Holiday Inn - the niu, Charly Frankfurt City By IHG Germany

Frankfurt's Hottest Hotel? IHG's niu Charly Will SHOCK You!

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the wacky, wonderful, and occasionally questionable world of Frankfurt's "Hottest Hotel"? Yeah, I'm talking about the niu Charly, a place that promises to "SHOCK" you, and honestly? It mostly did. Let's get messy with this review, shall we?

Frankfurt's Hottest? The niu Charly – Buckle Up, It's a Ride!

So, the hype machine was cranked up to eleven, proclaiming the niu Charly as the place to be in Frankfurt. My expectations? Sky-high. My reality? Well, read on, friend. This is a review that's less about pristine organization and more about the unvarnished truth.

Accessibility: A Mixed Bag… Mostly Good!

Let’s start with the basics: Accessibility. Crucial for a hotel aiming for "hottest" status. The niu Charly gets most of it right. Wheelchair accessible throughout, including elevators, rooms, and the lobby. The staff were genuinely helpful too, which is a massive win. Now, I didn’t personally need any specialized access so I can't give a comprehensive take, I'm trusting the reports though. No red flags jumped out during my stay, which is more than I can say for some places.

Rooms: Clean and Comfy… Mostly!

Okay, the rooms. They’re… compact. Let’s put it that way. But "compact" doesn’t equal "cramped." My room had this killer window that opened – a simple thing, but it made a HUGE difference. Breathing fresh air, the simple things! Air conditioning worked like a champ. Blackout curtains? Yes, please! Crucial for battling jet lag. Internet access? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! (And it was actually decent, unlike some budget hotels where you're better off tethering to your phone.) The bed was comfy, the linens crisp, though I swear the mattress was slightly too firm for my liking. But hey, personal preference, right? They have tons of things you would want; extra long bed, in-room safe box, ironing facilities, a fridge, and a desk to get some work done if need be. Daily housekeeping kept things tidy. It was all pretty solid.

Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound… Mostly!

This is a big deal right now, right? The niu Charly seemed to take it seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in hygiene protocols, and I noticed daily disinfection in common areas. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, individually-wrapped food options, and rooms sanitized between stays. I felt pretty safe and sound, which is a great feeling when you're traveling. They also have smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and CCTV.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Rollercoaster of Flavors… and Decisions!

First, the breakfast. Breakfast [buffet]. That was fun. They had a lot of options and I'm a buffet kind of guy. You can't beat a good Western breakfast, coffee, and juice. I'd rate it an 8/10!

The bar situation was…interesting. "Happy Hour" was definitely a thing, which is always a plus. They had a Poolside bar, and a snack bar. I could tell they were trying to be cool. There was a coffee/tea in restaurant and a juice bar, though they did not appear to have Asian cuisine in restaurant.

Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects… and Some Surprises

Doorman, Elevator, Concierge, 24-hour front desk. Standard stuff. There's a gift/souvenir shop. They offer dry cleaning and laundry service. Cash withdrawal? Check. Luggage storage? Yep. All the basics were covered. Oh, and they offer Air conditioning in public areas.

Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Fitness First! (And Then Some…?)

Okay, so relax. The niu Charly has some amenities. Fitness center! Gym/fitness! Yes, I hit it. Nothing fancy, but it did the job. They have a Sauna, a Steamroom, and Spa/sauna. I can see a lot of people liking that. Then there's the big one: Swimming pool with a view! Yes! That's awesome!

Getting Around: Easy Peasy

Free car park on-site. Airport transfer? Yep, they've got that. Taxi service always an option. If you're driving, it's super convenient.

The "SHOCK" Factor? Did it deliver?

Honestly, "SHOCK" is a bold claim. It didn't shock me in the way it implied. There wasn’t some mind-blowing, revolutionary experience. But it’s a fun hotel, it's got a cool vibe, and it's in a decent spot.

The Takeaway: Should You Stay?

