Your guide to Frankfurt’s largest airport event venue: Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel and Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center

Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel and Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center

The Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel and Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center represents the first dual-brand concept for Marriott International.

Located at Frankfurt Airport, Europe’s busiest airport, it is also one of the largest airport hotels in Europe.

Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel and Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center are located under one roof, so guests have added convenience for both their stay and events. Once inside, there’s a lot to discover, and in this blog post, I’ll take you through everything these two hotels have to offer.

Top choice for large events in Europe

The location of both hotels is highly strategic, because it offers easy accessibility for international events. Event spaces and hotel rooms are just a short walk from arrival and departure gates.

Additionally, Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel and Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center stand out as large conference venues in Europe. Hosting events for over 1,000 people presents limited options across Europe, making Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel and Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center a top choice.

I spoke to Isabelle Salau, Multi-Property Director of Sales & Marketing at Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel and Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center and she shared with me:

‘We often compete with major European destinations like Madrid, Barcelona, or Warsaw. What truly sets Frankfurt apart is the international airport and our direct connection to it. It’s ideal for meeting organizers—direct flights from almost everywhere, no need for transfer arrangements, and the ability to host large events, which is unique.’ 

‘Our unique selling point is hosting a large number of guests in Frankfurt under one roof, with easy access, connectivity, and a single venue for major events.’

Dual Brand Concept 

But let’s quickly go back and look at how it became a dual-brand hotel.

Initially opened as the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center in 1975 with 555 rooms, the hotel expanded in 1984 and 1988 with the addition of two more buildings, bringing the total room count to 1,050. 

In January 2020, one of these buildings was transformed into the Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel, while the other two remained the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center. An extensive renovation that started in 2019 introduced the innovative dual-brand concept.

Now, the Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel and Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center is the world’s first dual-brand hotel, combining two of Marriott International’s premium brands under one roof. It is also one of the largest airport hotels in Europe.

Renovation of the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center

The major renovation of the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center began in 2019 with updates to 236 Premium and Sheraton Club Rooms, along with 10 suites, the Congress Center, and meeting rooms. 

In 2020, part of the Sheraton was transformed into the new Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel and in 2021, the Sheraton Club was added, along with renovations to Restaurant Flavors, The Bar, and the Davidoff Lounge. That same year, the lobby was remodeled, and The Eatery kitchen and bar was introduced. 

Between 2022 and 2023, over 500 guest rooms in the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel were renovated.

This innovative combination of both properties allows guests to choose the brand that best suits their preferences and needs, while still enjoying shared amenities and services, all within a single location.

Competitive advantage of an airport hotel 

I spoke with Rick Enders, General Manager of the Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel and Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center, to discover what sets this dual-brand hotel apart.

‘Frankfurt International Airport is one of the biggest hubs in Europe, and we are the first hotel leaving from Terminal 1. In the near future, there will be a direct connection to Terminal 3. From an event management perspective, this makes it incredibly convenient to fly in guests from all over the world—no need for taxis or buses. Guests can simply walk to the hotel. If they want to explore downtown Frankfurt, the S9 or S8 train will get them there in just 15 minutes.’

Being an airport hotel, the guests are not always the ones who want to be there, but have to be there due to flight delays. The hotel’s team ensures that they have an outstanding experience.

According to Rick Enders, ‘At the end of the day, every hotel chain sells beds. But the biggest impact comes from your associates. You need enough staff who truly care about the guests, because a happy guest is a returning guest. Many of our guests arrive unexpectedly due to flight cancellations or technical issues with their planes. While they may not always be in the best mood, this provides us with a unique opportunity. That first interaction allows us to turn their experience around and show them, “We understand the situation might not be ideal, but let us take care of you and ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, even if it’s just for the next 8 to 12 hours.”

‘One of the feedbacks we often receive is that we don’t feel like a typical airport hotel. Many guests say, ‘I booked an airport hotel, but the rooms are so nice and modern, we don’t even feel like we’re at the airport.’

‘The building was built in 1975, and even then, it was designed with advanced soundproofing. Guests don’t hear airplanes taking off or landing, allowing them to enjoy a quiet, restful stay and be ready for travel the next day.’

Unique Selling Points in Frankfurt’s competitive market

What many international visitors may be surprised to discover is that the airport is close to downtown Frankfurt. 

