- Introduction: A Whirlwind Aeroplan Adventure
- How To Redeem Aeroplan Points Like A Pro
- Review: SAS Lounge Chicago Airport (ORD)
- Review: Austrian Business Class 777 (ORD-VIE)
- Review: Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere
- Review: SKY Lounge Vienna Airport (VIE)
- Review: Austrian Senator Lounge Vienna Airport (VIE)
- Review: Austrian Business Class A320 (VIE-FCO)
- Review: Plaza Premium Lounge Rome Airport (FCO)
- Review: Gulf Air Business Class A321LR (FCO-BAH)
- Review: Gulf Air Lounge Bahrain Airport (BAH)
- Review: Bahrain Airport Hotel (Priority Pass)
- New Bahrain Airport Terminal: What A Nifty Hub!
- Review: Gulf Air Business Class 787-9 (BAH-SIN)
- Review: Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business Lounge T3 (SIN)
- Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class 787 (SIN-SGN)
- Review: Le Saigonnais Business Lounge Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN)
- Review: Bamboo Airways Business Class A321neo (SGN-HAN)
- Review: VATC Sleep Pods Hanoi Airport (HAN)
- Review: Song Hong Business Lounge Hanoi Airport (HAN)
- Review: Bamboo Airways Business Class 787 (HAN-FRA)
- Review: Sheraton Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
- Review: Lufthansa Business Lounge Frankfurt (FRA)
- Review: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Frankfurt (FRA)
- Review: Air Canada Business Class 777 (FRA-YYZ)
- Review: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Toronto Transborder (YYZ)
- Review: Air Canada Business Class 787 (YYZ-MIA)
After my Bamboo Airways flight from Hanoi, I had a night at Frankfurt Airport, prior to continuing on Air Canada to Toronto the following morning. I figured I’d check out the renovated Sheraton Frankfurt Airport, given that I tried the Marriott Frankfurt Airport during my last overnight at the airport.
In this post:
Background on the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport
Over the years I’ve probably stayed at the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport at least a dozen times. However, some major changes have been made to the hotel in recent years. The Sheraton Frankfurt Airport used to feature 1,000+ rooms, and in early 2020 it as announced that the hotel would be split into two.
Rather than having a single Sheraton with 1,000+ rooms, there would instead be a Marriott with 233 rooms and a Sheraton with 779 rooms. As part of this redevelopment, the property has also undergone a major renovation. So this was my first time staying at the (slightly) smaller Sheraton, and my first time staying there since it was renovated.
Booking the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport
Ordinarily I wouldn’t redeem points or free night certificates for a stay at an airport hotel, but this situation was different. Something was going on in Frankfurt during my stay that was causing very high rates, and the cash cost for one night would have been 280+ Euro.
For a free night redemption, the hotel was charging 33,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for the night, and I had a Marriott Bonvoy free night award valid at a property costing up to 35,000 points, which I got through the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card (review). So I decided to redeem that for my stay, and I’d say it worked out pretty well.
Sheraton Frankfurt Airport location
The Sheraton Frankfurt Airport has an unbeatable location, as it’s connected directly to Terminal 1. To access the hotel, just go to the check-in hall on the departures level (one level above arrivals). There’s the A & Z check-in hall, and then there’s the B & C check-in hall, and between the two you’ll see an escalator.
Take the escalator up a level, and then take the enclosed bridge that goes toward hotels, the Squaire, etc. You’ll then just want to follow the signage toward the Marriott and Sheraton, as the two hotels share an entrance.
There’s then a central area where the Marriott is in one direction, while the Sheraton is in another direction.
Sheraton Frankfurt Airport lobby & check-in
They really did a great job with the renovation of the Sheraton. It used to be kind of dumpy, while now it looks pretty elegant. The reception area is easy to find, and despite the size of the hotel, there was no wait at check-in, and I was helped immediately. I was thanked for being a Bonvoy Titanium member, and informed that I had been upgraded to a club room (suite upgrades at this property are extremely rare).
Within a couple of minutes I had keys in hand, and headed down the hall to the elevators.
Sheraton Frankfurt Airport guest room
I took the elevator up to the eighth floor (the hotel has nine floors), and headed toward my room, 8091. Given what a huge hotel this is (there are around 100 accommodations per floor), it can be quite a long walk to get to your room. That was the case for me, as my room was way down the hall and on the right.
