For the next hotel stay ofour Good Morning Milan, Goodnight Moon trip, we spent a night at the 112-room Falkenstein Grand Koenigstein, Marriott Autograph Collection, which I’ll be reviewing in this post. Then we spent the following night at the 22-room Villa Rothschild, Marriott Autograph Collection, which I’ll be reviewing in the next installment.
Continue reading: Review: Falkenstein Grand Koenigstein, Marriott Autograph Collection (Unique!)
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
This looks utterly boring. What precisely is "unique" about this? I mean unless you're 80 and haven't visited a hotel in decades.
As a German/American that travels through FRA several times a year, I too had considered the hotel in the past but passed since there are so many other alternatives to pick from in the Frankfurt/Mainz/Wiesbaden area if you don't want to stay in the city. Based on your review, I kind of would compare this to the Kempinski property that Hilton took over recently...the Hilton Frankfurt Gravenbruch....a property outside of the city that seems to cater mainly to Germans that want to get away and stay at a nicer somewhat historical hotel with a decent restaurant and pool/spa facilities. I had a stay at the Hilton recently as it is considered a Resort property so the AX resort credit can be used there. Thanks for the review and looking forward to your review of the other property.
I think you missed the other sauna area right next to the indoor loungers by the pool. It also took me quite a while to find it when I was there.
Going from Kempinski to Marriott's Autograph Collection is quite the re-flagging.
Of the European countries, I think Germany has some of the worst hotels by international standards. Switzerland, France, and Britain all have better and more consistent hotels, especially outside the major chains. I have been booked into several non-chain German 3-star and 4-star hotels that
(1) had no staff who spoke English;
(2) lacked even basic hotel information or restaurant menus in English or even French, for that matter;
(3) did not accept credit cards (yes, many hotels and restaurants in Germany are cash-only);
and (4) were generally tired, and not in a charming, shabby-chic way.
Is there no German or European Union equivalent of the Americans with Disabilities Act?
I don’t see how anyone with a mobility issue or other disability could enter or exit the main entrance of this hotel. And before someone says, “This is Europe, and it’s an old building,” I don’t buy that argument. This hotel isn't old by even American standards — it looks 1920s with extensive renovations.
What the hell kind of a name is that?
Branding 101 would tell you to create a simple, yet memorable name. These guys have failed on both levels, SAD! BOYCOTT!
From a Bonvoy compliance standpoint, you should have been offered a choice of 750 points or breakfast in the restaurant, since the property does not have a lounge. This is required under the Guaranteed Lounge Access benefit, which applies to Autograph Collection properties. Separately, you should also have received an Elite Welcome Gift choice of either 1,000 points or a food-and-beverage amenity.
Was your bed actually a king, or was it two twins or queens pushed together to create a faux king?
The chaise longue appears to have several white stains that could be bodily fluids.
Overall, your experience in terms of guest recognition and Bonvoy benefits seems subpar, despite the special rate and your top-tier Ambassador status. It appears that any guest with Platinum status or higher would have received the same treatment.
I can see why this is no longer a Kempinski property. While the hotel is elegant, it is clearly very tired. It does not appear to have undergone a significant renovation since opening as a hotel in the 1990s. I don’t mind classic décor, but this is not shabby chic. I suspect the owner was told by Kempinski to significantly update the interior to keep the flag.
It's not even particularly notable or nice by European grand hotel or historic hotel standards. It's a late 1910s or early 1920s former hospital converted in the 1990s to a hotel. There are more notable grand hotels and former castles or palaces turned hotels than this particular property.
Sorry but do you even realize how bad your comment reads? You sound like the American that expects everything in Europe to be as you would expect in the US and that would be loved by staff in European hotels. Fact is you are in Germany and not the US at this hotel and things will be different.
That's a poor taken. I've stayed at dozens of hotels across Europe. I stand by my comment. German hotels on the whole are not as good as comparable hotels in Switzerland, France and Britain.
This is definitely for a German target audience, specifically the one which appreciates the spa experience. The Taunus is an area full of spa towns so this hotel totally fits in. Yes the rooms are dated, but the spa is good, the restaurants are good, so you can have a good time there. And the prices reflect that the hotel is in need of renovation, so I don't know why people are complaining. Yes, Swiss hotels of that type may be nicer, but you'll have a hard time to stay below 1000 Euro per night. I stayed at a Swiss hotel in the 200 Euro range (with great view), and that was rough!