According to Isabelle Salau ‘Frankfurt offers event organizers a unique advantage with its airport located close to downtown, making offsite events in the city easily accessible. When meeting planners stay with us, they experience firsthand how seamlessly an event can take place in a good environment. The convenience for attendees—being able to stay until the last minute before heading straight to the airport—simplifies logistics for organizers.’ 

Local flavours at Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel and Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center 

The local cultural flair is also woven into the hotel experience. The Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel embraces themes inspired by Frankfurt’s renowned book fair. These themes are reflected in the decor of the rooms and the M Lounge.

Other examples of local flavours in the in-room amenities include Frankfurt specialties like apple wine and salt mixed with herbs from the famous Grüne Soße.

Guests can also visit the restaurant Taverne, where they can enjoy local German dishes for an authentic local experience.

How does the guest experience differ between both properties 

The Marriott has 233 bedrooms, catering mainly to individual travellers staying one night before flying out. It offers a different experience from the Sheraton, a larger property with 784 rooms. The Sheraton also features 58 meeting rooms and a Conference Center. That caters to a larger client segment. 

The Sheraton serves as a gathering place, ideal for both short stays and extended stays as well as events.

Guest rooms

Combined, both properties offer a total of 1,017 rooms. This includes over 500 rooms of the same category, making them ideal for hosting large groups.

I had the opportunity to stay in both properties on different occasions. During IMEX Frankfurt in May 2024, I stayed at the Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel. When I returned in August 2024 to explore the newly renovated Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center, I experienced a stay at the Sheraton.

The rooms at each property blend comfort, modern design, and functionality, offering a relaxing yet corporate atmosphere. Both properties provide spaciousness and modern amenities, catering to both leisure and business travellers. 

The Sheraton and Marriott Club rooms, in particular, offer enhanced comfort with check-in at the Clubs’ receptions. Guests also have access to both Club Lounges, which provide complimentary breakfast, refreshments, and workspaces.

Apartments and long-stay options

Additionally, the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center has 1-bed studios and 2-bed apartments tailored for long-term guests.

The Studios are equipped with a kitchenette, a Murphy bed, and a workspace. 

The 2-bed apartments come with a fully equipped kitchenette and a comfortable living area. They also feature a sofa that transforms into a Murphy bed, providing extra sleeping space. These apartments are directly connected to a Premium Room with either a King or Twin beds. Located on the top floor of the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center, the apartments offer a sense of tranquility amidst the bustling airport environment.

With the convenience of being ready to travel at a moment’s notice, this blend of comfort and connectivity is perfect for long-term guests. It allows them to feel at home without sacrificing proximity to the airport or easy access to the city center.

M Club and Sheraton Club

Both hotels have their own individual executive lounges: 

  • M Club at the Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel 
  • Sheraton Club at the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center

M Club at the Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel 

The M Club at the Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel is situated on the 9th floor and offers a direct view of The Squaire. Standing on the terrace, guests can watch planes approaching the new runway. 

The design is modern and stylish, inspired by the famous Frankfurt Book Fair. Guests can enjoy breakfast and afternoon refreshments in the lounge. They also have exclusive access to a small gym and sauna.

Spanning 600 sqm, the M Club is the largest club lounge in Europe, providing plenty of space to work and relax. When work is done, guests can have a drink on the terrace, watching the planes and the city lights. During my first stay at the Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel, my room was on the 9th floor. This added extra comfort and convenience during the busy trade show.

Sheraton Club at the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center

The Sheraton Club at the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center opened in 2021 after extensive renovation works and is located on the ground floor.

Its modern and sophisticated design with hues of blue meets the latest Sheraton brand standards and covers approximately 275 sqm. It’s a place to relax or work in a pleasant environment. 

Breakfast, afternoon snacks, and drinks are available for guests, and guests can get assistance at the reception desk for any kind of request, including their check-in.

Adjacent to the Club Lounge, there are also two additional meeting rooms that Sheraton Club guests can book for meetings.

Event spaces 

During my first visit to the Frankfurt Airport Marriott in May 2024, I experienced the event spaces firsthand when the IMEX Gala dinner was held at the Congress Center in the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center.

This was incredibly convenient during such a busy event for the international MICE industry that took place at Messe Frankfurt. With the show being so busy, it saved me a lot of time knowing I could simply return to my room, change, and walk over to the gala dinner right at the hotel.

