Frankfurt in Style: Sofitel Opera, Gourmet Bites & Hidden Westend Gems
Nestled in the heart of Frankfurt for just two magical days in February, I checked into the stunning Sofitel Frankfurt Opera and let the city's blend of historic charm and modern energy unfold. From the hotel's French-inspired elegance opposite the iconic Alte Oper to leisurely walks through leafy Westend, indulgent spa sessions, and unforgettable meals at nearby gems, this short escape felt perfectly balanced - luxurious yet approachable, cultured yet relaxed.
Images courtesy of Sofitel Frankfurt Opera
My stay at the Sofitel Frankfurt Opera felt like stepping into a perfect blend of French elegance and Frankfurt’s vibrant energy. I arrived on a crisp afternoon, and the whole experience from the moment I pulled up was seamless and welcoming. The hotel sits right on Opernplatz, directly opposite the grand Alte Oper (Old Opera House). The entrance is understated yet refined - a classic stone façade with the Sofitel name glowing above the revolving door. As soon as my taxi stopped, a doorman in a sharp uniform greeted me by name (they must have noted my reservation), took my bags, and escorted me inside.
The lobby is stunning: a dramatic, light-filled atrium with soaring ceilings, a sweeping circular design, plush velvet sofas in warm gold and beige tones, elegant columns, and contemporary art pieces. It has that signature Sofitel “French Art de Vivre” feel, quite sophisticated without being stuffy, with warm lighting, fresh flowers, and a calm buzz of activity. Check-in was quick and personal. The front desk staff were genuinely warm, recognized my loyalty status right away, and upgraded my welcome amenities (a nice touch of macarons and a handwritten note). They explained everything clearly - the Wi-Fi, spa access, breakfast times and within minutes I was in the elevator (those smart card-activated lifts that call the fastest one are a clever detail). No waiting, no hassle. It set a relaxed, luxurious tone for the entire stay.
The hotel only opened in late 2016, but it feels like it has soul and history. French architect Nicolas Adnet designed it inspired by the grand 17th- and 18th-century French hôtel particulier (private aristocratic mansions). The result is a modern palace that mixes timeless French classical touches with contemporary luxury and subtle nods to Frankfurt.
What makes it truly unique is the romantic thread running through it: the restaurant is named Schönemann after Lili Schönemann, the great love of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Frankfurt’s most famous son). The whole hotel weaves in this poetry of Goethe’s passion and the city’s heritage with French flair. It’s not just another business hotel in the financial district - it feels cultured, artistic, and alive. The interior vibe is elegant yet approachable: soft neutral palettes, rich textures (velvet, wood paneling, marble), beautiful lighting, and art everywhere. It’s glamorous and cozy at the same time, perfect for both a romantic getaway and a sophisticated city break.
Even in my Classic Room (the entry-level category at around 30 m²), the design shone through. Rounded walls in some areas create an intimate feel, the Sofitel MyBed was heavenly, and details like Diptyque products, Bose sound system, and big windows overlooking the square made it special.
Special Features That Stood Out
Location is unbeatable, steps from the opera, shopping on Goethestrasse, the financial district, and easy walks to the Römer and river.
French-German fusion everywhere: Parisian service style meets efficient German hospitality.
Smart little touches like the art de vivre experiences (they sometimes have cultural events or exhibitions).
The So SPA (which I already raved about) is a real standout - that 25-meter pool in the middle of the city is rare.
Speaking of the spa… I spent serious time there. The So SPA is a peaceful 400 m² oasis with black-and-white mosaic tiles, soft lighting, and a hushed atmosphere. The indoor pool was my morning ritual - crystal clear and perfect for laps. The sauna and steam bath (hammam) were excellent, especially with the ice fountain for contrast showers. I loved the relaxation lounge with herbal teas and loungers. I treated myself to a deep-tissue massage with Sothys products and left completely rejuvenated. It’s connected to a high-end fitness club too, but the spa alone is worth the stay.
Breakfast at Schönemann
Breakfast in the Schönemann restaurant was one of the highlights. The space is chic and bright, with big windows framing the Opernplatz view, plush seating in vibrant colors (mustard yellows and soft greys), and walls adorned with striking black-and-white photography. It perfectly captures that Goethe-Lili romance mixed with modern bistro elegance.
The spread combined the best of both worlds: French pastries (flaky croissants and pains au chocolat that tasted straight out of Paris), German breads and rolls, a generous cheese and charcuterie board, fresh fruits, smoked salmon, and yogurt parfaits. The hot section had perfectly cooked eggs, crispy bacon, and some local Hessian touches. I loved ordering à la carte - the Eggs Benedict was flawless. Staff were attentive, refilling my excellent coffee without me asking twice. I’d linger for nearly an hour each morning, watching the square come to life. It’s not an endless super-buffet, but the quality and atmosphere made it feel special (and yes, around €40 if not included).
