Frankfurt is probably not a destination that is near the top of most people’s list of Cities to visit for a romantic weekend away however Brexit may lead to an increase in staff relocating from the City of London to Frankfurt, as well as additional visitors coming the German financial capital on business. A fairly recent addition to the city’s accommodation scene is the Capri by Fraser hotel residences.
The Location
The Capri by Fraser is located at 42 Europa-Allee, opposite the Frankfurt Messe and is therefore an ideal location for anyone visiting the city for a trade show. There are also a few financial institutions in the direct vicinity as well as Tower 185 that houses numerous organisations, including Regus, offering offices to rent.
Close to the hotel, is the Skyline Plaza shopping centre, offering a range of shopping and dining options, as well as a supermarket.
Frankfurt’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof) is less than 20 minutes away on foot and Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) is a 15 min taxi ride away.
The hotel is probably less convenient for tourists. I managed to walk to the Alte Oper in about 30 mins, which was fine on a warm Summer day but it would not have been such a pleasant experience later on in the year.
The Accommodation
The hotel offers rooms/apartments of different sizes (and prices). The room I booked and stayed in was a Deluxe Studio and was the cheapest at the time of booking. No breakfast was included in the rate I selected but I picked up a few things from the local supermarket instead.
On entering the studio, there is a kitchenette equipped with a microwave oven, sink, hob and a small fridge. Pots, pans, utensils are provided, as well as two sets of crockery and cutlery. Washing up liquid and brush are also available should you need to wash anything up.
Next to the kitchen counter, you can also find a kettle with complimentary tea (Ronnenfeldt, my favourite) and instant coffee sachets. Mini containers of milk are available in the fridge. As a tea drinker, I’m always pleased to find a kettle in my hotel room. I’ve stayed in hotels where a Nespresso machine is provided in-room and making a cup of tea is a very messy business!
(Ignore the backpack in the photo, it’s not part of the furnishing 🙂 ).
What is not very clear in the photo is the little “vanity” area that opens up and contains a mirror, should one wish to sit down comfortable while doing their make-up.
Entertainment-wise, the smart TV with the usual selection of local and international TV channels. The complimentary WiFi connection available in the room was fast and stable. I downloaded a couple of episodes from Netflix to watch on my return flight.
Newspapers and magazines from around the world are available to download for free during your stay (need to be connected to the hotel’s wifi) through the PressReader app on your mobile device (Android) (iOS).
Finally, there is a phone/alarm clock/speaker device on the desk, that can be used to connect your own mobile device (different connectors are available) so that you can listen to your own music/podcasts and charge your mobile device at the same time.
In terms of connectivity, the plugs and ports shown in the photo below are available by the desk. Sockets are also available by the bed.
The king-size bed in my room was extremely comfortable and so wide that I couldn’t reach both sides of the mattress at the same time.
The bathroom itself was perfectly functional. There was no bathtub in my room but the rain shower was fine and the water pressure adequate. The lighting was good enough to shave with and a magnifying mirror is available for a closer inspection! The bathroom comes with a hair dryer but I did not use it, so no comment on how good/bad it is.
Very bold art in the bedroom, but also quite … ahem … “discreet” (her eyes are covered!).
The toiletries are by Malin+Goetz and the shampoo and body wash smell AMAZING! Sadly, both are provided from dispensers screwed to the wall, so it isn’t possible to take away at the end of the stay. The hair conditioner and body lotion, on the other hand, are available in handy tubes.
A safe, bathrobes, and slippers can be found in the wardrobe.
The Service
Actually, there isn’t much to say about the service. I guess that’s a good thing! The check-in and -out processes were quick and efficient. Staff were very friendly. There was nothing wrong to report or have to deal with.
The Cost
£62.37 including taxes booked through hotels.com (I travel and stay in hotels a lot but I am not particularly loyal to any hotel chain. Booking through Hotels.com means I can collect Hotels.com Rewards and get a free hotel night for every 10 nights booked).
The Verdict
Overall I found the Capri by Fraser hotel excellent value. It only cost me about £10 more than the hotel I stayed in last time I was in Frankfurt and for the quality and size of the accommodation I would say it is well worth it (I had a single bed and a room about third the size in the other hotel). The building is new. The rooms clean. The service is good.
Thumbs up!
Third Passport 