PRESS KIT

Contents

Welcome home ...... 2 Luxurious living ...... 3 The culinary offer ...... 4 The Villa Rothschild Restaurant ...... 5 Tizian’s Bar & Brasserie and the panorama lounge ...... 6 The meeting & banqueting rooms ...... 6 ASCARA SPA in our affiliated hotel, the Falkenstein Grand Kempinski ...... 7 Concierge Johannes Imhof ...... 8 General Manager Stefan Massa ...... 9 The history ...... 10 At a glance ...... 11

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Welcome home Since March 2007, the charm has returned to the historic Villa Rothschild Kempinski located in the town of Königstein close to the city of Frankfurt. The former summer residence of the Rothschild’s, the Frankfurt banking family, is today an exclusive boutique hotel and a top address for gourmets in the Taunus area. Extensive renovation work has resulted in the property’s historic character being presented in a new light without, however, undermining its authenticity. The result, therefore, of a year-long building project is a charming boutique hotel housed in a building with a remarkably rich tradition and whose history has been documented by numerous paintings, photographs and written articles.

Designed by a Viennese architect and built between 1888 and 1894 as a summer residence for the Frankfurt banker Wilhelm Carl von Rothschild and his wife Hannah Mathilde, the Villa Rothschild can to this day look back on a very eventful past. The Villa’s completion in 1894 was marked with a grand celebration; guests included Victoria, Princess Royal – the widow of German Emperor Frederick III, and the Prince of Wales. In the years that followed, many princes and crowned heads of state visited the exclusive property.

In 1949, the property became the focal point for the political and economic reconstruction of Western Germany. In the “Haus der Länder” (House of the German States), the Villa’s official title at this time, German politicians such Theodor Heuss, Ludwig Erhard and Ernst Reuter held talks with numerous diplomats from throughout the Western World. Several conferences were held in the Villa Rothschild in which the premiers of the German states mapped out Germany’s democratic future. The fruit of their endeavours was the signing of the groundbreaking foundation agreements marking the birth of the Federal Republic of Germany. Not only eminent politicians congregated at the Villa Rothschild however, numerous prominent figures from the church, the business world and the arts also gathered here. The guestbook features entries from the King of Yemen and world-famous conductors such as Wilhelm Furtwängler and Georg Solti together with the names of renowned German actors and actresses such as Käthe Dorsch, Gustav Fröhlich and Heinz Rühmann.

Subsequent to the “Haus der Länder” losing its political identity when the city of Bonn became the new seat of the German government, the 1950’s witnessed the transformation of the Villa Rothschild into a hotel. Since 1955, the estate with its park of over ten hectares has been the possession of the municipality of Königstein. Distinguished guests such as Willy Brandt, Walter Scheel, Hans-Dietrich Genscher and film star Sophia Loren have since resided in this historic gem.

Entering one of the 22 hotel rooms today provides guests with the feeling of having stepped back in time to the era of the “old” Rothschild’s. Responsible for creating an authentic and cosy ambience has been interior designer Irina Peters. To allow the “Kaiser Era” atmosphere to come alive, each room has been furnished with French period furniture, exquisite silk wallpaper and chairs and curtains made of French “Toile-de-Jouy” fabrics. Additionally, all rooms feature state-of-the-art technical equipment such as wireless internet and top of the range Bang & Olufsen products. Due to the successful 2 interplay between old and new, the villa’s history can be experienced without having to forfeit the comfort of modern technologies. Due to its wonderfully peaceful and healthy location at the heart of the climatic spa resort of Hochtaunus and its close proximity to Frankfurt city centre and Frankfurt International Airport, this stylish hotel offers a unique combination of comforts to business people and individual travellers alike.

Luxurious living

Elegant designs and harmonious colour schemes await guests in the 22 rooms and suites of the Villa Rothschild Kempinski. The exceptionally comfortable living experience in the different room categories provides the perfect environment for rest and relaxation. Exclusive marble fittings dominate the prestigious bathrooms underlining the luxurious feel.

