Kimpton Main Frankfurt Review: A Smart Pick for Design-Forward Urban Travelers
Advisors love Kimpton Main Frankfurt for its standout rooftop culture, bold interiors, and strong local buzz—here’s how to book it best.
An essential room at Kimpton Main Frankfurt. Photographs: Courtesy of IHG
When Kimpton opened its first hotel in Germany, it chose to do so by acknowledging two tenets that have become subtle calling cards for the brand: architectural ambition and cultural flair.
Set within the groundbreaking FOUR Frankfurt development, Kimpton Main Frankfurt, which opened in May, blends heritage and high-rise modernism, reclaiming the landmarked facade of the former Deutsche Bank headquarters in the heart of the city’s financial district. The preserved neoclassical facade gives way to a bold, Bauhaus-inspired interior—an intentional “modern twist” on minimalism, as described by Patrick Jonek, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing.
The design, led by Tom Bartlett of London-based Waldo Works, contrasts grayscale flooring and chrome details with rich textures—mahogany wood, velvet upholstery, green marble—layered with pops of color and pattern. Triangular forms are echoed throughout the space, a nod to Frankfurt’s own Bauhaus legacy. “Frankfurt was a major Bauhaus city,” Jonek tells Luxury Travel Report. “Even the reception desk and bar are shaped in homage to that triangle motif.”
The 155-room hotel aims to be the “living room of the neighborhood,” with public spaces intentionally designed for locals and guests to mingle. It’s working—current dining traffic is about 80% local. Kimpton’s signature social hour, coffee programming, and pet-friendly policy (which includes cats and birds) are all present, but so is something distinctively Frankfurt: a cultural intelligence that elevates it beyond just another global brand outpost.
Here’s what luxury travel advisors should know about booking Kimpton Main Frankfurt.
Why Travel Advisors Book It
- Design-driven interiors feature bold color palettes and rich materials, accompanied by original art in every room.
- There’s strong value in the Studio and One-Bedroom Suites, which feature larger layouts and exclusive pieces.
- Lazuli, the rooftop bar and restaurant, has skyline views and a scene that appeals to both locals and guests.
- Flexible meeting and event spaces abound, including a forthcoming private terrace level perfect for VIP social buyouts.
- It’s pet-friendly in the truest sense: There are no size or breed restrictions, and perks even for feathered guests.
Rooms & Suites
Kimpton Main Frankfurt’s 155 rooms and suites celebrate both flashy design and thoughtful functionality. Inspired by Bauhaus principles but injected with the warmth the brand is known for, rooms are layered with jewel-toned textiles, graphic color-blocked walls, and curated artwork. Chrome and crystal elements meet tactile finishes like velvet and dark wood, with each suite featuring a unique, locally inspired art piece above the bed.
Advisors should note that the One-Bedroom Suites offer up to 250 more square feet than the Premium Rooms and are ideal for longer stays or special occasions. “We’re checking out of too many forgettable rooms,” was Bartlett’s guiding design principle, according to Jonek—and it shows. Each room also includes Kimpton’s beloved in-room extras: yoga mats, plush robes, and well-stocked “maxi-bars.”
While interconnecting options are limited, the layout of the large rooms supports both solo travelers and couples with ease.
Food & Drink
Like at most Kimpton properties, dining at Kimpton Main Frankfurt is a central part of the experience.
Anni, a modern brasserie with Germanic flair, is named after Bauhaus weaving artist Anni Albers (and wife to Josef). Right now, Anni is only open for breakfast, but upon serving its all-day menu, guests will find classic European favorites like moules frites, Wiener schnitzel, and tartare three ways. Interiors feature graphic wallpaper and patterns inspired by Albers’ work.
May, the hotel’s street-level bar, is modeled as the “living room of the district,” serving cocktails named after local cultural figures, like architect and city planner Ernst May. It’s a flexible space where guests can start with a flat white in the morning and end with a whiskey Negroni by night.
Lazuli, the rooftop restaurant and bar, serves a Mediterranean small-plates menu. “We wanted this to be a rooftop escape from everywhere,” says Jonek. Designed with lapis lazuli tones and comfortable furnishings, it’s ideal for both casual dinners and social gatherings. Advisors can pre-book rooftop dining or arrange private events via the concierge.
Experiences & Amenities
From Kimpton’s signature social hour to walkable proximity to shops and galleries, the hotel’s social footprint is built for interaction. Guests have access to complimentary bikes for self-guided exploration, and the hotel can easily arrange guided tours with local experts. The hotel also encourages locals and visitors to use the space freely—echoing Kimpton’s tradition of cultural integration over corporate detachment.
A soon-to-open private event space on the rooftop level adds extra versatility, with floor-to-ceiling windows and flexible room divisions. “It was originally meant to be an amenity space for the residential towers, but we turned it into a venue for meetings and celebrations,” Ronald Hoogerbrugge, the hotel’s general manager and a longstanding IHG veteran, notes.
Family & Multi-Gen Appeal
Kimpton Frankfurt isn’t a family-first hotel (nor is the city a first thought for family travels), but the property can accommodate multigenerational travelers with style. Spacious rooms, flexible seating areas, and a walkable location make it a viable choice for families with teens or adult children. The relaxed but refined vibe will suit younger travelers who have a design eye and urban curiosity.
Sustainability & Accessibility
As part of the newly built FOUR Frankfurt development, the property benefits from high-efficiency systems and modern infrastructure. Interiors use local materials where possible, and the hotel is committed to minimizing single-use plastics and supporting regional purveyors in its sourcing.
The property offers elevator access throughout, step-free public areas, and bookable accessible rooms that include adequate turning space in the bathrooms and handheld shower hoses, among other accommodations.
Location & Access
Kimpton Main Frankfurt is within the central business district but sidesteps the sterility of its surroundings, thanks to its design and cultural lens. The hotel sits within walking distance of the city’s Old Town, museums, shopping streets, and transit hubs.
Frankfurt International Airport is a 20-minute drive. For guests arriving via train or U-Bahn, the location is easily navigable on foot. Chauffeur service and private transfers are available on request.
How to Book Smart
Advisors can book Kimpton Main Frankfurt through IHG’s luxury portfolio or via preferred programs like Virtuoso, unlocking perks such as breakfast for two, room upgrades on arrival (subject to availability), and early check-in or late checkout.
Suite categories offer strong value, especially the One-Bedroom Suite, which will almost certainly book up quickly during events and trade fairs. Advisors should also highlight the rooftop restaurant as a value-added feature for milestone trips, celebrations, or couples seeking to elevate their experience. For best availability during peak periods, especially Frankfurt’s busy convention calendar, consider booking at least two months in advance.