The Sheraton did a solid job with its renovation. My room with a king bed was around 300 square feet, and felt fresh and functional. The room had an entryway with the bathroom to the right and some closets and luggage storage to the left.
The bed was definitely a bit on the firm side, and I wish there were more than two flat pillows (and I was traveling alone!), but both of those are things that are pretty common in Germany.
There was a dresser with a TV across from the bed, a desk with a chair, and a lounger with an ottoman in the corner.
I thought the room decor was pretty fun, between the different textures and colors, and the carpet. It wasn’t necessarily the most luxurious-feeling room ever, but it’s much less drab than it was before the renovation, and I imagine this was all done on a budget.
Waiting in the room on the desk were two bottles of water, as well as a kettle with some instant coffee and tea.
There was also a mini-fridge, which was empty.
The bathroom was also nicely renovated, with a backlit circular mirror, a sink, a toilet, and a walk-in shower (which annoyingly only had half of a glass shield and then opened into the rest of the bathroom, which I don’t love).
Toiletries were in wall-mounted reusable containers from Gilchrist & Soames.
In terms of views, my room faced the Terminal 1 check-in area, and I could see some planes in the distance.
This is much better than the pre-2020 Sheraton, so kudos to the hotel on the renovation. I’d say that the adjacent Marriott still feels a bit more premium, but this was nice.
One other thing to note is that temperature controls in the rooms are fairly limited. This wasn’t an issue during this stay (since it was winter and cold), but it can be tricky if it’s warm outside. The hotel only turns on air conditioning certain times of the year, so in the spring or fall you may find yourself in an uncomfortably warm room (at least by US standards).
Sheraton Frankfurt Airport club lounge
The evolution of the club lounge situation at the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport is strange to me:
- The former club lounge is in the location of what’s now the Marriott; that club lounge was fully renovated, but sits empty, and isn’t being used by the Marriott for the time being (I have such fond memories of this lounge, as I spent countless hours there over the years)
- The Sheraton club lounge is now located down the hall from the lobby
- Both the Marriott and Sheraton send their guests to the Sheraton club lounge
While the club lounge is great, I don’t get why they don’t instead send all guests to the Marriott club lounge, since it has much nicer views, and more natural light. I suppose they don’t want extra traffic in the Marriott elevators, but one has to wonder if the Marriott club lounge may eventually open or if it’ll just stay closed forever.
While I preferred the location on a higher floor, this is still a really solid club lounge. I liked the decor, and the variety of seating options, from couches, to communal tables, to dining tables.
After arriving at the hotel, I headed down for the nightly spread. The Sheraton Frankfurt Airport has its evening happy hour from 5PM until 10PM, with most food being available until 8PM, and then dessert being available after that.
I’m happy to see that the buffet at the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport club lounge is every bit as good as back in the day. If you’re used to Sheraton club lounges in the United States, you’ll be blown away.
The food selection was extensive, with veggies, sandwiches, several salads, cheese, desserts, bread, soup, and two additional hot dishes. You could easily have a filling dinner here if you’d like.
There was also a large selection of complimentary drinks, including a coffee machine, soft drinks, beer, and wine.
Currently club guests can enjoy breakfast in the restaurant, though I left the hotel the following morning before breakfast started, so I can’t speak to the quality of that (though I’d imagine it’s pretty decent).
Okay, as you can tell, I’ve been pretty positive about the club lounge until now. So let me share a negative of the experience. As usual, I was taking pictures of the club lounge, and it’s not like I was violating anyone’s privacy (as you can tell by looking at my pictures). The two guys working in the lounge saw me taking pictures. They didn’t say anything, but rather they looked at me in a suspicious and disgusted way.
For example, they’d often go into the back room, and then I could see them peeking around the corner looking at me and shaking their heads. They wouldn’t say anything, but they’d give me the dirtiest glare, and they’d ignore me and wouldn’t clear my plates. It was bizarre, because they were incredibly sociable and kind to everyone else, just not me. They’d clear plates at tables on both sides of me, but then skip me.