Look, the niu Charly isn't perfect. It has its quirks. But it’s clean, relatively well-priced, generally accessible, and the staff are friendly. It’s a good option. I’d stay again.

Here's my slightly-less-than-perfect pitch for you:

Frankfurt Calling? Get "SHOCKED" (in a good way!) at the niu Charly!

Tired of boring hotels? Yearning for a Frankfurt experience with a little oomph? Buckle up, because the niu Charly is waiting! We're offering an experience that is quirky and all about the good times!

Experience The Vibe: Designed to be funky, Instagrammable, and buzzing.
Stay Comfortable: Experience the best rooms in the city.
Easy access and excellent wifi: Our WiFi and other options have you covered.
Eat, Drink, and be Merry: Enjoy a bar and restaurant experience.

Book now and get:

Our standard offers
Guaranteed good times

Don't just visit Frankfurt. Live it. Book your stay at the niu Charly today!

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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into my proposed itinerary for a stay at that… thing… the niu Charly hotel in Frankfurt. Hold on to your hats, because this ain't gonna be pretty.

The Frankfurt Fiasco: My Niu Charly Survival Guide (with a heavy dose of melodrama)

Day 1: Arrival & The Existential Dread of the Lobby

14:00 - Arrival at Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Okay, hurdle number one… surviving the airport. This is my official "looking frazzled but trying not to look like a total tourist" phase. I’m already sweating, because, well, Frankfurt, and my suitcase, the absolute bane of my existence, is probably going to be rolling off the carousel looking like it went ten rounds with Mike Tyson. Pray for me.
15:00 - Taxi/Train to the Niu Charly: Ugh. Transportation. Do I brave the train, with all its potential for missed connections and judgmental glances at my slightly-too-loud carry-on? Or do I surrender to the taxi gods? Decisions, decisions… Let's just say, I’m picturing myself arriving at the hotel looking like a soggy, crumpled piece of paper.
16:00 - Check-in & The First Impression Debacle: Arriving in the hotel. The website promised "quirky design" and "vibrant atmosphere", but honestly? I’m expecting a lobby that screams "This is where dreams… come to die slowly in a sea of lukewarm coffee and weary travelers." I hope I'm wrong. I honestly do. Maybe… maybe the front desk person will be nice. Maybe they’ll even offer me a cookie. Don't get your hopes up, though.
16:30 - Room Reconnaissance - The Great Unveiling: Key card in hand, I'm praying this room is not a concrete box with a view of the maintenance shed. I'm also hoping the bed is comfortable enough to collapse on after a long travel day. One thing I know, I cannot sleep on a lumpy bed.
17:00 - Meltdown in the Bathroom: Okay, so I get into the bathroom and start to settle down. I open some of my stuff. My contact lens solution appears to have exploded ALL OVER the bathroom. Great! Just great. Now my day is just ruined. I can’t even fix it, because I’m still trying to get settled down into my room.
18:00 - The Scavenger Hunt for Food - Or, "Where Can I Find a Decent Sausage Without Looking Like an Idiot?" I need sustenance. Stat. This is where the “looking-like-a-tourist” facade crumbles. I’m going to stumble around the area, desperately trying to find something edible that isn’t a sad-looking Pret a Manger sandwich. The search for authentic German food begins! This is where my stomach growls and I'm reminded that maybe I should have packed some more snacks.
19:30 - The First Meal (Maybe): Find a restaurant (hopefully not too close to the hotel, or I'll feel like I never left). Order something that sounds vaguely familiar, and pray it's not a complete culinary disaster. My taste buds are already preparing for war. The beer better be cold, I hope.
**21:00 - A Quick Walk, and Crushing Loneliness. ** Perhaps a stroll around the neighborhood to get my bearings. Maybe I'm going to be overwhelmed and return to the hotel. I'll be wandering the alleys by myself, and I start to think about my life choices, especially when I hear someone talking in their windows. I ask myself, is it all worth it?

