Capri by Fraser Frankfurt

The entrance of this severe-looking slate-colored building open onto a lobby that’s done up in the trendy gray tones so often seen in boutique hotels today. Mid-century-inspired furnishings also steal a page from the hipster playbook. But the matte-black, neo-Baroque pieces here are an unexpected twist, while floor-to-ceiling windows and some lemony-yellow accents lend the lobby warmth. Comfortable seating and added conveniences -- including a public iMac and fast, free Wi-Fi -- combine to make it the sort of place where tech-savvy hotel guests like to gather. Since the target market here is millennials (particularly those traveling on business), there's an emphasis on communal spaces and devices with connectivity, which even extends to the iPad-equipped laundry facilities found on every floor.

The hotel is in the Gallus district’s Europaviertel (European quarter), just west of the city center, and proximity to the massive Messe Frankfurt trade fair complex is its real draw. But the popular new Skyline Plaza, which includes not only shops and eateries but also a congress center and spa, gives travelers an incentive to stay here even when business isn’t their top priority. The city’s must-see sights, however, are a ways away; but they can easily be accessed via public transport. For example, the Hauptwache pedestrian area, the Römerberg (Old Town) and the Museumsufer (Museum Zone) can all be reached in in 25 minutes or less. Getting to the airport takes a few minutes more, but you can shave time off the trip by grabbing a cab at the hotel. 

• Three-minute walk to Skyline Plaza 
• Seven-minute walk to Messe Frankfurt (exhibition grounds)
• Nine-minute walk to Messe Train Station
• Nine-walk to Festhalle Messe (multi-purpose arena and U-Bahn station)
• 10-minute walk to Messeturm (office tower)
• 17-minute walk to Frankfurt Central Train Station 
• 15 minutes by public transport to the Hauptwache 
• 21 minutes by public transport to The Römerberg 
• 25 minutes by public transport to the Museumsufer 
• 18-minute drive to Frankfurt am Main International Airport (28 by public transport)

Ranging in size from 344- to 506-square feet, the spacious studios and one-bedroom apartments here are distinguished by a grayscale palette that’s both cool and calming. That color scheme, together with the mod, minimalist decor feel lifted from an episode of "Mad Men," but turned table legs, curvaceous seating, and yellow accessories make things springy and modern. In keeping with the hotel’s home-away-from-home philosophy and tech-friendly approach, rooms are kitted out with the latest amenities: all air-conditioned units contain laptop safes, flat-screen TVs picking up international channels, docking stations, free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea-making supplies, plus kitchenettes with stovetops, mini-fridges, microwaves, and assorted cookware. Moreover, the bright contemporary bathrooms exceed expectations: some feature walk-in rainfall showers, others have shower/tub combos, but all include plush extras like robes, magnifying mirrors, and high-end toiletries by New York's Malin+Goetz. One-bedroom apartments add separate living/dining areas along with extra amenities (Nespresso machines among them). Note that free cribs and cots are available in all categories for those traveling with children.  

Given the location, it’s no surprise that this hotel would cater to business travelers by offering a pair of attractive, up-to-date meeting rooms that can hold up to 50 people. But features don't just appeal to corporate guests -- most travelers can appreciate the bright 24-hour fitness room where you can work out while listening to iTunes, plus free laundry facilities with loaner iPads so you can stave off boredom during the spin cycle. There’s a restaurant offering a line-up of international à la carte dishes at lunch and dinner too; in the morning, the space doubles as a breakfast room where a well-stocked buffet is laid out at extra charge. Other edibles are available in the urbane bar (which serves tapas along with well-crafted cocktails), at the lobby's “grab 'n' go” station or through room service. Further on-site features include a round-the-clock reception desk with multilingual staffers; a public iMac computer paired with a printer; paid parking; free newspapers in the lobby; and free Wi-Fi throughout.