Citadines City Centre Frankfurt ★★★★

Frankfurt may not immediately come to mind as one of the must-visit European destinations for many of us, but it is a fascinating, charming and lively city which is full of surprises. With its outstanding museums, lively bars, art galleries and pretty parks scattered along the banks of the River Main, there is something for everyone, not just bankers and bureaucrats. As we fly in though, it is the city’s modern veneer which is immediately apparent. The spectacular skyline formed by a dizzying crowd of towering, futuristic skyscrapers makes for an awe-inspiring sight. Gazing across at one of Europe’s most thriving financial districts, home to the German Stock Exchange and the European Central Bank, it is easy to see how the city earned its nicknames of ‘Mainhattan’ and ‘Bankfurt’.

We are here to get to know a different side of Frankfurt, however, and our base for the weekend is the Citadines City Centre aparthotel. It is a quick and easy transfer from the airport, and before we know it we are being welcomed to our new home with a warm and friendly smile at reception. Our first taste of the service is excellent, and it continues to meet the same high standards throughout our stay. This is one of the best things about the Citadines City Centre – you enjoy all the services of a hotel, including an extremely helpful 24 hour reception desk, despite staying in your very own private apartment.

The apartment itself is a stylish and cosy home from home. Decked out with some bright, bold and sophisticated contemporary décor, it certainly looks the part. Meanwhile the layout is refreshingly spacious, despite finding room for a bedroom, living area, kitchenette and bathroom. Though we plan to spend almost all our time getting out and about and exploring Frankfurt, we immediately notice that our studio offers all the facilities we need to help us feel at home when we come back, including high speed internet access and a flat-screen satellite television. Speaking of facilities, there is also a superbly equipped fitness centre downstairs, as well as free tea and coffee in the lounge area for when you are hanging around at the hotel.

We hardly find time to enjoy any of this however, as we launch ourselves into a whirlwind weekend spent discovering a truly charming city with a surprise around every corner. Looking at the imposing skyline, you would scarcely believe that Frankfurt is also home to picturesque squares with typically Germanic half-timbered houses, some wonderfully reconstructed works of 14th and 15th century architecture and plenty of pretty gardens. Then there are the museums, a rich collection second only to Berlin in Germany and covering a diverse array of cultural riches. Everything is brought to life by a lively and youthful atmosphere which carries on into the night, with buzzing bars and restaurants on every corner and no shortage of evening entertainment.

With so much to see and do at all hours of the day, we are inevitably weary and worn-out by the time we retreat back to the Citadines City Centre every night. However, a deep sleep on the invitingly cosy bed and a generous breakfast soon have us back to our best, exactly what you need from a city-break hotel. Homely, relaxing and conveniently located in the heart of the city, this is a perfect starting point for getting to know Frankfurt!