Frankfurt's centre is small, so almost anywhere central works, but the character of each district differs and the right choice depends on how you travel. Our five hotel picks cover four areas and a range of budgets. Remember that rates rise sharply during trade fairs and in Advent, so book early for those dates.
Innenstadt and the old centre: for first-timers and walkers
The Innenstadt places you within a short walk of the Römerberg, the Kleinmarkthalle, the Hauptwache and the Christmas market. The Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof at Kaiserplatz is our upscale pick here, about ten minutes on foot from the Römerberg, with a spa, three places to eat and drink and 303 rooms. It suits couples, first-time visitors and anyone who wants to walk everywhere. Expect higher rates and a more formal atmosphere.
Bahnhofsviertel: for rail travellers and nightlife
The station district is lively, central and gritty in places, with restaurants and bars at every turn. 25hours Hotel The Trip on Niddastraße is a four minute walk from the central station, with a restaurant, a bar and a terrace, and it suits solo travellers, couples and groups who want character and easy transport, including airport trains and day trips to Heidelberg and the Rhine. Ask for a quiet room if you sleep lightly.
Sachsenhausen: for apple wine and a local feel
The south bank district is the home of the apple wine taverns, with the Museumsufer along the river and the old centre a short walk across the Eiserner Steg. The Maingau Hotel is our friendly mid-range pick, with 73 soundproofed rooms, a restaurant and a terrace, and Rocco Forte Villa Kennedy on Kennedyallee is the luxury choice, a garden villa with a spa and an Italian restaurant. Sachsenhausen suits couples and foodies, and it is lively at weekends.
Ostend: for budget and value
East of the centre, the Ostend is quieter at night and more affordable. Motel One Frankfurt-East Side on Hanauer Landstraße is a design-led budget hotel a minute from the Osthafenplatz tram stop, about three kilometres from the Römerberg, with a bar, air conditioning and a 24-hour front desk. It suits short breaks and budget travellers who are happy to use public transport.
How to choose
Pick the Innenstadt if you want to walk to the main sights and the Christmas market, the Bahnhofsviertel if you arrive by train or want a lively base, Sachsenhausen if apple wine and the museums matter most, and the Ostend if budget is the priority. A couple celebrating a special occasion might choose Villa Kennedy, while a first-time visitor on a normal budget will probably be happiest at the Frankfurter Hof or The Trip.
Booking tips
Frankfurt is a trade fair city, so check fair dates before you book, because rates can double. Midweek business demand keeps prices high, and weekends are often cheaper outside Advent. Breakfast is usually an extra at these hotels, so compare it with a cafe breakfast. If you plan day trips to Heidelberg or the Rhine, a base near the central station saves time.
