Mercure Hotel Kaiserhof City Center

An outpost of the European Mercure hotel chain, the Mercure Hotel Kaiserhof (formerly the Quality Hotel Kaiserhof) offers 76 reasonably priced rooms within a few blocks of the train station in Frankfurt’s red light district. Charming it’s not, but those seeking a convenient location, spotless accommodations and seamless service will find that this four-star hotel does the trick.

The carpeted guestrooms at the Mercure Kaiserhof are standard business affairs, reliably clean and quite comfortable. All rooms are equipped with a telephone, TV, safe and minibar, and some have air conditioning (ask ahead). Since the hotel can pick up street noise, especially on weekends, it’s a good idea to request a room in the back.

The tiled private bathrooms are just as spotless and standard as the rooms. Some have bathtubs (ask ahead).

The French conglomerate Accor, which manages the Mercure chain, knows how to do business hotels, and the Mercure Hotel Kaiserhof is no exception. Its modestly sized lobby isn’t glitzy, but its comfortable, stylish seating just about sums up the Kaiserhof: simple, spotless and standard with a touch of style.

Since it caters to business travelers (and their expense accounts), the Mercure Kaiserhof charges extra for many amenities. Breakfast is overpriced, and Wi-Fi also costs extra (but there is a free Internet station). Skittish guests should also note that, although they’re harmless, there will be alcoholics and ladies of the night on the street outside.