At the edge of the old town, this property sits opposite the city gardens and Crowne Plaza. Posh in attitude and physique, this is easily the top hotel in town. This six-story structure comprises three wings of various vintages, with the original wing dating from 1865. The overall look is traditional and plush, except in the magnificent new spa, where world-class contemporary style is displayed on each of the facility's five floors.
A discreet cobblestoned entrance is set off the street and handsomely landscaped. It buffers the entrance from the chaos outside. The discreet little reception desk also works as a monitor for comings and goings, which means guests' privacy is ensured. Farther in, a lovely art-filled gallery acts as the crossroads for the hotel. On one side is an intimate fireplace lounge; on the other is a long lounge with Oriental rugs atop creaky parquet floors and old-world portraits hanging on the walls.
A small flight of stairs drops to a breakfast room peering out to a shady courtyard through draped windows. Along the street is Die Kurfurstenstube, the signature restaurant, open for lunch and dinner (it closes in summer, when the garden restaurant takes its place). The debonair staff, wine rack, cheese display and rich contrast of yolk-yellow walls with dark inlaid paneling create an enchanting traditional effect. The cafe has quicker, less expensive meals, but style never wanes. A cozy art-deco-inspired bar and shops invite lingering.
Finally, after more than 100 years, the hotel's recreational void has been filled, and the wait appears to have been worth it: This is one of the best and most beautiful health clubs in the country. It encompasses five floors, and guests have free access to the well-equipped gym with LCD-screen TVs and views of the castle. A nominal fee allows guests to use the saunas, steam bath, whirlpool, tanning booth, rooftop sun terrace, complimentary juice and fruit bar, large shower and 
impressive indoor pool. The exquisitely designed stainless steel infinity pool may look a little small, but turn on the jets and the best of swimmers are put to the test.
Up to 350 people can meet in 10 modern-equipped, but extravagant, period meeting rooms, and a 200-slot garage tops off the amenities. The 24-hour minibus to the airport in Frankfurt exacts a fee.
Guest rooms are designed for recluses, with thick, heavy doors and illuminated multilingual "Do Not Disturb" signs. The older the room, the more spacious it is, but all tend toward conservative contemporary decor with voguish neutral color schemes. All of the Garden rooms have been spruced up but still show some dated appointments that do not meet the standards found in the public areas. Some of the older rooms verge on dowdy, but all are attractively furnished and bear the same long list of amenities. In most, the counters along 
one wall incorporate desks, TVs, minibars and luggage benches, and trouser presses and shiny modern nightstands flank the beds. Note that not all rooms are air-conditioned, but all rooms offer wireless high-speed Internet access. Marble baths have fine chrome fittings, heated towel racks, luxurious toiletries, dual basins and WCs. Many rooms in the side wings overlook the avenues. Front rooms in the oldest section can be noisy, but all others are adequately soundproofed.
Room service operates during regular hours. In its third generation of family management, this hotel continues to impress visitors, both on business and pleasure trips, with the kind of unique regional style and faultlessly polite service missing in chain hotels. However, the conservative milieu may impinge on the young at heart. The smaller Hirschgasse is the more romantic alternative.