The Squaire, Am Flughafen, Frankfurt, Germany | (618) 248-8274
Located a pedestrian skyway away from the airport's T1 and
Above the ICE train station for quick access to downtown
Rooms are well-soundproofed, contemporary, and spacious
Kettles, safes, minibars, and big, sleek bathrooms come standard
Quality all-day restaurant serves buffet breakfast and international fare
24-hour modern gym, plus sauna and steam room
European, U.S., and U.K. outlets all available in rooms
Large, well-equipped business center
Wi-Fi is fast, free, and available throughout
Generic room design and corporate feel
Higher price compared to sister property in the same building
No full spa
Located in the Squaire, Europe's largest office building, the four-pearl Hilton Frankfurt Airport Hotel is hard to beat when it comes to a comfortable stay a skywalk away from Terminal 1. Another perk? The hotel is above the ICE station, with high-speed trains going into Frankfurt in 15 minutes. Despite the potential for noise, the 249 rooms are well-soundproofed, spacious, and modern. For business travelers, Wi-Fi is fast and free, and the hotel offers a well-equipped computer and printing center. A 24-hour gym, steam room, and sauna are also available, as is a good all-day restaurant. The only major downsides might be the high price and generic room decor. Guests who are set on the location, however, might look into the adjacent Hilton Garden Inn, which has a significantly lower price tag.
Scene
Ultra-modern lobby design, but generic decor, in an iconic building
The futuristic exterior of the hotel's iconic host building sets the tone for what's to come inside. The building itself, The Squaire, is the largest office building in Germany, and is also home to the Hilton Garden Inn. The check-in desk, located inside a glassed-in atrium, is reminiscent of the Jetsons (in a good, high-design way), with curved wooden overhangs and plenty of attendants to get guests in and out quickly. There aren't a lot of seats, as it's meant more for efficiency rather than relaxing, but there's also a lively and popular bar in the lobby atrium where guests can order casual meals and find sweet snacks set out throughout the day. Unfortunately, this uber-modern look doesn't extend to the rather generic chain decor found in bedrooms and the main restaurant. The hotel primarily appeals to travelers with a layover or early-morning flight.
Location
Located a skyway away from Terminal 1 and above high-speed trains to city center
Proximity to onward travel is the key feature and one of the biggest reasons to choose this hotel. The hotel is literally steps away from the airport: the building's pedestrian skyway connects the hotel with Frankfurt Airport's Terminal 1, making it incredibly convenient for passengers on a long layover or who need somewhere to sleep before or after a flight. It's also 15 minutes by taxi or via the Intercity Express train from the city center, as the train station is right below the building. Outside of the airport terminals, dining and retail options are extremely limited.
Rooms
Rooms with excellent amenities, but chain-like decor
The 249 rooms are spacious, contemporary, and well-soundproofed, though decor is on the generic, chain side. The mostly neutral-tone design consists of patterned carpet, light-wood furniture, white bedding, black-and-white photos, and maroon leather armchairs. Quality amenities include tea- and coffee-making trays, LCD TVs, laptop-sized safes, and minibars. Conveniently, European, U.S., and UK outlets are all available on the desks. Espresso machines are also available in suites. Bathrooms are bright and sleek, with unexpected chartreuse countertops, modern tiling, and for those who hate hotel lighting, there's a flattering special light fixture above the mirror. Even the standard rooms come with large walk-in showers and separate bathtubs, plus high-end toiletries and hairdryers.
Features
Excellent on-site restaurant, business center, and around-the-clock gym
At the time of our visit, the hotel had a noon check-out, which is handy for jet lag. And for travelers coming off of or heading to a flight, the hotel's RISE restaurant is a great spot for its buffet breakfast, though it's not included. Don't be misled by the name (which refers to its fresh-baked bread), it also serves a pretty good lunch and dinner menu of international and local cuisines. The atrium-level lounge and bar is open from morning until late. Suites and Executive Rooms have access to the Executive Lounge, where free breakfast and drinks are provided. A large business center has plenty of equipment for last-minute work before a flight or a meeting. There's also a well-maintained 24-hour gym, which has a sauna and steam room. There's no full spa, though massages can be arrange in rooms. Wi-Fi is fast, free, and available throughout the property.