As one of Germany’s premier centers of business and commerce, Frankfurt has certainly earned its nickname: “Mainhattan.” Situated along the banks of the river Main, Frankfurt has plenty to offer business and leisure travelers alike. As an added bonus, the city’s airport is one of Germany’s main hubs. It’s easy in and easy out — perfect for a quick getaway!

Besides a thriving business district, Frankfurt has a variety of museums, urban green spaces, cafes and shopping centers for travelers to explore. If you’ve used Frankfurt as a jumping-off point for other destinations but have never stayed to enjoy the city, now is your opportunity to do so. Here are a few hotspots that we think you should consider for your Frankfurt home base.

Marriott

Roomers, Frankfurt, A Member of Design Hotels

Roomers, Frankfurt

Roomers, Frankfurt (Photo Courtesy from Marriott)

If you’re looking for a unique, trendy space that can double as a conference center, look no further than the Roomers.

This conveniently located property features wide views of the Frankfurt skyline as well as modern business centers and boardrooms; perfect for either remote work or a much-anticipated return to face-to-face meetings. Outside of your working hours, take advantage of easy access to Frankfurt’s downtown district or stay on-site to enjoy a cocktail at the Sky Lounge. Then, retire to your cozy and contemporary room.

If you’d like to level up your experience, be sure to book a room category that features their signature stand-alone oval bathtub!

A night at this Category 5 property is available from 30,000 Marriott Rewards points.

Gekko House, Frankfurt, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Gekko House, Frankfurt

Gekko House, Frankfurt (Photo Courtesy from Marriott)

Designed for cosmopolitan travelers who appreciate business sense but prefer things to be a bit more on the vibrant side, the Gekko House is perhaps a younger, more abstract response to Roomers.

This property is located just steps from the Frankfurt Main Hauptbahnhof station and features design elements like wood paneling, exposed cement walls, and turquoise tiling. Enjoy a breath of fresh air at the rooftop bar or hop on the metro to explore the farther corners of the city. Either way, a stay at the Gekko House is perfect for networkers, explorers, influencers and digital nomads.

A night at this Category 5 property is available from 30,000 Marriott Rewards points.

Cards to Help You Earn Marriott Points

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

One of the quickest ways to earn Marriott points is to open a line of credit with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card.

Not only do cardholders have the opportunity to earn more bonus points on everyday spending, but they also earn automatic Silver Elite status simply by being cardholders. Cardholders can earn up top 17X points per $1USD spent at Marriott hotels and 2X points per $1USD spent on all other purchases.

With all of these benefits, this card is well worth the $95 annual fee; however, there is another way to skip the annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

If you want extra benefits without the annual fee, apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card. You’ll still have access to complimentary Silver Elite Status and earn 3X points per $1USD spent on purchases at Marriott properties. You’ll also earn 2X points per $1USD spent on travel purchases and 1X points per $1USD on all other purchases.

If you want a quick path to Silver Elite and a decent earning potential without committing to an annual fee, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold could be the right pick for you.

Hilton

DoubleTree by Hilton Frankfurt Niederrad

DoubleTree by Hilton Frankfurt Niederrad

DoubleTree by Hilton Frankfurt Niederrad (Photo Courtesy from Hilton)

If you prefer to be a bit further from downtown but closer to major corporate centers and the airport, book in with the DoubleTree Frankfurt Niederrad.

The Niederrad neighborhood features the corporate offices of both Nestle and Nintendo, so if you’re in town for a relevant business trip, this would be an ideal home base for you. This district is also near the sports parks and arenas of Deutsche Bank Park as well as Frankfurter Golf Club, should you wish to take in a round of golf during your stay. Plus, the hotel is located near the metro and rail lines, so you’ll be able to explore the city with ease.

A night at this property is available from just 29,000 Hilton Honors points.

Cards to Help You Earn Hilton Points

Hilton has a long-standing partnership with American Express and offers four different co-branded cards: three personal cards and one business card. Here, we’ll mention the perks of our favorite personal card as well as the business card.

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Perfect for business owners on the go, the The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a card with decent earning potential and plenty of travel benefits. While it comes with a $195 annual fee (Rates and Fees), cardholders earn 12X bonus points per $1USD spent on Hilton purchases and 5X on other purchases on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3X points thereafter.

In addition, this card is an excellent way to jump straight to Gold Status; a $195 annual fee is a pretty small price to pay considering that benefit. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade to Diamond Status depending on how much you’re planning on using the card, which is a definite bonus.

Hilton Honors Aspire

The Hilton Honors Aspire credit card by American Express is our favorite credit card in the collection, and it comes with a hefty $450 annual fee (Rates and Fees).

At first glance, it might not seem worth it to splurge on a high-fee card when the bonus points earning potential is only marginally better than the other three cards in the collection. However, when weighing the annual fee against the additional benefits, it might be a good deal if you’re looking to skyrocket your status.

Cardholders earn 14X bonus points per $1USD spent on Hilton purchases, 7X bonus points per $1USD spent on purchases at US restaurants, flights booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel, and cars booked directly through select car rental agencies, and 3X bonus points per $1USD spent on all other eligible purchases. Note that the value of the accompanying travel benefits surpasses the annual fee, so as long as you’re planning on using the benefits, this card is well worth it.