Day 2: Culture Shock & Questionable Decisions

08:00 - Breakfast - The Hotel's Culinary Challenge: Okay, so I go downstairs for breakfast. Here comes the real test! Is it the standard continental spread of stale bread, processed cheese, and mystery meats? Or did they actually put some effort into this? I'm bracing myself for disappointment, but secretly hoping for a decent croissant.
09:00 - Museum Hop, Attempt #1: I'm going to try and visit a museum or two. I've heard Frankfurt has some good ones, and I feel like I should do something "cultural" besides stuffing my face with sausages. I've got a feeling I'll get lost. I’m usually terrible at reading maps, and I’ll probably end up wandering aimlessly for an hour or two.
12:00 - Museum Breakdown: I'm easily overwhelmed by art. I'll feel the pressure of having to "appreciate" everything… while secretly just wishing I could nap. I’m going to accidentally touch something I shouldn't. Or get stuck behind a tour group that moves at the speed of a sloth.
14:00 - Lunch… Again: Because museum tours and all that art is pretty draining. I'll need to find a place.
15:00 - Attempting to Understand the "Altstadt" (Old Town): Get lost in the picturesque Altstadt. Try to channel my inner historian… but end up just snapping pictures and thinking about where I can find the closest toilet.
17:00 - The Frankfurst Sausage Crisis (Round Two): I still need to have the perfect sausage experience. I’m talking a true explosion of flavors, a symphony of meat and spice in my mouth. This is important, people! It's about to happen.
18:00 - The River Walk & Existential Reflections (Again): Stroll along the Main River, pretending to be deep in thought. Probably will spend most of the time trying to figure out if that boat is worth going on.
20:00 - Dinner and Regret: Finding a restaurant again. I’ll probably make the wrong choices.

Day 3: Farewell, Frankfurt… and the Sweet Release of Leaving

08:00 - Another Breakfast, Another Prayer: Please, oh, please, let the breakfast be better than yesterday. Fingers crossed for those croissants.
09:00 - Last-Minute Souvenir Scramble: Panic! I haven't bought any souvenirs. I'll make a mad dash to whatever tourist shop is nearby and grab whatever looks vaguely authentic.
10:00 - Packing and Mental Preparation: Packing is the worst. I will inevitably bring too much and end up sitting on my suitcase, willing it to close. Mentally preparing myself for the inevitable airport chaos.
11:00 - Check-out & The Final Verdict: Saying goodbye to the niu Charly. Was it a disaster? An adventure? A middling experience? The verdict is still out. Give me my cookie, and I'll tell you.
12:00 - Journey to the Airport: Praying I reach the airport on time.
13:00 - Arrival at Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Back in action!
14:00 - Departure - Freedom!: Goodbye, Frankfurt! You gave me a run for my money, and honestly, I need a vacation from my vacation. On to the next adventure… whatever that might be.

Okay, so the itinerary is done. Wish me luck. And if you see a crumpled, slightly panicked person wandering around Frankfurt, that's probably me. Don’t hesitate to offer me a sausage (and maybe a hug). I need it.

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So, you wanna stay at the niu Charly in Frankfurt, huh? Good luck! I've been through the wringer with this place. Let's just say, it’s an *experience*. Here's the lowdown, straight from the (slightly frazzled) horse's mouth:

What's the overall vibe of the niu Charly? Is it, like, cool?

Okay, "cool" is subjective, right? But let's just say it's... *trying*. Think industrial chic meets… well, a teenager’s Instagram feed. Exposed pipes, neon signs, quirky artwork. It's definitely got a personality. Whether that personality is one you WANT to hang out with for more than a night? That's up for debate. I personally found the lobby a sensory overload the first time. Like, *whoa*. But after a few days, you kind of get used to it. Or maybe you just develop a tolerance for the visual noise.

Are the rooms actually okay? Because online photos are always a lie, aren’t they?