The rooms and suites are characterized by their individuality and premium quality. High-grade fabrics in the dominant colours of red and green combine with the latest technical equipment providing the perfect way of experiencing history from a modern perspective. Large windows in the rooms and suites provide a permanent view of the surrounding Rothschild Park, the Main Valley and the historic Kronberg Castle. A particular highlight in the higher room categories, greater space is otherwise the only difference between categories, is the gas-fired fireplace which is fitted behind safety glass and conveniently controlled by means of a remote control.

The “Rothschild Rooms” in what is the world’s smallest Kempinski Hotel are at the same time the hotel’s suites. This is also where family members resided during the time when the Villa Rothschild was a summer residence. The names of the suites today, “Baroninnen- Zimmer” (Baroness’s Room) and “Baronen-Zimmer” (Baron’s Room), reflect the fact that Baroness Mathilde von Rothschild and her husband Wilhelm Carl von Rothschild resided in these rooms during the family’s numerous summer visits.

The Baroness’s Room is unique in every sense. It is spaciously designed with precious fabrics and exquisite furniture and features an historic fireplace. Its 65m² interior creates a harmonious ambience that exudes comfort and well-being. The naturally lit bathroom is clad in precious marble completing the exclusive feel.

A luxurious, dreamlike ambience can also be found on the top floor of the Villa Rothschild Kempinski. In the “Romantic Room” with its 60m² interior, a charming living-cum-sleeping area can be found. A popular choice with honeymoon couples particularly with its canopy bed.

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The culinary offer Christoph Rainer, Head Chef of the Villa Rothschild Restaurant

A passion for cooking and a love for detail: Christoph Rainer focuses on pleasing the most demanding of palates. Today’s Villa Rothschild Kempinski opened its doors for the first time in March 2007. Standing over the stove in the Villa Rothschild Restaurant since then has been head chef Christoph Rainer conjuring up innovative culinary treats with his ambitious art of cooking.

Only eight months after the opening of the restaurant, Rainer convinced the gourmet critics at the Michelin Guide that he was worthy of his first Michelin star. Today in 2013, he has already 2 Michelin stars to his name. The focus of his dishes is firmly on the harmonious fusion of unusual flavours and on perfect presentation. The young, ambitious chef from the German state of Hesse puts a great deal of idealism into his work. “I’m fascinated by the lightness of “puristic cuisine” and its focus on the essentials,” stated Rainer. Using fresh, top quality basic products, particularly from a local source, is just as important to him as the harmonious combination of exotic ingredients and unusual flavours. The creative head chef’s philosophy is crystal clear: light gourmet cuisine with creative combinations of flavour and an appreciation of the basics.

Rainer grew up in Hanau and after passing his chef’s examination at Heidelberg’s hotel management college he completed his apprenticeship in the nearby town of Bruchköbel in the Adler restaurant. He learnt his trade from the masters of his craft and his style of cuisine has been heavily influenced by his time working with the likes of Alois Köpf in the Fürstenbahnhof, Markus Nagy in the Villa Hammerschmiede (1 Michelin star) and with Heinz Winkler in the Residenz in Aschau (3 Michelin stars). A particular highlight to his career was working as sous chef to Dieter Müller and Nils Henkel in Bergisch Gladbach (3 Michelin stars).

Today, it is Rainer’s very own style of cuisine which is being praised by the gourmet guides. The latest confirmation of this came in November 2012 when for the third year running the Michelin Guide awarded him two Michelin stars. Likewise in the eye’s of the Gault Millau, Rainer’s art of cooking is deemed worthy of 18 out of a possible 20 points.

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The Villa Rothschild Restaurant

