Ultimate places to stay when visiting the FrankfurtRhineMain Wine Region of Germany

The FrankfurtRhineMain Region of Germany is well known for its charming villages, outstanding Riesling wine and dominating castles that dot the banks of the Rhine River. I spent a couple of weeks in the FrankfurtRhineMain and Rheingau regions, staying at some incredible properties that should be on everyone’s bucket list when traveling around this part of Germany.

Road Tripping around Germany is quite easy and enjoyable. The region known as FrankfurtRhineMain is one of my favorite areas of the country to road trip. Each of the following destinations and hotels offers a unique experience from the next, making a 10-14-day road trip an adventure you’ll not soon forget.

Villa Kennedy in Central Frankfurt

While Villa Kennedy is located in the midst of the cosmopolitan city of Frankfurt, it’s like an inner escape from within. The hotel wraps itself around a beautiful courtyard garden which insulates guests from the hustle and bustle of the city beyond. Impeccable design touches can be found throughout the property and great care has been taken to insure your stay is a pleasant one. The walls and windows are well insulated from sound, but if you choose to let in a fresh breeze, the windows open wide letting both light and air waft over the space.

The garden is not the only a sanctuary at the Villa Kennedy, so too is the spa, indoor pool and the many nooks/seating areas to have a business conversation or romantic glass of wine. The woodwork detail is exquisite, from all of the doors to the banisters of the staircase and beyond. The exterior of the building is crafted in luxurious limestone, while the décor pays homage to the 60s in a very tasteful way. The vibrant colors, the psychedelic patterns and the artwork all support the Kennedy-era and its iconic namesake.

The Villa Kennedy is the perfect start to your FrankfurtRhineMain road trip.

Hotel Burg Schwarzenstein in Geisenheim (small town in Rheingau)

Burg Schwarzenstein is surrounded by vineyards with stunning vista views of the Johannisberg/Rheingau wine region, which dates back nearly 1000 years. Part of the hotel grounds is built around the thick walls of an old castle.

Burg Schwarzenstein is a boutique hotel with just 51 rooms and suites and is a Relais & Chateaux property, which epitomizes sophisticated authenticity. The accommodations are spacious and luxurious with textiles in delicate hues that contrast beautifully against the darker solid surfaces. On-site is a two star Michelin restaurant along with a more casual establishment that includes a terrace dining option overlooking the vineyards on those more moderate days.

Hotel Jagdschloss Kranichstein near Darmstadt

Hotel Jagdschloss Kranichstein is a former 16^th Century hunting lodge (or castle) in the Renaissance style. The hotel shares space with a museum that showcases artifacts from the era. The property is surrounded by forest and a large pond, part of the original hunting grounds. The guestrooms are well appointed and quite comfortable. Breakfast is especially delightful with an abundance of fresh fruit, artisan breads, spreads, cheeses, warm & cold offerings all enjoyed in a lavish setting.

There are two on-site restaurants, Restaurant Kavaliersbau, which is in a separate building and serves traditional game dishes and Hessian-Swabian delicacies, which are combined with ingredients from around the world. Inside the hotel is the more casual bar & bistro which is also a wonderful dining experience, just a bit more informal.

As you stroll the grounds you’ll see that the canopied forest gives way to ancient trails that are now used by the public for immersing themselves into nature. Birds chirping, lush flora and fauna blanket the grounds enabling animals to flourish. The trails that run along the pond next to the castle wall still has signs of rocks use to cobblestone a road. On one side of the castle grounds near the hunting lodge is a huge pasture, which I imagine was once used to exercise the horses. The forest is so full of songbirds, it’s like a harmonic concert being played.

Hotel Nassauer Hof in Wiesbaden

With over 200 years of hospitality experience, the Hotel Nassauer Hof offers classical elegance in the heart of wonderful Wiesbaden. This hotel was the very first in all of Germany to become a 5-star property. The entire 5th/top floor of the hotel is dedicated to the spa, which boosts a large roof-top hot spring-fed pool for guests to enjoy along with stupendous views of the city. There are twelve treatments rooms, saunas, a solarium and even an ARTEMIS beauty treatment area for guests.

The rooms at Hotel Nassauer Hof are elegant, maintaining the historical heritage of the property. The central location of the hotel is just steps from outstanding shopping, restaurants and sightseeing. There are three on-site restaurants, Orangerie, Ente Bistro and Ente, which is the only Michelin rated restaurant in Wiesbaden. There is also a piano and cigar bar, which is the only place in Wiesbaden in which you are allowed to smoke inside.

Nägler’s Fine Lounge Hotel in Oestrich-Winkel (small town in Rheingau)

The exterior of Nägler’s Hotel is not particularly remarkable, but this boutique property with stunning views of vineyards and the Rhine River is an exceptional place to call home for a few days. There are several common areas that beacon visitors to congregate. The spaces are modern with an underling theme of comfort.

The accommodations each have their own spin. My room #301 was decorated with lots of rough plank wood on the walls combine with something similar to a Venetian smooth plaster.  The feel is a bit rustic, but with an air of modernism. A love seat and small desk along with a couple of beautiful wood sliced log tables with metal hardware accompany the furnishings.

The bathroom is decorated in grey tones with a slate colored tile on the floors and walls, with a gorgeous solid curved rock vessel sink as the focal point. Modern fixtures, a typical European looking wall hanging toilet and a bidet finish out the space. A small terrace lets guests step outside to take in the stupendous surrounding views both of nearby vineyards and the massive Rhine River just a hundred or so meters/yards away.

Nägler’s does not have an on-site restaurant, but there are many nearby. I took a stroll to the seasonal, but very popular Weingut Schönleber Blümlein. This is a pretty traditional German restaurant with a great wine list, many from right from the local region. While Nägler’s does not have a restaurant, they do provide a fantastic morning breakfast, from eggs, bacon and sausage, to fresh fruits, yogurt, juices, artisan bread with preserves and a variety of coffee choices.  

If you have any questions about staying at any of these hotels in the FrankfurtRhineMain region, please leave a comment below.