Kempinski Hotel Frankfurt Gravenbruch

The property, which is spread out over a series of low-lying buildings joined by long corridors, has been retrofitted with glass hallways in a '50s-style architecture accented by burnt-orange panels. The exterior of the structures are traditional in appearance, imitating the 16th-century German style of white walls and terra-cotta red structural accents; there is a striking black-glass addition in the middle of the grounds. The common areas of the hotel propagate the handsome, retro elegance of the rooms in modern style, with understated recessed lighting; a circular, teal-colored room within the main restaurant; and semi-circular ottomans and oversized chairs sprinkled around the carpeted hallways. Another restaurant, Torschaenke, employs a more rustic aesthetic, with brick walls, antique wood booths, and exposed dark-wood beams. The hotel attracts a mix of business people and tourists who don’t mind the necessity of a drive into the city, and appreciate the serene, woodsy setting complete with well-tended gardens, walking paths, and a gently curved lake. 

Set on a suburban road about six miles south of Frankfurt with little lining it besides trees, the Kempinski enjoys a scenic landscape; there are no sidewalks on the road leading up to the hotel. A car is necessary for getting into the city; the hotel maintains a fee-based parking lot for overnight guests, and taxis will come to the property to transport visitors to the city, though guests have warned this can be pricey. The hotel is willing to make an airport transfer with advance notice; there is also a bus line that links terminals to a stop that sits a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, though walking along the road may be undesirable.

Oak wood floors and built-in bedside tables, tufted headboards, and picture windows lend a '60s aesthetic to these plain but handsome rooms. All have been outfitted with more obviously modern amenities, like slate shower tiles, heated bathroom floors, and touch-sensitive temperature and light controls. The color scheme is mostly white and cool gray, with touches of bright red or pale green. Many rooms have appealing views of the calm surroundings. Each room has coffee and tea facilities, a flat-screen TV slotted into the wall, safe, and work desk; bathrooms have full shower/tub combos with rain showerheads, as well as bathrobes and slippers. Larger rooms have separate living areas, and divided tubs and walk-in, glass-enclosed showers.

The extensive Country Club & Spa Frankfurt, opened after our visit, includes heated indoor and outdoor pools, seven treatment rooms and saunas, a relaxation lounge, and a 24-hour fitness center. The three restaurants on-site include SRA BUA for fine dining, EssTisch for international dishes and Sunday brunch, and Torschaenke for homey German cuisine. The K-Lounge serves cognacs and cocktails along with cigars, and has a fireplace and lake views. The Smoker's 100, a separate cigar lounge with low-lying leather couches, extends outside to a wooden deck with wicker chairs overlooking the lake. There is some conference space with audiovisual capabilities, vaulted ceilings, and glass chandeliers. Basic Wi-Fi is included in rooms and common areas.