Besides the idyllic view of the distant Frankfurt skyline and the stylish ambience of a luxury hotel, the former summer residence of the Rothschild banking family has one further attraction to offer: since November 2007, gourmets can treat themselves to star-rated cuisine in head chef Christoph Rainer’s Villa Rothschild Restaurant. Only eight months after the restaurant opened, Rainer’s creations convinced the gourmet critics at the Michelin Guide to award him one star. In the meantime, the restaurant with its stylish setting is rated with 2 Michelin stars and 18 Gault Millau points. Accommodating ten tables, the Villa Rothschild Restaurant can seat approximately 35 diners. The cuisine created and served by Christoph Rainer and his team and restaurant manageress Dolores Martinez-Lopez is sophisticated, forthcoming with aromas, displays the perfect interplay between different textures and concentrates on the essentials. Being at the heart of the Taunus region renowned for its healthy climate, diners in the naturally lit pavilion are in addition to the delicacies from the Rothschild kitchen able to enjoy an unobstructed view of the Rothschild Park and its unspoiled nature. A particular highlight during the warm summer months is the very special dining experience offered by the Rothschild team on the exclusive sun terraces; a truly elegant setting and one which gourmets should do their upmost not to miss. The airiness of the pavilion and the kitchen’s elementary focus are reflected in the restaurant’s decorative design. Light red tones on the walls coupled with elegant colour variations in beige and white on the round tables’ chairs promote conversation among diners without distracting from the main event: the meal itself in conjunction with a wine recommended by Sommelier Christian Schrader from the hotel’s own Rothschild selection. Since its opening, the Restaurant Villa Rothschild with its delightful culinary creations and inviting atmosphere ranks among the leading gourmet addresses in the Taunus region. At present, no other restaurant in the state of Hesse has a higher combined rating of Michelin stars and Gault Millau points than the gourmet restaurant in the Villa Rothschild Kempinski.

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Tizian’s Bar & Brasserie and the panorama lounge

Diners in the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere of Tizian’s Bar & Brasserie are treated daily by the Villa Rothschild’s kitchen team to brasserie- style French country cuisine and other creative dishes. Light lunchtime treats and mouth-watering evening meals can be found on the menu along with regularly changing special dishes. Those who order a refreshing long drink, an exotic cocktail or an aromatic rum in Tizian’s Bar will experience bar culture at its best. Thanks to the ceiling-high windows, the view stretches beyond the landscaped park far into the Main Valley below. Soft rhythms fill the air and masterly Titian paintings create a noble, snug atmosphere. The drinks menu, which has been compiled with great skill and passion, offers a wonderful selection of rums from all over the world, a choice of spirits as well as long drinks and cocktails. Tizian’s Bar & Brasserie offers an enjoyable, stylish bar experience coupled with a unique view.

The meeting & banqueting rooms

Being in close proximity to the financial centre of Frankfurt am Main, the Villa Rothschild Kempinski provides the perfect venue for business, political or private gatherings. Here, tradition and modernity intersect perfectly. Four historic rooms catering for capacities of up to 110 persons are available for business purposes, private bookings and weddings. All rooms enjoy natural light and like the entire Villa Rothschild Kempinski have been extensively restored since the hotel’s reopening in 2008. The names of the rooms, characterized by their exquisite plasterwork and elegant silk wallpaper, highlight the connection to the Rothschild family and their French lineage. Three of the rooms, the "Blaue Salon", the "Rote Salon" and the "Weiße Salon" can be connected to form one impressive area by opening the historic double wing doors. Particularly compelling when using the function rooms is the view of the Villa Rothschild Park through the sets of French windows. As a special service for functions and events – whether it be 6 a product presentation, a finance meeting or a wedding with the option of having the civil marriage service in the park – it is possible to book the Villa Rothschild Kempinski for your own exclusive use. During the period of the booking, clients may use the hotel in full accordance with their own expectations thus enabling the service to be specifically tailored to the needs of the event guests. ASCARA SPA in our affiliated hotel, the Falkenstein Grand Kempinski The perfect tonic for skin and soul

Breathe a sigh of relief, top up your energy levels and relax – this is the basic concept followed by the ASCARA SPA in the climatic spa resort of Falkenstein, proud holder of the “Leading Spa” title since 2008. In the listed building opposite the Falkenstein Grand Kempinski, hotel guests can enjoy an exclusive well-being programme in a wonderfully inviting atmosphere. Since September 2004, the alluring ASCARA world has been inviting spa-goers to switch off and relax for a few hours or even days in its 1200m² spa complex. The three-pronged concept of this stylish spa unites the worlds of beauty, fitness and health. Designed according to the principles of Feng Shui, the complex with its sauna and sanarium areas as well as the ASCARA SPA section with its twelve treatment cubicles embodies the harmonic synergy of traditional Asian alternative medicine and modern beauty practices.