I just don’t get their thought process? Like, I’m literally taking pictures because I’m impressed by the selection and want to share that on the internet. If they were so concerned about my picture taking, maybe they could have politely said “are you enjoying everything?” That would be a subtle way to see if everything is okay, and figure out what my intentions are.
One would typically think that if people are taking pictures, they might be sharing this online (like on TripAdvisor, which hotels are obsessed with). So you’d think that if anything, they’d treat you better than others, rather than worse.
Anyway, I just found the whole thing strange. Maybe I should have proactively said something to them, but I’m not sure what I would have said? “Hey, the food looks great, so I’m just taking pictures if that’s okay,” or “do you have a problem with what I’m doing?” I try to stay fully “undercover” in my reviews, which is why I didn’t say anything. I’ll just chalk this up to Germany being weird about pictures sometimes…
Sheraton Frankfurt Airport dining
The Sheraton and Marriott share a few dining options, the most popular of which is the Eatery Kitchen & Bar, which is located between the two hotels. This is an all-day dining restaurant, and while I didn’t eat here, it’s physically quite nice.
Sheraton Frankfurt Airport gym
One area of the hotel that hasn’t been renovated is the gym. This is shared between the two hotels, and it’s on the small side when you consider that there are 1,000+ rooms. Then again, perhaps airport hotels don’t get as much gym use as some other hotels.
Bottom line
The Sheraton has an unbeatable location if you’re overnighting at Frankfurt Airport. The hotel has also been significantly improved since undergoing a renovation, and it’s better than ever before. The hotel has renovated rooms, and a modern club lounge with an extensive food and drink selection.
I’d say I slightly prefer the Marriott to the Sheraton, and maybe I’d pay an extra $20 to stay there. But I’d gladly stay at either hotel, and don’t really have a strong preference. I really do appreciate an airport hotel where you don’t have to take a shuttle, and that’s an area where this hotel delivers.
What do you make of the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport?
Servus Ben.
Thank you of this report. I changed my booking from Marriott Airport to Sheraton Airport based now on your report. Thank you of that one. It will be nice to see, how Club ( I am Plat) works our, and how views (work on bizaviation) are to tarmac. Been at Marriott, and views are not good, rooms are basic rooms, Suite, where we have been, just basics. But the location is superb,...
Servus Ben.
Thank you of this report. I changed my booking from Marriott Airport to Sheraton Airport based now on your report. Thank you of that one. It will be nice to see, how Club ( I am Plat) works our, and how views (work on bizaviation) are to tarmac. Been at Marriott, and views are not good, rooms are basic rooms, Suite, where we have been, just basics. But the location is superb, as we have 1145 dep to Finland. No hassle in the morning, Star Alliance priviledges throughout the travel day. I live with the trains to and from downtown, daily FRA ticket is somewhat 10 euros. And trains are convenient.
I used to stay at the Sheraton years ago and was usually upgraded to a suite. It was remarkable how quiet the rooms were and I was told they were sound-proofed. Did you find it to be quiet?
@Lucky - You are underselling how terrible the bedding, pillows and blankets are!
2 flat pillows - no you can't have any more!
1 blanket - no you can't have any more.
This hotel has been going down hill for years. The rooms are worse than a motel 6!
@Ben - How would you compare to the Hyatt Place in Frankfurt airport?
I would just consider that this is walking rather than a taxi/shuttle or subway ride.
@ Christian -- Personally I'd only consider the Sheraton, Marriott, Hilton, or Hilton Garden Inn, since they don't require a shuttle, and that's so much more convenient. So unfortunately I don't have any firsthand experience with the Hyatt Place FRA.
Great review, by the way Ben (how rude of me getting caught up in my story and forgetting to compliment you!). When I finally do the LH F terminal in FRA and find an overnight is necessary (which it could be, given that all the in-laws and relatives there are closer to VIE, ZRH & MUC) it will be my go to.
The Austrians are also terribly unreceptive with the whole photo-taking indoors anywhere on commercial premises thing.
I remember talking with a girlfriend of ours prior to a trip (my husband is Austrian) about how great Schmalz is (she is Jewish, and a great chef), then saw it in a supermarket fridge whilst we were there and went to take a photo of it for her (as one does).
A staff member instantly came barrelling...
The Austrians are also terribly unreceptive with the whole photo-taking indoors anywhere on commercial premises thing.