IHG

Holiday Inn Frankfurt – Alte Oper

IHG Holiday Inn Frankfurt - Alte Oper

Holiday Inn Frankfurt - Alte Oper (Photo Courtesy from IHG)

No matter where you’re traveling, never underestimate a good Holiday Inn. This one, the Holiday Inn Frankfurt – Alte Oper, is particularly well-located for those who enjoy museums, the opera, and sightseeing.

Inspired by Germany’s many lovely forests and nature areas, this property features contemporary design elements with pleasant pops of color for a relaxing and homelike air. The Alte Oper (the Old Opera) is just up the street as well as Rothschildpark and many urban green spaces that wind their way down to the River Main. Enjoy a pleasant stroll around the city and be sure to stop at the Main Tower for incredible panoramic views.

A night at this hotel is available from 32,000 IHG Rewards points.

Cards to Help You Earn IHG Points

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is the premium card in the IHG collection.

This card comes with automatic Platinum Elite Member status and up to 26X points per $1USD spent at IHG properties, which include existing reward benefits from your status.

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

Of course, the Premier level card doesn’t suit everyone. If you are an IHG Rewards member interested in opening an IHG line of credit but don’t want to bother with any annual fees, then signing up for the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card could be a better move.

This card does come with the opportunity to bump up to Gold Elite, which is a nice perk for members with Club Member status. Additionally, you can earn up to 17X points per $1 spent at IHG properties worldwide when combined with your status.

Hyatt

Schlosshotel Kronberg

Schlosshotel Kronberg

Schlosshotel Kronberg (Photo Courtesy from Hyatt)

This property requires a little jaunt from Frankfurt, but it’s worth mentioning because of its unique and uncommon characteristics.

Reminiscent of a royal palace (because that’s exactly what it is,) the Schlosshotel Kronberg is perfect for those seeking an intimate getaway in a boutique hotel. Housed in the former home of Empress Victoria Friedrich, this elegant and sophisticated property features its own 18-hole golf course, salon, dining venue and garden.

True to the roots of the Empress, guests can enjoy traditional English tea service on-site. One part museum and one part hotel, this property is ideal for those who enjoy a taste of history and the finer things in life.

A night at this property is available from 20,000 World of Hyatt points.

Cards to Help You Earn World of Hyatt Points

If you’re looking to maximize your earning potential with World of Hyatt, the best way to do that is by – you guessed it – opening up a line of credit. The World of Hyatt Credit Card is one of the best options to earn Hyatt points.

Cardholders earn 9X Total Points per $1USD spent at Hyatt properties, 2X Bonus Points on transportation, restaurants, flights purchased directly through the airline, and fitness club memberships, and 1X Bonus Points per $1USD spent on all other purchases.

Chase Travel Portal

The above properties are wonderful options for Frankfurt, but they aren’t so exciting if you haven’t stocked up on a bunch of points in exactly the right currency. If you don’t have a stash of brand-specific points lying around, there is another option.

Many credit cards offer their own rewards programs that include the opportunity to redeem points on travel. If you’ve been stockpiling credit card rewards instead of brand-specific hotel rewards, a trip to Frankfurt could be a great way to redeem them.

For example, you could use your stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to book your hotel. When Chase points are redeemed on travel purchases through the Ultimate Rewards Portal, they are worth up to 50% more than other select categories. That bonus is a great incentive to use them on a trip to Frankfurt! Here is one special property in Frankfurt that you can book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.

Villa Kennedy, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Villa Kennedy, a Rocco Forte Hotel - Frankfurt

Villa Kennedy, a Rocco Forte Hotel

If you are interested in hotels that used to be historic homes but don’t want to venture out of Frankfurt proper, then the Villa Kennedy is a wonderful option.

This impressive home-turned-hotel is located in the Sachsenhausen neighborhood along the south bank of the River Main, but its luxurious hidden courtyard promises a secluded refuge when you need it. Enjoy the on-site pop-up restaurant, check out Frankfurt’s museum quarter, or take a drive to discover the allure of Germany’s Romantic Road. Whatever you decide to do, make Villa Kennedy your tasteful, charming home away from home while in Frankfurt.

A night at this property is available from roughly 21,800 Ultimate Rewards points.

Cards to Help You Earn Ultimate Rewards Points

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

A consistent favorite of the Chase collection is the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offering unparalleled opportunities to earn Ultimate Rewards points and benefit from travel perks. Its hefty $550 annual fee is offset by an annual $300 travel credit, plus built-in insurance and protections for when you’re on the go.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If a $550 annual fee just doesn’t sound like a good time, apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card instead. This card is ideal for a first-time Chase Sapphire applicant.

Final Thoughts

Frankfurt is too often overlooked in favor of other European hotspots, and far too often used as simply an entry or exit point without a second thought. Next time you’re headed to Frankfurt, even if it is just a stop on the way to somewhere else, consider staying a few days to discover all that Mainhattan has to offer. With so many trendy, unique, and inspiring points properties to choose from, Frankfurt is a perfect place to redeem your stash of points!