True beauty comes from within. And in the Beauty Spa, a team of professionally trained beauticians are on hand to pamper spa-goers with nurturing cosmetic products from Clarins, Thalgo and the hotel’s own ASCARA series. In addition to the classic facials and body treatments, exclusive cellulite and wrinkle therapies feature in the ASCARA SPA’s beauty programme. All spa offers have one goal: radiant beauty both inside and out.

Besides the beauty treatments, visitors to the ASCARA SPA will discover many other secrets of Asian beauty philosophy. For total relaxation there’s the Hot Stone whole body treatment which utilizes warm stones and aromatic oils. Due to its gentle pressure point massage it gives rise to a unique feeling of wellbeing and stimulates the flow of the body’s life energy. The Lomi-Lomi treatment is a combination of a ritual and a massage. It has even sent some visitors of the Kempinski Spa into a gentle world of dreams. Lomi means to press, knead and rub but also “to touch with the soft paws of a contented cat”.

In the ASCARA Fitness Area, hotel guests can get their circulation going either on their own or in the company of a personal trainer. The modern cardio and weight training machines from Technogym make exercising even more fun while a varied sport and exercise programme, including everything from Nordic walking and aqua fitness to problem zone aerobics, offers the necessary variety and at the same time invites hotel guests to venture out into the Falkenstein Park with its healthy climate. The exclusive spa facilities at the ASCARA SPA in our nearby affiliated hotel, the Falkenstein Grand 7

Kempinski, are available free of charge to hotel guests of the Villa Rothschild Kempinski. Also complimentary is the Jaguar shuttle service which brings spa visitors in less than five minutes to this oasis of relaxation and picks them up again afterwards.

Concierge Johannes Imhof Luxury hotels distinguish themselves from others due to a variety of factors but particularly due to the individual-attuned and perfect service which they provide. Anyone entering a five-star hotel will undoubtedly be made aware of one particular member of staff– the Concierge. Recognizable by the golden keys on their lapels, the Concierge is the person who for many hotel guests represents the first point of contact.

Whatever your heart desires, the Concierge’s excellent network of contacts and connections will make it happen. The youngest member of the Rhine-Main section of the professional association of “German Hotel Porters”, founded in 1952 in Bad Homburg, is Johannes Imhof, Concierge at the Falkenstein Grand Kempinski and Villa Rothschild Kempinski since February 2011. Many a hotel guest have already had the pleasure of benefiting from his services while residing high above the rooftops of Frankfurt with its ever impressive city skyline. At the young age of 25, the full-blooded hotelier has already achieved one of his main career goals: to be welcomed into Germany’s Golden Keys association for being a Concierge.

Prior to this, Johannes Imhof worked for almost four years on reception at celebrity chef Johann Lafer’s Stromburg Hotel. In order to undergo the necessary fine-tuning to become a Concierge, he spent two weeks in the Hotel Kempinski Vier Jahreszeiten in Munich being taught by the 2009 Concierge of the Year, Massimo Francucci.

The Golden Keys association is part of the international “Les Clefs dʼOr” professional organization. At present, there are 31 active members in the state of Hesse. The aim of the association is the care and expansion of services for hotel guests.

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General Manager Stefan Massa

Stefan Massa has occupied the position of General Manager at the Falkenstein Grand Kempinski and its nearby affiliated hotel, the Villa Rothschild Kempinski, since September 2011. Born in Lübeck, the hotel management graduate was previously General Manager of the Sheraton Frankfurt Congress Hotel in Frankfurt-Niederrad, a position he began in October 2008. Prior to this, the 42-year-old was General Manager of the Sheraton Pelikan Hotel, Hannover and Director of Operations at the Hilton Hotel in Dresden. “Authentic, professional and congenial five-star-superior service in close proximity to Frankfurt, offered with stylish ease and individually tailored to the discerning clientele,” that is the motto that is guiding Stefan Massa, his team and the Villa Rothschild Kempinski boutique hotel to success. Furthermore, Stefan Massa considers it a fundamental duty of his work to not only provide the international clientele of the Villa Rothschild Kempinski with perfect, superior service, but to place the hotel firmly in the minds of the people in the surrounding region, too. Here, creating a varied and individually tailored programme in the hotel’s restaurant and event divisions is viewed by the General Manager to be of paramount importance. Connoisseurs visiting the hotel would then find the perfect option to combine a visit the gourmet restaurant. In addition to this, it is also his belief that the Villa Rothschild Kempinski should use the offers of Tizian’s Bar & Brasserie, the Sunday family brunch or a perfectly organized event on the hotel’s uniquely-sited sun terrace to work as a magnet to attract potential visitors and so allow them to enjoy the offers of the Villa Rothschild Kempinski.