I remember talking with a girlfriend of ours prior to a trip (my husband is Austrian) about how great Schmalz is (she is Jewish, and a great chef), then saw it in a supermarket fridge whilst we were there and went to take a photo of it for her (as one does).
A staff member instantly came barrelling up, loudly questioning me indignantly and very brashly as to why. What she didn’t expect was an Australian who won’t tolerate rudeness and gave it back to her ten times as loudly with some English swearing (which is like nails on a chalkboard to Austrians, Germans and the Swiss). If you’re gonna start something, you’d better be ready to bring to with me, bitch!
You mentioned the gym. Is the Gym's Spa still open? They have separate Men's and Women's locker rooms in the Gym, but the Spa area of the gym - sauna, steam room, showers are CO-ED. Being Europe - men and women are naked together in the group showers.
I stayed there (Marriott) Feb 2023 and can tell you, sadly, the Gym's spas is NOT open. Stayed there in Oct & Nov 2022 and again now in Feb 2023. Three different excuses: 1) Part needs to come from Eastern Europe - explained in detail by front desk agent of Marriott. 2) The fan is broken - by front desk agent at Sheraton. 3) Probably the most truest - the nighttime janitorial staff said it's...
I stayed there (Marriott) Feb 2023 and can tell you, sadly, the Gym's spas is NOT open. Stayed there in Oct & Nov 2022 and again now in Feb 2023. Three different excuses: 1) Part needs to come from Eastern Europe - explained in detail by front desk agent of Marriott. 2) The fan is broken - by front desk agent at Sheraton. 3) Probably the most truest - the nighttime janitorial staff said it's been closed since March 2020. And so is the mini gym and sauna on the 9th floor of the Marriott.
I've brought this up with Marriott management - especially since they advertise the Spa on their website (which is actually an outside vendor open M-F from 5 - 10 pm).
I'll be back in May - we'll see.
Excellent job on the photographs.
I know hotel shuttles are nasty. Time delays, worry about finding them, etc. Frankfurt has several good hotels near the airport. We took a 10€ cab, instead of waiting, to the Steigenberger, and were blown away by the friendly service, great food, super clean comfortable room. Much better value than the Sheraton where we stayed many times.
Try that representative of a smaller European chain.
You used this hotel as an overnight transit hotel. Many (most?) use it as a centrally located conference hotel. I’ve been here many times, spend many nights in the (now closed…permanently?) cigar/pool lounge. Breakfast is akin to buffets in Asia - extremely large and plentiful - really excellent. Rooms are very stuffy despite the renovations. Food in the restaurant is expensive and average (and you can’t get a burger cooked medium or lower - hotel policy).
The picture taking seems to be a thing in Frankfurt recently. Just been to the Lufthansa Bistro Lounge and I've been told, it's not permitted to take pictures. In none of the LH lounges because of DSGVO. Not even food. Never knew, that food has such rights but well...
Never had that problem before.
I stayed here recently, probably my fourth time or so. Renovations help but the toilet wouldn’t flush every time and there was a water leak (from HVAC?) in the luggage area. Quite disappointing for what they’re charging, even accounting for the location.
Never stayed there but from photos and descriptions of the renovations, the common areas look fantastic and food and drink offerings excellent. The upgraded Club Room however, looked rather basic IMO making one wonder what the upgrade is??!! A standard room must be a disappointment.
I have been going there for may years while attending a major trade and was at the Marriott side last week
what a disappointment -
•Most rooms are sealed and there is not ventilation - stuffy in the winter, impossible in the summer as the have an ancient HVAC system - the ambassador desk (that's an entirely different story) reached out days before to pre=book me into one of the rooms where the windows...
I have been going there for may years while attending a major trade and was at the Marriott side last week
what a disappointment -
•Most rooms are sealed and there is not ventilation - stuffy in the winter, impossible in the summer as the have an ancient HVAC system - the ambassador desk (that's an entirely different story) reached out days before to pre=book me into one of the rooms where the windows can open and they didn't do it
•The old Towers and new M Clubs was great - is now closed but that fact was not on the site when booking
•the Sheraton club is only open from 5-10 and there are no services like in the Marriott club- and if you are in the marriott, it's a hike to get there
•Breakfast is a dumpster fire -long waits, marginal food ,
•my friends who were on the Sheraton side all complained about no hot water for 3 day
the location is good - gym is very good - if you don't want to eat in the hotel and pay through the eyeballs, there is a group of restaurants in the train station a 5 minute walk (indoor) from the hotel
forget about upgrades -
I assume the cigar lounge is closed permanently?
