The hype
A solid, reliable business hotel with fantastic river views and a great breakfast, but the decor was feeling very dated.
Intercontinental Frankfurt
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a classic, business-friendly luxury hotel with unbeatable views of the River Main and easy access to the central train station.
Why People Love It
- Stunning panoramic views of the Frankfurt skyline and River Main
- Walking distance to the Museumsufer and Hauptbahnhof
- Excellent breakfast buffet with a huge variety
Quick Take: It's a massive 1960s concrete behemoth that closed for a desperately needed renovation—check its current open status before booking.
Reviewed by @classy_marketing: We had the best dinner here! I was craving a hearty steak and my friend wanted sushi, and this spot delivered both perfectly. The portions were huge, the drinks were flowing, and the whole night felt so relaxed and cozy.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The area around the nearby central train station can feel sketchy at night, and the hotel's sheer size makes it feel impersonal.
- You are a business traveler needing reliable amenities
- You want to be right on the river for morning jogs
- You love a massive, high-quality breakfast buffet
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally thorough daily cleaning, though some guests noted minor missed spots during peak times.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are well-maintained with roll-in showers, though older pre-renovation rooms showed some grout wear.
- Maintenance: The building's age showed before the closure, with scratched furniture and dated carpets prompting the massive renovation.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, crisp linens and plush bathrobes standard for the Intercontinental brand.
- Odors & scents: Strictly non-smoking property, generally fresh, though older carpets sometimes held a faint musty smell.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic from Wilhelm-Leuschner-Strasse
- Noise bleeding through connecting doors
- Occasional sirens from the nearby station area
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel has two wings (River Wing and City Wing/Scandic) - make sure you know which one you are in
- Valet parking is available but expensive, and the garage fills up fast
- The walk from the train station is short but passes through some gritty areas
What to pack
- Running shoes to take advantage of the beautiful paths along the River Main
- Earplugs if you end up in a lower-floor room facing the street
Room Genie
Best picks
- Panoramic Suites on higher floors for dual balconies and incredible skyline views
- River Wing rooms for direct views of the Main River
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms with connecting doors due to poor soundproofing
- Lower floor rooms facing the street due to traffic noise
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Could I please request a renovated room on a high floor in the River Wing, specifically without a connecting door, to ensure a quiet stay with the best skyline views?”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the hotel currently open?
It closed for a massive renovation in 2020/2021. Reopening has faced severe delays, so check live availability before making plans.
Does the hotel have a pool?
No, despite its size, the Intercontinental Frankfurt does not have a swimming pool, though it does have a 24-hour fitness center.
How far is it from the airport?
It's about a 15-20 minute drive or a quick S-Bahn train ride from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to the nearby central station.
Is the area around the hotel safe?
The riverside location is beautiful and generally safe, but the nearby Hauptbahnhof (central station) area has a known red-light district and can feel sketchy at night.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, the hotel is pet-friendly and allows dogs or cats for an additional fee.
How much is parking?
On-site parking is available in an underground garage, but it is pricey and spaces can be tight.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the expensive hotel breakfast one day and walk to the Kleinmarkthalle for fresh local food and a Frankfurter sausage.
- ✨
The higher the floor, the better the view—ask for a room on the 18th floor or above for unobstructed skyline panoramas.
- ✨
If you're an IHG Ambassador member, you can often score an upgrade to the Executive rooms or Panoramic Suites.
5 things to know before you go
💡The hotel is actually a massive 1960s concrete block—it's not winning any exterior beauty contests.
💡The City Wing was sold off years ago (now the Scandic), so the Intercontinental is smaller than it used to be.
💡There is no swimming pool, which is surprising for a 5-star hotel of this size.
💡The walk to the Messe (trade fair) requires passing through the gritty train station district.
💡The hotel's interior furnishings were literally auctioned off on eBay during the closure.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Intercontinental Frankfurt is located and what's nearby.