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The history

1888-1894 A grand celebration attended by guests that included Victoria, Princess Royal – the widow of German Emperor Frederick III, and the Prince of Wales marked the building’s completion and the beginning of its grand history. One witness to its extensive past, along with the Villa Rothschild itself, is the main entrance gate which won high acclaim while on display at the World Fair in Paris in 1889.

1924-1945 Pressure from the Nazi regime resulted in the property being surrendered in 1938 and its ownership passed into the hands of two banking groups: the “Reichsgruppe Banken” and the “Wirtschaftsgruppe Freier Banken”. Plans were in place during the course of the Kristallnacht in 1938 for the Villa Rothschild to be ransacked, however the local acting mayor, Councillor Müllenbach, ensured that the property remained shielded. In 1945, the Villa Rothschild began to play a significant role in post-war German politics with it hosting the talks at which the eleven West German state premiers decided to introduce uniform electoral rights and in doing so laid the democratic foundations of the Federal Republic of Germany.

1950s In the “Haus der Länder” (House of the German States), as the Villa was now officially called, German politicians such as Konrad Adenauer, Theodor Heuss, Ludwig Erhard and Ernst Reuter held talks with numerous diplomats from throughout the Western World. Following the decision for Bonn to become the new seat of the German government, the Villa Rothschild was transformed into a hotel with an exclusive character.

1956 On 27 April 1956, the new hotel and restaurant with the name “Sonnenhof” opened. The renovations carried out to the property were paid for with the aid of public funds and involved some interior alterations and new furnishings. It soon became a hotel that was readily frequented by prominent figures from both near and far. Personalities from the arts, literature and commerce were among the guests such as Erich Kästner, Käthe Dorsch, Sophia Loren, the King of Yemen and the famous conductors Wilhelm Furtwängler and Georg Solti. After 40 years of existence the Sonnenhof closed its doors for the final time. A leasehold agreement for the next 99 years was signed between Dr. Bernard große Broermann and the municipality of Königstein marking the start of major renovation work. The financial foundation was thus in place for the planned transformation to a luxury hotel. .

2007 to the present day On 1 March 2007, the celebration to mark the reopening of the newly titled Villa Rothschild Hotel & Restaurant took place. Since January 2010, the Villa Rothschild has been part of the Kempinski Hotel Group and with its 22 individually designed rooms is currently the smallest Kempinski Hotel in the world. Today’s 5-star superior boutique hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and a contemporary witness to the past. In 2009, to mark the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the German republic, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, at the request of the German government, awarded the Villa Rothschild the title: “Place of Freedom and Democracy in Germany”.

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At a glance

ADDRESS: Im Rothschildpark 1 Königstein im Taunus

TELEPHONE: +49 6174 2908 0 FAX NUMBER: +49 6174 2908 888 INTERNET SITE: www.kempinski.com/villarothschild YEAR OF OPENING: 2007

MANAGEMENT: Kempinski AG PROPRIETOR: Dr. Broermann Hotels & Residences GmbH GENERAL MANAGER: Stefan Massa

ACCOMMODATION: 22 rooms and suits

SPECIAL FEATURES: Free parking, free internet access (Wi-Fi) in all buildings

ADDITIONAL SERVICES: Free use of the 1200m² wellness complex in the ASCARA SPA in our nearby affiliated hotel the Falkenstein Grand Kempinski including sauna area, fitness room and all-year- heated outdoor pool.

