At the Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof, visitors turn to Holger Alexander Daniel Mueller for advice on the city’s sights. After 10 years as a concierge, he’s an expert on where to go and what to do in this thriving German metropolis. Here he offers expert tips for business travelers.
What should business travelers pack when heading to your city?
“Frankfurt is the financial center of Germany, and business travelers come here at all times of the year. The summer tends to be sunny and warm, around 25 °C (77° F). Be prepared, however, for very hot summer days around 35° C (95° F), as well as for light rain. The winters can be cold and rainy (usually not lower than -10 °C/14 °F). It rarely snows in Frankfurt. So, it’s wise to pack an umbrella, raincoat and a light sweater. And, of course, bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes.”
What are your top restaurant recommendations for a business lunch or dinner?
“Fressgass is an area known for lots of dining options. (The actual name of the street is Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse.) You’ll find cafés, restaurants and delis. The Opera Restaurant [Opernplatz 1, Frankfurt am Main; Ph: +49 69 1340 396] is popular for lunch and dinner. Its terrace offers a skyline view of the city. Zenzakan [Taunusanlage 15, Frankfurt am Main; ph: +49 (0) 69 97 08 69 08] features delicious pan-Asian cuisine. Our own restaurant, Français, [Am Kaiserplatz, Frankfurt am Main; Ph: +49 69 215 118] is excellent and is the only Michelin-star restaurant in a hotel in Frankfurt.”
What’s something that surprises guests about your hotel?
“Many guests are surprised to hear that one of my colleagues has been a concierge at the Frankfurter Hof for more than 40 years! There’s hardly anyone in our Golden Guest Book that he has not personally greeted and assisted.”
If business travelers only have a few hours for leisure, what must they see?
“Only few steps from our hotel is the Römerberg, the main square of Frankfurt’s old city. You’ll find historic half-timbered houses, the cathedral and the nearby Frankfurt Stock Exchange building, which is still in use. You’ll know it by the bull and bear statue just outside. (You must book a guided tour in advance to tour the stock exchange.) Around the Römerberg, you’ll find some coffee bars and restaurants. If you want full relaxation during your few free hours, try our hotel’s newly added spas with massages and cosmetic treatments, saunas, steam rooms, a Turkish bath and a men’s barber shop.”
What’s the best option for outdoor exercise in your city?
“Frankfurt am Main is a city of sports—both professional and amateur! Not only is it home to the German Olympic Sports Confederation and the German Soccer Association, it’s also a city of outdoor enthusiasts. My favorite activity is running along the banks of the Main River, which stretches more then 10 miles. You get a fantastic view of Frankfurt’s skyline. It’s a great way to start the day.”
Business know-how
Concierge Holger Alexander Daniel Mueller’s top tips for getting business right in Frankfurt:
Tip 1: Germans have a reputation for being staid and formal. But in an international city like Frankfurt, people are a bit more globalized, and the atmosphere is more informal and energetic. When greeting someone, be prepared for a hearty handshake when you meet and when you part ways.
Tip 2: Frankfurters are extremely conscious about their environment and recycle their waste. So please do so, too.
Tip 3: If you make an appointment with someone, don’t be late. If you are invited to someone’s home, bring a bouquet of flowers—and remove the paper wrap before you present them!
