Falkenstein Grand Kempinski ★★★★★

Sitting imposingly on the thickly wooded slopes of the Taunus mountain range, the Falkenstein Grand Kempinski looks every bit as grand as you would expect from a building constructed over a century ago by Wilhelm II, the last German Emperor and King of Prussia. He built it as a convalescent home for his army officers, lured in by the legendary healing properties of this ancient climatic spa resort, whose hot springs and even pure air are said to have strong therapeutic effects.

The passage of time has certainly not diminished these healing powers; as soon as you pull up outside the hotel you can sense the atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, which is in stark contrast to the city of Frankfurt, just a few miles away at the bottom of the valley. A vast, hectic hive of activity and one of Europe’s economic powerhouses, the city provides a lively and exciting place to visit, yet this serene hilltop sanctuary is an absolute delight to retreat to after a foray into the city.

The hotel makes a striking first impression, with a terraced, colonnaded façade which is elegant and suitably regal, gazing out from its hilltop vantage point over Frankfurt’s skyline in the distance. It is an impressive building with a prestigious history yet it is also so much more, providing enough luxurious facilities to rival any modern five-star hotel and seamlessly blending the old and the new. Guest rooms, set in eight beautiful villas surrounding the main building, are characterised by a timeless, classic décor. Silky fabrics and refined furnishings create an air of sophistication, while rooms also feature some state-of-the-art amenities and contemporary home comforts. Surrounded by the leafy trees of the parkland, the large windows afford soothing views as well as bathing the rooms in natural light.

This parkland, stretching out over six acres, makes the Falkenstein Grand Kempinski a relaxing, bucolic spot for a lazy afternoon stroll through thick woodland, pristine lawns and landscaped gardens, all designed by renowned garden architect Heinrich Siesmayer. It is the hotel’s ASCARA spa which really takes relaxation to another level, however. The main attraction is the outdoor pool overlooking the gardens, filled with water from a nearby spring and heated to 29°C so that it can be enjoyed all year round. Back inside, two saunas invite you to continue the revitalisation process, while a superb range of health and beauty treatments are also on offer.

When it comes to dining, the hotel is just as well equipped. The Landgut Falkenstein is a high-class restaurant serving up a creative take on local and regional cuisine, with an enticing menu and even a special traditional roast available on Sundays. The dining room makes for a grand setting, although the outdoor terrace provides an even more memorable dining experience, with views over the Frankfurt skyline.

For a more laid-back meal, Raffael’s bistro offers a healthy alternative menu and is also an ideal spot for an after-dinner drink, with a superb selection of cocktails and hundreds of varieties of whiskey. And if you try one or two whiskeys too many, at least the next day you are in the perfect place to soothe the soul and help you feel back to your best in no time!