Ah, the rooms. The *rooms*. Right. Okay, so they're… compact. Let's go with "compact." Think, “Can I swing a cat in here?” (Answer: probably not.) The bed was comfy enough, actually. I gave it top marks there – a real life-saver after a long day of meetings. But the bathroom? TINY. Like, you-have-to-maneuver-strategically-to-avoid-elbowing-the-shower-wall kind of tiny. And the *noise*! Oh the noise. I swear, the walls were paper-thin. I heard my neighbor's phone vibrate at 3 AM. Not ideal. Honestly, the first night I was convinced I was going to leave. I nearly walked right back out and spent the night on a park bench. I'm dramatic, okay? But those rooms are a little *too* cozy for comfort, in my opinion.

What about the location? Is it easy to get around?

YES. Thank GOD, yes. The niu Charly is pretty well-placed. It’s in a good spot for getting around Frankfurt, near the main train station. You can walk to a lot of stuff, and the public transport is easy peasy. That was seriously the best thing about the whole stay, honestly. Made it much easier to tolerate the cramped room.

Is the breakfast any good? Because I NEED my breakfast, or I'm a monster.

Ugh, breakfast. Okay. It was a *buffet*. Always a mixed bag, right? They had the usual stuff: eggs, sausages, bread, fruit etc. It was… fine. Nothing to write home about, nothing awful. The coffee was pretty weak, which, for me, is a cardinal sin. But hey, it filled the hole. I’m a simple person, I just want my coffee *strong*.

What about the staff? Are they helpful?

Honestly, the staff were lovely! Super friendly and helpful. They all looked like they were having fun, which is always a good sign. I had a little issue with the air conditioning acting up (surprise, surprise), and they sorted it out right away. Smiling faces, all around. Big thumbs up on the service. Seriously, the staff are doing a great job.

Is there anything awesome about the niu Charly that I should know? Like, a hidden gem?

Okay, this is a tricky one. I wouldn’t say “awesome.” But, the common areas were nice for getting some work done. Always people in the lobby working, so it always felt busy. And the little bar was handy for a pre-dinner drink (or three). It wasn’t perfect, of course, but it actually was kinda nice. I’d be lying if I didn't say I enjoyed a couple of evenings there, winding down. So, not necessarily *awesome*, but definitely a plus.

Would you recommend the niu Charly? Be honest!

Okay, here's the truth. It depends. If you’re on a budget, traveling solo, and mainly need a place to crash, it's absolutely fine. The location is great, and the staff are lovely. If you're looking for luxury or a relaxing getaway, look elsewhere. Honestly? I probably wouldn’t *choose* to go back. But, if I was on a work trip and needed something central, and the price was right? I’d tolerate it. Just, you know, pack earplugs. And maybe bring your own coffee. And prepare for a visual onslaught in the lobby. But hey, it could be worse! I've stayed in places where the bed was a torture device. At least *that* wasn't the case here. So yeah… mixed feelings. Pretty mixed feelings.

What's the deal with the name, "niu Charly"? Is there a story?

Okay, I tried to figure this out. I asked. The website is vague about it. I *think* "niu" is supposed to indicate it's part of the "niu" hotel chain (I think it comes from the word "new"). And "Charly"? Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe there was a Charly involved in the design? Maybe it's a reference to a local hero? Maybe they just thought it sounded catchy. Frankly, I gave up trying to decipher it. It's a name. Move on!

Okay, finally! Anything negative? Any red flags?

Oh boy, where to start? Okay, I mentioned the noise. That was a BIG one. The walls are paper thin, and even with earplugs, I was still dealing with the sounds of the train... and the guy across the hall snoring. And the air conditioning in my room wasn't the greatest. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it didn’t. And the small space starts getting to you after day three. And, fine, I'll say it: the whole vibe is trying *too* hard to be trendy. After a while, the neon signs and the exposed brick, it gets a bit... old? But hey, these are minor complaints. Overall, it's a solid, if imperfect, choice.

Last question – would you go back? Really, really honest now…

Ugh, I don't know. I'Sleep Stop Guide

Frankfurt's Hottest Hotel? IHG's niu Charly Will SHOCK You!