Hotel Gerbermühle in Frankfurt am Main

I don’t usually write reviews, but our experience at this so-called “hotel” was so appalling it would be a disservice not to warn others. From the moment we arrived, the entrance looked more like a neglected storage yard than a hotel. Hire bikes and rubbish were strewn around the entrance, making for a grim first impression. Stepping into reception, we were immediately swarmed by flies — yes, inside. The receptionist didn’t greet us, didn’t even look up. We were left standing awkwardly, ignored. To add to the chaos, her child was in reception, wandering freely and even came over to us. Unprofessional doesn’t begin to cover it. It felt like we were intruding on someone’s living room, not checking into paid accommodation. During check-in, the iPad system wouldn’t let me select my nationality. The receptionist entered it herself — incorrectly — and when I pointed out the mistake, her response was patronising and dismissive: “It’s in German.” I appreciated her speaking in our first language, but I know enough German to recognise that I am not American. No apology, no correction — just arrogance. Things only got worse from there. Our room had multiple flies buzzing around, despite all doors and windows being tightly shut. The smell led us to believe we were above a kitchen. The sink tap was broken, and everything about the room felt grubby and uncared for. The armchair was so worn it still held the grooves of previous guests. It was depressing, unsanitary, and frankly unfit for paying customers. When we raised the issue of the flies, the receptionist was rude and dismissive yet again, brushing us off with, “We’re near trees and a river.” As though that excuses an infestation and lack of basic hygiene. We decided to leave and booked another place — easily the best decision we made all trip. But even then, the lack of professionalism continued. The receptionist didn’t have the basic manners to come out and speak with us. Instead, she sent a young staff member to handle it, clearly unwilling to take any responsibility for the disgraceful state of the room and her manners. This wasn’t just a disappointing experience — it was an insult to anyone expecting even the bare minimum of hospitality. Avoid this place at all costs.