Frankfurt bound? Luxe it up at Villa Kennedy—a longtime favorite in “Mainhattan,” Germany’s bustling financial district on the River Main. The first of the three Rocco Forte hotels in Germany, Villa Kennedy occupies the Villa Speyer, which was built in 1901 on the river’s south bank as the residence of a Frankfurt banking family.
Villa Kennedy has recently unveiled four new signature suites named after major figures of the Kennedy era. These 1960s icons include Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn Monroe. Decorated by Olga Polizzi, director of design for Rocco Forte Hotels, each suite reflects these individual personalities, with a design anchored in the era. (To quote the official press release: “Timeless and elegant like Jackie, striking and classic like JFK.”)
Why Kennedy? It’s a nod to President John F. Kennedy’s historic visit to Frankfurt in 1963. In decorating the suites, Olga Polizzi worked closely with German artisans to create a strong sense of place. Here are some examples: The floors of the sitting rooms are crafted from timber from the Bavarian forest, while the bookcases are handmade by local craftsman Lenz—stocked with German and English classic books. Upholstery is by Zimmer + Rhode, a leading German textile company, and the bedrooms have curtains by Jab Anstoetz.
Suite amenities include walk-in closets, fully stocked bars and large, mosaic-lined bathrooms equipped with walk-in showers and underfloor heating. Guests staying in these suites are privy to additional perks, including return limousine transfers, breakfast, packing service, pressing of two garments and in-house movies.
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