I have spent at least 100 nights at the Sheraton FRA. I really prefer the rooms that are now Marriot and the current lounge/breakfast situation does not cut it.
I will not return till there is a 9th floor lounge.
I do understand that a lounge adjacent to the kitchen works for management but the quiet, view and relaxing atmosphere are not there currently.
Stayed here for the first time about 6 months ago. A stream of coincidences made it less than enjoyable for a quick night. Arrived late on DB (from my limited German, the train stopped because there were children playing on the tracks). Late enough so that I couldn't access the lounge or get food from the restaurant since both were closed at 10 PM. Settled for mediocre sandwich and pastry. Was upgraded and room was...
Stayed here for the first time about 6 months ago. A stream of coincidences made it less than enjoyable for a quick night. Arrived late on DB (from my limited German, the train stopped because there were children playing on the tracks). Late enough so that I couldn't access the lounge or get food from the restaurant since both were closed at 10 PM. Settled for mediocre sandwich and pastry. Was upgraded and room was in the same style as yours but didn't feel "premium" (okay, fine, it was the cheapest of the 4 options at FRA) but was assigned the room farthest from the elevator and there were dishes/glasses still outside the doorway. Had to leave early the next morning since I was on the SQ flight to JFK and wanted time to lounge hop so a room closer to the elevator would have been greatly preferred and an upgrade to me was not useful.
Would give it another chance, yes. But would keep my options open if I am ever overnighting at FRA again. Is it normal to have both the lounge and restaurant close at 10 PM for a hotel connected to the airport? Or have breakfast not start until 6:30 AM?
You could have made breakfast. There is night before check in for SQ. Since you are walking across the street you could cut it tight. When you are among the last few to arrive to board SQ greets you by name, they know the names of those not boarded yet, lol
I stayed recently and wasn’t impressed since I had no hot water in my room and I also felt the lounge operating hours were not optimal for a hotel that a lot of people stay at because of an early morning flight.
I used one of my few remaining SNAs last fall here on a one night stay. So maybe it takes that.
The suite however did NOT feel as renovated to me as these pics though.
Just stayed last night. Rooms yes good renovated. Regarding:
Quote “ (suite upgrades at this property are extremely rare).”
I am Ambassador member. They said I was upgraded. I said cool is it a nice suite. They said no a club room. I asked if they have suites available. They said yes. They said no we do not upgrade to suites. I said as per terms I need to get one. They said go...
Just stayed last night. Rooms yes good renovated. Regarding:
Quote “ (suite upgrades at this property are extremely rare).”
I am Ambassador member. They said I was upgraded. I said cool is it a nice suite. They said no a club room. I asked if they have suites available. They said yes. They said no we do not upgrade to suites. I said as per terms I need to get one. They said go to Ambassador service. Which I did and waiting reply. Didnt bother to go into discussion. This is a BIG MINUS for me.
Club lounge. Yes ambiance is good. Food offerings just terrible. Breakfast not served in club lounge. I want an easy quick breakfast.
Room temperature. Way to german hot. Terrible as well and i requested a cool room by chat a day before. Terrible. (Off topic but JW Marriott Berlin , new, rooms do cool to freezing also in winter).
Alltogether. Rooms good. Rest soso.
Oh. A gin 19€
Did you notice if the a/c or thermostat was limited like it was during your stay at the Marriott last time around? Maybe not since it’s winter time.
I stayed at the Marriott last September and had the same experience as you did there where the room’s thermostat just would not get to a decently cooled temperature.
@ GP_7676 -- Great point, I updated the post to reflect that. The hotel has the same issue as the Marriott, but it wasn't a problem during my stay, since it was winter.
Ben - I’ve spent many nights there pre-pandemic, and agree with your assessment on location, old lounge, etc.
-Is the new lounge located where that dark bar was on the line by level? Or in “Flavors” space? Both?
- Is the delicious German restaurant in the lower level still there/open?