We stayed here three years ago for two nights in late November after a week of hopping from country to country for the Christmas markets during our engagement trip. Our flight back to the U.S. was out of Frankfurt and we wanted a peaceful property that wasn’t too far away from FRA. So we weren’t looking to do anything but rest. We took one of the train lines to the last stop and the hotel actually picked us up from the train station.
The weather during our stay was comfortably cool and sunny, so we were able to see the skyline plus the foliage. We also loved the outdoor pool and restaurant. Service wasn’t particularly memorable but they did reserve as a private corner for dinner and welcomed us with champagne and a bunch of other goodies and a hand written note congratulating us. For the sub €200 price, it was a nice and relaxing stop before our flight.
Sorry, but people from the US booking 3-star hotels in Germany don't deserve better. Those are not targeting international travelers, but those people who need a retreat from hotels, which have become overpriced, because the visitors from the US are willing to pay any price.
Ah yes, of course an American. To easy to spot.
You go to someone's else's country and expect them to speak English. The height of ignorance, self-importance, and most glaringly of all, stupidity.
"Deftige Speisen" translated as "Soul Food"? Just no. Soul food is specifically the food tradition of Black Americans. While it originated in the South of the US, and Bavaria (where they eat Weißwürste) is in the South of Germany, Weißwürste are not soul food. "Hearty dishes" would be fine. (And what's up with the grammar for the eggs Benedict -- why is the spinach nominative case, and the ham back to dative? And why is eggs Benedict a regional specialty?)
By Champagne, do you mean real Champagne or what an American would call Champagne?
Hi Ben just read your review. Very interesting. I agree with all you’re writing except for one comment where you said it looked a bit rundown. I did not see it. I also read the comments. It seems to me that most of your followers don’t seem to like the property. I understand their points because they compare it to US standards. They don’t appreciate the old world charm.
When you go to a lot of secondary destinations in Germany, the only option is a 3-star or 4-star. Especially if you want a historic hotel in a city center or old town.
I expect a hotel in a major Western European country to have at least one guest-facing employee at the front desk to speak English. I also expect a hotel in a major Western European country to have important information such as the hotel directory or a restaurant menu translated into English or at least a second European language such as French.
This is not unreasonable. It's often a requirement by national hotel rating regulators (including the German Hotel and Restaurant Association or DEHOGA) or voluntary rating programs like AA, AAA, Michelin, Forbes, etc.
I've stayed at plenty of European hotels that offer "old world charm." This is a 1990s hotel. Most of the decor and furnishings are 1990s with some of it designed to resemble an older style.
I agree with you. If they dont have English speaking staff in hospitality industry and being part of Bonvoy program, that makes no sense. Besides the hotel looks so bad...
@ Eskimo -- It is, sort of! Keep in mind that until some number of years ago, my dad didn't even have a cell phone. He has advanced a lot with technology, and does now read my blog. He always has opinions, but can't figure out how to comment.
So I told him he could text me the comments he has, and I'll publish them as him. So yes, it is him, even if I'm the one having to hit publish on them. 🙂
I think you need to stay at more of the mid-tier properties in Germany, Austria and Switzerland since most of the staff there ONLY speak English and don't even speak German at all. I've had this experience at plenty of HI, HIX, Moxy, HGI and I was just at a Radisson in Zurich were virtually none of the staff spoke German.
As a Frankfurter living relatively close to this property and who visited it a couple of times, I fully agree with the pros and cons highlighted here.
At the same time comparing it with other Grand hotels in FR, UK or CH like some commenters do isn’t really fair given the rate. For those you have to pay at least 3x as much and then you’re already lucky. Pricing is more on the level of a Garden Inn or Holiday Inn in London, Paris or even Miami and if you make this comparison it looks way different
Wrong, Fake Jessica. Absurd that you go to someone else's country ans expect them to be subservient to you and speak English.
Ngl Ben, you calling this hotel "unique" in the title sounds like clickbait...
Sorry Christian, but having air conditioning is more than an American expectation. Germany now has scorching heat waves in the summer, and the German attitude such "is not needed" in Germany is no longer appropriate.
Moving from Kempinski to Marriott Autograph Collection is a relegation. Kempinski generally exceeds Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis properties.
I don’t remember. I’m an immigrant from a developing country who is unaware of anything like that.
Since everyone learns English in German schools, it's quite likely the hotel staff detected the arrogance of the condescending American above and just acted like they did not speak English.
If I remember correctly, the spa has 3 or 4 separate saunas each with a different temperature. It was really nice to graduate the temperature by switching with a cold shower in between.
Also, I recall there was a cold plunge tub in the indoor pool area.