PRESS CONTACT: For all further information, please contact:

Lars Leyendecker Director of PR & Marketing T +49 6174 909046 F +49 6174 909912 [email protected]

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Fact Sheet

PROPERTY Villa Rothschild Kempinski

ADDRESS Im Rothschildpark 1 Königstein im Taunus / Germany

TELEPHONE +49 6174 2908 0

FACSIMILE +49 6174 2908 888

WEBSITE www.kempinski.com/villarothschild

OPENING DATE 2007

MANAGEMENT Kempinski AG

INVESTORS/OWNER Dr. Broermann Hotels & Residences GmbH

SENIOR MANAGEMENT General Manager Stefan Massa Executive Chef Christoph Rainer Director of Finance Arkadiusz Brodowski Director of Human Resources Antje Günther Director of PR & Marketing Lars Leyendecker Director of Sales Roman Iff-Schön

LOCATION Königstein im Taunus, Hesse, Germany

AIRPORTS Frankfurt International Airport (27 km)

TRANSPORTATION TO HOTEL Airport Transfer Limousine transfers available to and from the airport

ACCOMODATION 22 Rooms

ROOMS Our 22 luxurious accommodations are located on various floors. Exquisite textiles, classic design and state-of-the-art technology are available in all rooms. 24-hour concierge service, 24-hour room service, Laundry / Dry-cleaning service, direct dial telephone with voice mail, TV with satellite and pay TV, high-speed Internet access / WLAN, minibar, in-room safe, hairdryer, working desk, choice of pillows, bathroom amenities and twice-daily housekeeping service is included.

Standard Room (18-20 sqm) Maximum accommodation: 1 adult

Superior Room (25-30 sqm) Maximum accommodation: 2 adults

Deluxe Room (35-40 sqm) Maximum accommodation: 2 adults

SUITES Located on various floors in the 7 villas. Exquisite textiles, classic design and state-of-the-art technology are available in all rooms. 24-hour concierge service, 24-hour room service, Laundry / Dry-cleaning service, direct dial telephone with voice mail, TV with satellite and pay TV, high-speed Internet access / WLAN, minibar, in-room safe, hairdryer, choice of pillows, bathroom amenities and twice-daily housekeeping service is included.

Rothschild Suites (50-60 sqm) Maximum accommodation: 2 adults

Family Suite (60 sqm) Maximum accommodation: 2 adults

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Restaurant Villa Rothschild Gourmet cuisine, open in all seasons. Dinner from Tuesday until Sunday. Light variety of haute cuisine based on a classic French style. Dinner Tuesday – Sunday 18:30/21:30 Seating capacity 59 (indoor)

Tizian’s Bar & Brasserie Relaxed and pleasurable atmosphere, French country house style cuisine. Lunch and dinner the whole week. Lunch Monday-Sunday 12:00/14:30 Dinner Monday – Sunday 18:30/22:00 Seating capacity 46 (indoor)

MICE and BANQUETING FACILITIES

Roter Salon Banquet 55 persons, Cocktail 80 persons, Board Room 28 persons, U-Style 27 persons, Classroom 50 persons, Theatre 65 persons

Weißer Salon Banquet 50 persons, Cocktail 80 persons, Board Room 33 persons, U-Style 28 persons, Classroom 45 persons, Theatre 65 persons

Blauer Salon Banquet 18 persons, Cocktail 30 persons, Board Room 18 persons, U-Style 16 persons, Classroom 12 persons, Theatre 20 persons

Salon Rothschild Banquet 20 persons, Cocktail 30 persons, Board Room 18 persons, U-Style 16 persons, Classroom 16 persons, Theatre 20 persons

SPA and SPORTS FACILITIES

Fitness Club State-of-the-art equipment by Technogym, personal training for cardiovascular or strength training Open daily 06:30/23:00

Spa ASCARA SPA is a unique synergy out of Spa oasis, pure beauty treatments as well as fitness concepts and state-of-the- art anti-aging technology. The long-term concept rests upon 3 pillars: Beauty, fitness and health, and thus stands for balance and wholesomeness.1200 sqm Spa is home to all-season outdoor pool, heated to 29°C, fitness and workout area, twelve beauty and treatment rooms, finnish sauna, bio sauna as well as relaxation and massage rooms. Open daily 09:00/19:00

SIGHTSEEING Limes border defence (UNESCO world heritage site), Opel Zoo, Frankfurt Goethe Museum and Goethe House (Germany’s most famous author and poet), Städel Museum (one of the world’s leading art museums), Oper Frankfurt

CURRENCY EUR

VOLTAGE The hotel operates on 220 volts power.

For further information, please contact Lars Leyendecker Director of PR & Marketing [email protected] T +49 6174 909046