For our one night stay in Frankfurt I wanted to review somewhere new. Over the years I’ve stayed at most of the Starwood properties in the city, though with Marriott’s takeover of Starwood, I figured a review of the Marriott Frankfurt could come in handy.
The Marriott Frankfurt is one of the city’s biggest hotels, so I didn’t expect I’d love it. Because of that, a one night stay seemed like a great opportunity to check it out. The paid rate for a Saturday night was around $160.
The Marriott Frankfurt has an outdated exterior, and no matter how much they update the interior, I doubt there’s much they can do to make the exterior not look decades past its prime.
Marriott Frankfurt exterior
Marriott Frankfurt entrance
For such a huge hotel, I thought the Marriott had a rather small and dark lobby. I was expecting something a bit “grander,” but rather it was just a room with virtually no natural light.
Marriott Frankfurt lobby
Marriott Frankfurt lobby
Reception was located inside the lobby and straight ahead. The check-in process wasn’t great — the lady checking us in had an attitude, she thanked me for being a “Marriott member,” and only after specifically asking about the lounge did she mention I’d have access.
I was assigned room 2710, located on the 27th floor. I didn’t actually ask about an upgrade, though I guess you could say the hotel isn’t terribly proactive about that. Rooms are located on floors 26 through 43 of the building, so I was on one of the lowest floors.
There were signs throughout the hotel indicating that the property is being renovated, though I’m not sure what stage that renovation is at, as I couldn’t tell if some areas had been renovated or not.
For example, has the hallway been renovated (in which case, bleh), or no (in which case, the old design isn’t that bad)?
Marriott Frankfurt hallway
Marriott Frankfurt room exterior
The same was true for my room — I’m not sure if it had been renovated or not, though I hope not. The room featured an entryway with a closet to the right and the bathroom to the left.
Marriott Frankfurt room entryway
The room had a king size bed, and a chair with ottoman by the window.
Marriott Frankfurt king room
Marriott Frankfurt king room
Across from that was a desk with a rolling chair, as well as a TV.
Marriott Frankfurt king room
What I really did like were the views from the rooms — given that this hotel is much taller than all nearby buildings, you get great views of Frankfurt from here.
Marriott Frankfurt room view
Back towards the entrance was a mini-fridge with a large bottle of still and sparkling water.
Marriott Frankfurt in-room mini fridge
There was also a kettle.
Marriott Frankfurt in-room kettle
The bathroom was compact, and featured a sink, toilet, and shower/tub combo.
Marriott Frankfurt bathroom
Marriott Frankfurt bathroom
Marriott Frankfurt bathroom
Toiletries were from Acca Kappa.
Marriott Frankfurt toiletries
So yeah, the room was… fine. It did the trick, but there was nothing awful or great about it.
Anyway, the hotel’s executive lounge is located on the 43rd floor, and it’s open from 6AM until 12AM on weekdays, and from 7AM until 12AM on weekends.
Marriott Frankfurt executive lounge entrance
For the Saturday night we were staying, the evening drinks and snacks were served from 5:30PM until 8:30PM, while breakfast was served from 6:30AM until 12PM.
Best I can tell, the lounge seems to consist of several converted guest rooms, so it consists of several smaller rooms. There are dining tables, couches, and some high-top tables with bar stools.
Marriott Frankfurt executive lounge
Marriott Frankfurt executive lounge
Marriott Frankfurt executive lounge
Marriott Frankfurt executive lounge
Marriott Frankfurt executive lounge
The lounge also had even better views than my room, given that it was much higher up.
Marriott Frankfurt club lounge view
Throughout the day you can grab coffee, soft drinks, and water.
Marriott Frankfurt executive lounge drinks
During the day they also had pretzels, nuts, chips, and some sweets.
Marriott Frankfurt club lounge snacks
Marriott Frankfurt club lounge snacks
For a club lounge the food selection was very good, and the evening spread could act as a dinner substitute.
Marriott Frankfurt club lounge dinner
Marriott Frankfurt club lounge dinner
Marriott Frankfurt club lounge dinner
Marriott Frankfurt club lounge dinner
Breakfast was good as well, with fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, cold cuts, sausage, bacon, omelets, etc.
Marriott Frankfurt club lounge breakfast
Marriott Frankfurt club lounge breakfast
Marriott Frankfurt club lounge breakfast
Marriott Frankfurt club lounge breakfast
Marriott Frankfurt club lounge breakfast
Marriott Frankfurt club lounge breakfast
Marriott Frankfurt club lounge breakfast
While the food selection was very good, I’d note that the lounge was constantly hectic, given that this is a huge hotel and I guess a lot of people have access to the lounge. If it was this full on a Saturday night and Sunday morning, I imagine it gets even busier on weekdays, when you have more business travelers.
The only other amenity the hotel has is the gym, located one level above the lobby. The hotel doesn’t have a pool, or anything else I found noteworthy.
Marriott Frankfurt gym
Marriott Frankfurt gym
Marriott Frankfurt gym
Marriott Frankfurt bottom line
Personally I wouldn’t return to the Marriott Frankfurt. The rooms are fine and the club lounge food and drink selection are very good, but that’s where the good things end.
It always took a long time to get an elevator, and then the elevators would be super full. I found the staff to be impersonal and cold. The decor was also pretty drab. Lastly, I didn’t love the location — I’d rather be closer to the river, the Zeil, the Kleinmarkthalle, etc. So personally I won’t be returning.
While Villa Kennedy is my favorite hotel in Frankfurt, obviously that’s in a different league. But to compare apples-to-apples, I have a preference for the Westin over this.
If you’ve stayed at the Marriott Frankfurt, what was your experience like?
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