareholder? What's the real issue here?

Nah, I just like Jam.

I agree with Ben.

I expect to be able to take a shower that is neither freezing cold nor scalding hot if I am staying at a Best Western, Hampton Inn, or Fairfield Inn level property, so yes, I would also expect it at a Hyatt Regency.

I have to say I'm somewhat surprised by how many people think that getting pork when you are not expecting pork is no big deal. Vegetarians and a significant percentage of Jewish and Muslim people would disagree. I get that the hotel is in Germany and that pork is a mainstay of German cuisine, but a hotel welcoming guests from a variety of cultures and religions needs to be prepared to cater to their dietary needs or make it clear on their website that they cannot.

I travel with a vegan, and while she would obviously not order an omelette, she would consider unexpected pork appearing on her plate to be a real problem. I appreciate Ben calling out this problem because this issue is important to us when choosing what restaurants and airlines to book.

The commentary on the pilots next to you was really unnecessary. A significant % of your readers agree with them and its irrelevant to the review.

S9 takes 12 minutes, and S8 is similar or the same. However ICE gets to Mainz in 14 minutes too (S-Bahn is about half an hour).

Does the hotel provide "...an activity or service that involves close contact with one specific person..." free to Hyatt Globalists?

Ben, do your ever wonder that perhaps the lack of service and overworked staff is possibly the culmination of leeching elite members and snarky travel agents finally bleeding dry the little yield left in hotels?

Credit card junkie “loyal” elite members gouging hotels endlessly for freebies and upgrades to the best rooms, pushing away yield for years couples with crippling commissions for agents.

Be transparent and tell everyone how much commission ford also made off this rate too? 10-15% is standard for price agents.

Get a grip on the realities of the business and the fact someone wasn’t standing in front of the hotel on your arrival when your paying less than $180 a night (minus whatever Fords slice is too) might not shock you so much.

Actually, science-fearing conspiracy theorists are a very small minority.

@ Chuck Floyd -- Wow, this is one of the worst takes I've seen in a long time.

First of all, you're suggesting I'm a "leeching elite member" with World of Hyatt? I'm about to earn lifetime World of Hyatt Globalist status, and I'll let you do the math on how much that means I've spent with Hyatt. I think most would agree I'm a pretty good customer.

As far as "snarky travel agents bleeding dry the little yield left in hotels," that's also simply false. Like all businesses, hotels have marketing and distribution costs. Hotels don't want you to book through online travel agencies, which charge an average commission of 20-25%, based on the last data I've seen. Commissions to travel agents through these programs are typically 10%. That's why the major hotel groups have these programs, because they're good for business.

You're right, my expectations are simply too high. I guess I should not expect a hotel to offer parking, to offer vegetable omelets without meat, to offer toothpaste, and to offer showers that work. I'm so overentitled.

1. you might have missed the part where Ben said "no standard suites" (so that's a hard product thing, unrelated to upgrades)
2. with Marriott, Club lounge would be closed and they would basically tell you to piss off and maybe get $10, while still serving a paid breakfast in the restaurant...Hyatt goes above and beyond at least

Sorry Ben - I agree I think the comment was poorly worded here, this wasn’t so much aimed at you as I do know you are a loyal guest, rather an overall observation on guest expectations.

I redact the comments (can’t seem to deleted as I’m a guest) as these are poorly worded and misguided in hindsight.

Best - Chuck

Hear that loud and clear. What makes this blog great is the honest reviews. Keep 'em coming!

OMG, those pilots…and they’re responsible for the poor souls in the air. Ben, did you also get the Cathay pilots fired;]

Dear Mr Schlappig,

Thank you for your loyalty with Hyatt and thank you for staying with us again, after many years. Your experience within the travel world as well as the Hyatt world allows us, to learn from your experiences. Your stay at Hyatt Regency Mainz was in July this year, around five months ago; my reaction to your review, is coming immediately as it deserves a prompt follow up to show you that we take your criticism very seriously. Many things have changed, after your stay with us. We were almost closed until June and yes, I have to admit, the restart was really challenging. Just one example, the Regency Club is back where it always was. I am sorry that you did not like the homemade marmalade (it is not coming from the buffet), we always try to come up with something different than the typical bottle of red wine.

But first of all, as the General Manager of Hyatt Regency Mainz, I would like to express my sincere apologies for the inconveniences you experienced during your stay with us in July 2021. Of course, you may expect a hotel to offer parking (or at least to offer to park your car nearby when the hotel’s garage is full), someone to greet you at breakfast, and that you can get an omelet without meat when ordered. And furthermore, you can, of course, expect a hotel to answer the phone and to offer toothpaste and a shower that works properly. In many aspects, we did not meet your expectations and you did not feel well looked-after, and I am very sorry about that − even more so as you are one of Hyatt’s very loyal guests. Rest assured that your feedback is much appreciated and will be discussed with the team in order to be much more attentive in all the respects you described and with which you were dissatisfied.

On one point, however, I allow myself to correct you: Mainz is known as one of the sunniest cities in Germany. And as rain is followed by sunshine, we hope that you will give us another chance to show you the sunny side of Hyatt Regency Mainz. As you can see from the comments below, good times staying with us are not that unlikely to happen 🙂 As a passionate host, it would be my pleasure welcoming you back in the near future, to enjoy a glass of white wine during a sunny day on our terrace.

Sincerely,
Malte Budde
General Manager Hyatt Regency Mainz