In 2022, my favourite lodge in Frankfurt closed. On the time the plan was for the property to not be used as a lodge. Properly, there’s a optimistic replace, because it appears the property’s house owners have backtracked, and this will probably be reopening as a lodge in 2024.
Villa Kennedy Frankfurt closed in April 2022
Villa Kennedy Frankfurt closed as of April 2022. The lodge, which belonged to the Rocco Forte assortment, was in operation for over 15 years, since 2006. Workers on the lodge have been supplied transfers to the group’s 15 different properties, although that doubtless wasn’t handy for many, since it will require transferring.
The 163-room lodge was typically thought to be Frankfurt’s greatest place to remain, and the lodge additionally had fairly a historical past that dates again properly over 100 years. The lodge was bought by CONREN Land in 2021, which was on the time inspecting future ideas for the property, together with the potential for it turning into a retirement dwelling.
Why I used to be unhappy to see Villa Kennedy closing
Clearly lodge closings typically are unhappy, since many individuals lose their jobs. Past that, although, this can be a property that I actually loved. My household is from a small city in Germany not removed from Frankfurt, and usually after I go to I wish to first spend a few nights in Frankfurt.
Despite the fact that Frankfurt is a enterprise hub, town lacks luxurious lodges. There are many first rate mid-range properties, however that’s about it. Villa Kennedy was the exception, because it was really such a captivating, enjoyable property, with nice service. I beloved how the lodge had a ravishing courtyard, which was a pleasant place to get pleasure from a drink outdoor in the summertime.
Frankfurt has just a few different luxurious properties, together with the Sofitel and Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof, however they’re not on the identical degree, in my view.
Just a few basic ideas on the Rocco Forte model and the Frankfurt lodge market:
- I actually suppose this lodge may have succeeded if it belonged to a world lodge group with entry to a greater distribution system, whether or not that comes within the type of a Park Hyatt, St. Regis, or 4 Seasons
- I’ve lengthy thought that the Rocco Forte model is ripe for a takeover; the corporate has a small assortment of wonderful luxurious properties, and the footprint enhances another luxurious lodge manufacturers fairly properly
- Why does Frankfurt have so few luxurious lodges, given what a monetary hub it’s? The perfect idea I can provide you with is that it comes right down to there not being large elasticity in relation to room charges for luxurious properties within the metropolis, together with a scarcity of premium leisure demand, however is there one thing else I’m lacking?
Villa Kennedy Frankfurt reopening in 2024
There’s a optimistic replace. As flagged by Dwell and Let’s Fly, the brand new plan is for Villa Kennedy to be reopened within the fall of 2024. The property will bear a full renovation and have 147 rooms, so it’ll have a barely smaller room rely than it beforehand had.
Sadly the lodge received’t be part of a world lodge group, however reasonably will belong to Althoff Assortment, a small German lodge group with round half a dozen properties. The renderings of the up to date property are attractive, so I’m fairly enthusiastic about this.
I’m thrilled to see that the property will probably be reopening, and can even be present process a full renovation. It seems to be prefer it’ll be higher than ever earlier than.
That being stated, I can’t assist however be a bit confused by the choice to make this property a part of a small German lodge group. Frankfurt is a world enterprise hub, not one essentially concentrating on premium German leisure site visitors. So if the lodge plans to market itself to worldwide vacationers, this looks like an odd branding alternative.
Backside line
Villa Kennedy Frankfurt, a Rocco Forte lodge, closed as of April 2022. Whereas the plans have been initially for the property to be transformed into one thing aside from a lodge, it appears the house owners have backtracked. The lodge will now be present process a full renovation, and can reopen within the fall of 2024, being managed by Althoff.
I’m thrilled to see that Villa Kennedy will probably be making a comeback, I’m simply form of unhappy that it received’t be a factors lodge.
What do you make of those updates to Villa Kennedy Frankfurt?