When I was there two years ago they also gave us champagne for our anniversary date. Yes, it was proper French Champagne
Well, I'm not European or American & I wouldn't bother staying there either because I grew up with 'old world/rundown'. I've stayed in many hotels in SE & North Asia & would rate them all better than this hotel
A little off-topic, but as a European without much Florida experience, what would you consider an inspiring pool? I was disappointed by just about US pool I've been to, mostly due to the hygienic standards in general and the chlorine smell.
I don't think you are doing the hotel justice but I only go there in the Summer because the view on the Skyline of Frankfurt is really great. Also enjoying the outdoor seating of the restaurant during breakfast and dinner, with a skyline view of the terrace is much nicer then inside. I would always recommend the hot stone steak for dinner and I love the Weißwurst at breakfast.
I only experienced great service and also great upgrades but to be honest it probably helps that I always ask for special rooms/suites through the Ambassador service. Always prefer Skyline view over a suite!
I always had good temperature control in the summer, even it it was hot outside, but I do like my rooms at 20° C. so it might be different to Americans who aim for 16°...
If they dont speak English at the front desk of international hotel, thats a big problem. English is number one language in the world. I expect much more from Marriott Hotel
Looking at what your dad gets for his meal and what you get - looks like two different peas from a pod.. I am sure he is enjoying his meal million times better to the veg only options and whatnot superfood...
Living proof that even eating meat and pork will not affect your health!
When you update these articles, please add a disclaimer at the top saying what was updated.
I lived in Falkensteinfor five years old when I was a kid. I am from the US.
The forest trails in the area are wonderful. Used my BMX to bike in the woods.
Should have gone to Café-Konditorei Kreiner in Königstein. Best coffee/cake place in area. Vibe is classic.
Why would anyone with any sensibility towards want actually value and to be treated correctly, stay at Marriott?? I can see an airport hotel for 1-2 nights. But that’s it!
I can see why people might say that the hotel has a certain rustic charm to it, but €200 in the low season is just too expensive for what it is.
While I agree that comparing it to luxury countryside retreats is pointless as those can be a fair bit more expensive, the same thing wouldn't apply to comparisons with the lower end of the midscale market, where this would actually sit. I recently paid €75 a night for better rooms in decidedly better hotels in a part of Europe where the weather isn't quite as bad in the off season.
I loved this hotel as an American, although I love German culture and hospitality. I agree with you that I wouldn’t expect most Americans to feel the same. It felt very “German” — grand in some ways (like the exterior), but dated/cheap in others (like the bathroom of our unrenovated suite). Great value though, in my opinion. I don’t know what people expect for $200/night.
The restaurant was a highlight; I still think about the cacio e pepe we had on their patio. And having breakfast outside was really nice during the summer.
The Taschenbergpalais Kempinski in Dresden is the sort of hotel you can expect to find in Germany for €200 a night in low season. Do you really think that the Falkenstein Königstein provides equivalent value for money?
That property does look nicer (though it also looks a bit more expensive), but it’s not 30 minutes away from an airport that flies nonstop to every major city in the world.
But it is right in the middle of the historic centre of a major city! I'm seeing rates starting from €185ish for March.
In my view, the Falkenstein is wildly overpriced. However, regardless of the extent to which others actually share that view, I can't see how anyone could claim it's actually cheap.
Love these kind of properties for a short stay. Return to Castle Wolfenstein like! German charm from an almost gone time! Frankfurt doesn't have many great hotels.....it is a good choice I would be willing to try for a day or two. Thank for the review!
Dresden is not a “major city.” Non-Europeans like myself have no reason to ever visit that city. If you live in Germany, I can see how that property is better value, but it’s not even on my radar because that isn’t a city I’ll likely ever visit.
It’s like comparing a property in Columbus, OH to one in Chicago. Of course the Columbus hotel will be cheaper.
But compared to other major European cities, this property provides good value.
You're missing the point with the references to Dresden- which, unlike Königstein, is a major city!
Rates at the Steigenberger in nearby Bad Homburg are also very similar to the Falkenstein, where would you rather stay?
Stayed here for 2 dqys in early January, better than expected. Tried to get into the Villa Rothschild, it was unavailable. I was able to change my reservation around the end of December as the rates dropped a bit. It was charming, the bar was nice and they were more than accomodating for a typical Marriott property. They provided one of my local guests with coffee and cookies at no charge and the breakfast was comped as well, (Titanium Lifetime status). I was very hesitant to book this location as it did appear to be a more "locals" hotel, but it was better than expected and totally different than my stays at the FRA Marriott and the HAM Radisson Blu. Would I go back? Not unless teh Villa Rothschild is unavailable again.