Villa Kennedy - Well-being in the Middle of a big City!

Photo: No better place on a warm day!

I used to have sort of an aversion against Frankfurt, which I no longer have. Sure, endless meetings, long train rides and therefore long days in the good old days. Today it just takes me a little bit more than an hour to go from my home city of Düsseldorf to Frankfurt. And lots have happened in this city, which has sort of returned to the Main River with a nice new walkway and many cool new buildings. Frankfurt`s culture with all its museums is top notch in any case – and since recently, I have another reason to almost love Frankfurt: the exclusive Villa Kennedy, just a 10-minute drive from the airport and very close to downtown and all major sites such as the museum mile and the historic district.

Photo: Villa Kennedy is connected to Frankfurt - KHL

John F. Kennedy – prominent Eponym

Where does the name of this hotel derive from? John F. Kennedy had visited Frankfurt on June 25 in 1963, one day prior to his famous speech in Berlin (“I am a Berliner”). After his death the same year, the road where the crowd had cheered him, was relabeled in “Kennedyallee”. And the former Villa Speyer, which used to be a private villa and then home of the famous Max Planck Institute, turned into Villa Kennedy a few years later. You may only recognize the gorgeous building from 1901, which had been extended by three wings from 2004 to 2006, at second sight. It is protected by an elegant wall, and many big trees. The awesome impression from outside continues once you are in the villa. From the reception you walk into open rooms with modern art (I recognize Bob Marley and Freddy Mercury on huge paintings) and from there to the elegant restaurant Gusto and the patio, one of the attractions of Villa Kennedy.

Photo: A US President with charisma! - KHL

Fusion Cuisine – Frankfurt meets Italy

During the warm months, the terrace is a popular meeting point for lunch, coffee or a drink in the evening. Here I check the highly praised gastronomy of Villa Kennedy – and there is no disappointment at all. The ravioli with green sauce – a mix of Italian cuisine with the traditional Frankfurt dish – is a so-called “signature food” and tastes awesome. “Don`t miss to try our homemade olive oil,” recommends Daniela Fette-Rakowski, the charming Director of Sales at Villa Kennedy. The oil comes from the gardens of the Verdura Resort in Sicily, one of 12 hotels of the classy Rocco Forte Group. “We are a typical family company. Decisions are made quickly and everyone is proud to work for Rocco Forte.“ This is totally understandable. Sir Rocco Forte has founded the group in 1996 and established it as a worldwide luxury brand. His sister Olga Polizzi, Deputy Chairman and Director of Design, is responsible for the interior design – certainly not a bad decision, given the fact that this lady has the awesome taste Italians are known for.

Photo: The stunning GUSTO restaurant - KHL

Lots of healthy food and … JFK!

The next morning, I really celebrate my breakfast. Service could not be more charming. There is art all over the place, and the buffet does not leave any desires open. Lots of fresh fruits – and look, there are even passion fruits! I have never seen them on a breakfast buffet in any other hotel in Europe. You can have, of course, almost everything you like for breakfast, including all those little sins. If you are more on the healthy side, get something from the “Rocco Forte Nourish Menu” – nutritive and yet tasty dishes such as the Açai Bowl with roasted buckwheat muesli, banana, and fresh berries. The many men and women in their business dresses (65% of the hotel guests are business travelers) can start their working day in Frankfurt in a good shape.

Photo: Some champagne for breakfast? - KHL

Meanwhile, I have a closer look at Villa Kennedy. JFK is omnipresent. You can admire the charismatic former US President on the wonderful artwork of the artist Axel Crieger all over the place … and there are also beautiful paintings of Marilyn Monroe … wasn`t there a story behind it ;-)?

Photo: Here she is: Marilyn! - KHL

A Bar, Business and an award-winning Spa

The business area is likewise impressive. Time-honored with a creaking floor or fresh and modern – go as you please. It is easy to imagine a creative meeting with all the art and a fantastic design around you – and looking forward to a wonderful lunch.

The award-winning JFK bar (over 100 cocktails are mixed here…) is located just next to the elegant restaurant and is one of THE meeting points in Frankfurt. I am sure that great business is done here!

Photo: Awesome ceiling in the business area - KHL

Chic Rooms and one of the best Spas in Frankfurt

The 163 rooms at Villa Kennedy (you would not guess that many from outside) match the very high standard of the hotel. I am happy to see a Lavazza espresso machine in my room, which perfectly combines the business and living areas. Absolute quietness guarantees a relaxing sleep – and almost needless to say that WiFi works very well and is, of course, free of charge.

Photo: Deluxe room at Villa Kennedy

What else? The 1,000 sqm, award-winning spa with gym, indoor pool with a little garden just next – definitely one of the best in all of Frankfurt. There is a homemade organic product line (“Forte Organics”) with ingredients from Sicily. I would love to go for a little swim, followed by a massage (the “signature body treatment” promises to fight all signs of skin aging…) but… work is calling! Sebastian Schellewald, Sales & Marketing Coordinator at Villa Kennedy, raves about all the events, for example, the terrace festival in June. And in winter there is even a little Christmas market on the romantic patio, how tempting does that sound! I am sure that as of today I have a new favorite hotel to stay when having meetings in Frankfurt – the awesome Villa Kennedy!

If you are interested in other hotels of the Rocco Forte Group, have a look at my blog about The Charles Hotel in Munich.

Photo: Do you care for a swim?

Photo: Have a seat, table is ready! - KHL

Photo: Yes, I felt so good at Villa Kennedy! - Sebastian Schellewald / KHL

NB: All photos not tagged with "KHL" were kindly provided by the hotel management.