I was also impressed by how they transformed the space, utilizing lighting, sound, and overall room setup to create a welcoming atmosphere for this prestigious event. 

Gala dinner was just one example of how the venue is suitable for important events of such scale. The venue is also suitable to accommodate up to 1,200 people for a conference. 

Meeting rooms

In addition to the expansive Congress Center, the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center has 58 meeting rooms. While a few of these rooms are located on the 3rd and E2 levels, the majority, including the Conference Center, are situated on the E1 level.

I had the opportunity to see several rooms set up in different configurations. Here are a few examples of what they offer:

SkyLoft

Another space I had the chance to experience firsthand was the SkyLoft, and the way it was utilized during IMEX really stood out to me. 

With many attendees staying at the Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel and Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center, the hotel team transformed the SkyLoft into a departure lounge. 

A final impression is just as important as the first, and the hotel team delivered it with a lasting touch that left their guests impressed and wanting to come for more!

SkyLoft offered local specialties like Frankfurter Grüne Soße, along with a range of healthy options, seasonal desserts, drinks, and coffee. The setup included a quiet room for relaxation, and a DJ added to the lounge-like atmosphere. 

It was a thoughtful touch that beautifully wrapped up my IMEX Frankfurt experience this year!

Studios 1 & 2

Another standout meeting room at the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center that stood out is the Studios. 

Isabelle Salau shared that they are currently piloting a real-time reservations project, making them one of the first hotels in Europe to offer this service. This system allows travellers to book meeting spaces online, which is especially ideal for small, last-minute meetings. 

It’s a convenient solution for travellers and organisers alike. ‘We’re excited to be part of this pilot,’ Isabelle said. ‘It will make booking our smaller boardrooms and meeting spaces, even for just a few hours or a half-day, much easier through an online platform.’

Participants can also take advantage of the gastronomy offer at the Eatery Kitchen and Bar, located just next to it during their meetings. 

Dining and F&B Outlets

Both hotels offer three dining options for both hotel guests and outside visitors who come to dine in one of the restaurants. Each of the three has a unique concept. 

The Eatery Kitchen and Bar draws inspiration from the American East and West Coasts. Located between the two hotels, it’s a casual restaurant with a large bar. It also includes a takeaway corner, including “We proudly serve Starbucks”, where guests can grab a quick coffee, sandwich, salad, or cake to go. 

It’s a mix of people enjoying drinks, dining in, or picking up something on the run.

Restaurant Flavors serves breakfast in the morning and transforms into a steakhouse in the evening, offering a fine dining experience. 

This year, Taverne opened, offering a traditional German dining experience. It’s perfect for guests staying just one night in Frankfurt who may not have time to explore the city but still want to enjoy authentic local cuisine. The restaurant also offers an area that can be privatized for events.

In addition to the restaurants, there is The Bar and the Davidoff Lounge, which focus on high-quality cocktails and beverages.

With this range of food and beverage options, there’s something for every guest.

Wellness and fitness experience

For guests looking to maintain their fitness and wellness routines on the go, both hotels offer excellent facilities. 

At the Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel, M Club guests have access to the M Club Fitness Center, which includes a small gym and sauna. Meanwhile, the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center has a larger, well-equipped gym that is open 24/7, as well as sauna and steam rooms. The Sheraton gym and sauna are also accessible to Marriott guests.

Additionally, guests can unwind at the SKY LOUNGE, a massage and wellness day spa located near the lobby entrance. Although externally managed, it offers access for both hotel guests.

Upcoming projects 

One big project coming up for Frankfurt Airport is Terminal 3. Once completed, the hotel will have a direct connection to the skyline train. This means that passengers will be able to exit the train at The Eatery restaurant and head straight into the hotel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nothing in Frankfurt compares to the size and location of this dual-brand hotel. 

Its position within Frankfurt Airport is ideal for international events. Once inside, guests have access to a comprehensive offering with rooms, event spaces, and dining options all under one roof. 

This setup simplifies planning and logistics for international events while upholding the high standards of the Marriott International brand. 

Additionally, guests can enjoy a taste of local flair throughout the hotel, experiencing Frankfurt even if they’re only staying briefly. For those wanting to explore more, downtown Frankfurt is just a short, seamless journey away.

Header photo: exterior view of Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel and Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center. Photo copyright: Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel and Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center.

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