Germany - 3
Girlahead’s stay at Taj Hessischer Hof Frankfurt it not only memorable for the omnipresent attention of GM Albert Mayr but the thoughtfulness of his lovely staff, including two who made a special impression, head housekeeper Sylvie and the top concierge Max Klinnert. This is a guy for whom nothing is too much trouble. He walked Girlahead to her off-site lunch. He took care of the much-loved Rimowa, above, when it needed urgent surgery, and he arranged a memorable three-hour visit to Rheingau.
Driver Siegfried was waiting with his Mercedes, and the three-hour tour was complemented by glorious sunny weather. First to Kloster Eberbach, a monastery that goes back to 1136 - there's a hotel attached, lovely grounds and vineyards all around, plenty of places to sit with a tasting of wines (Girlahead’s favourite was Kloster Eberbach 2023 Steinberger Zehbtstück Riesling Trocken). They have a lot of events going on. In fact, there's something at least twice a week. From there, meander along to the Niederwald Monument, put up to commemorate the Franco-Prussian War, 1870-71, the establishment of the German Empire and the proclamation of the Prussian king as German emperor, William I, in 1871. It's actually very moving, particularly if the weather is favourable. It's one of those quiet occasions which relies on the monument of silence.
Luxury hotels worldwide are desperately searching for unique experiences that will entice business to their establishments. Next visit to Frankfurt, Girlahead wants to spend more time in Rheingau (actually to drink some wine), to tour more of Westend and experience the spa at Taj Hessischer Hof….