Lunch at Sunny Side Up Westend turned out to be one of the nicest surprises during my stay in Frankfurt. The café is tucked away on Feldbergstraße 31, right in the heart of the charming Westend district, a leafy upscale neighborhood full of beautiful old Gründerzeit buildings, quiet streets, and a relaxed almost village-like atmosphere.
The vibe and arrival Sunny Side Up has that perfect bright airy modern-café feel with lots of natural light pouring through big windows, light wood furniture, plenty of green plants, and a small but cozy outdoor terrace (which was unfortunately too chilly that day). The place was buzzing with a nice mix of locals including young professionals on lunch breaks, couples, and a few families. Service was super friendly and efficient. I was greeted with a smile and seated quickly even though it was fairly busy.
The food I went for one of their signature bowls, the Rainbow Bowl or a very close variation of it. It was beautifully presented in a wide shallow metal bowl with a base of perfectly cooked basmati rice, chickpeas and black beans (both nicely seasoned), fresh broccoli, avocado slices, and vibrant yellow cauliflower florets. There was also a generous dollop of creamy white tahini sauce and a bright beetroot hummus (that vivid pink color really pops).
Everything was fresh, well-balanced, and surprisingly filling. The tahini sauce was rich but not heavy, the beet hummus had a lovely earthy sweetness, and the combination of crunchy veggies, creamy avocado, and hearty beans plus rice made it feel both healthy and satisfying. It was exactly the kind of lunch you want after a few rich hotel breakfasts. Price-wise it was around €14–15, which felt very fair for the portion size and quality in this area.
The sweet finish Before I left I couldn’t resist one of their homemade energy balls from the counter display, a coconut-coated bliss ball packed with dates, nuts, and probably some oats. It was the perfect little sweet treat to round off the meal, chewy, naturally sweet, and not overly sugary. I popped it in my bag for later but honestly I ate it within 10 minutes of leaving because it was too good.
Black coffee to go I finished with a large black coffee to take away. They use a solid house blend (I think it was from a local Frankfurt roaster), smooth and not too bitter. The barista poured it into a nice compostable cup with a proper lid, and off I went.
The walk through Westend and into the city With my coffee in hand and the sun actually peeking out I started wandering, and Westend is one of the most pleasant neighborhoods in Frankfurt for exactly that. I first strolled along Feldbergstraße and Friesenstraße, admiring the elegant Altbau old buildings with their stucco façades, wrought-iron balconies, and tall windows. Many of them are now home to boutique offices, galleries, and very nice apartments. The streets are lined with big plane trees, and even in January, there was still a bit of green left. From there I headed towards the Palmengarten Botanical Garden. I didn’t go inside this time but I walked along the fence and peeked at the beautiful glasshouses and the tops of exotic trees. Just across the street is the Grüneburgpark, a lovely park with wide lawns, a little pond, and plenty of benches. I sat for a few minutes sipping my coffee and watching locals walking their dogs and joggers doing laps.
Then I continued south passing the impressive IG Farben Building (now Goethe University’s Westend Campus), a massive almost brutalist structure from the 1930s that’s strangely fascinating. From there it’s an easy 15–20 minute walk down Senckenberganlage to the city center. I ended up at Goetheplatz and the Zeil shopping street, then looped back towards Opernplatz and the Sofitel. The whole walk took about 90 minutes at a relaxed pace covering roughly 4.5–5 km. It was the perfect way to digest lunch, get some fresh air, and really feel the contrast between the quiet residential elegance of Westend and the busier more urban energy of central Frankfurt.
Dinner at AMOROSO an der Alten Oper was the perfect elegant Italian evening right next door to my hotel at the Sofitel. The restaurant sits at Opernplatz 8, literally steps from the iconic Alte Oper, so the location could not be more prime. It's that spot where you get the grand view of the restored opera house glowing at night, framed by the surrounding skyscrapers of the financial district, creating this beautiful contrast between classical beauty and modern city energy.
I walked over in the early evening, and the place was already lively with a nice mix of locals, business people, and visitors. The entrance opens to a stylish interior with warm lighting, modern yet comfortable seating, and large windows that let you people-watch the square outside. In warmer months they have a big terrace that's famous for its direct opera view, but since it was cooler, I opted for an indoor table near the window. The vibe is upscale casual Italian: refined without being pretentious, with attentive service from staff who clearly know their wines and dishes. Owner Ciriaco Amoroso has built a reputation for genuine hospitality since opening around 2017, and it shows in the personal touches.
I started light but went straight into the mains with a perfectly cooked beef fillet (or a tender steak medallion style). It arrived as this beautifully seared, medium-rare piece on a wide gray ridged plate, topped with a single cherry tomato, fresh rosemary sprigs, and a light jus that pooled just enough without overwhelming. The crust had that ideal peppery seasoning and herb aroma, and the meat was juicy, tender, and full of flavor – classic Italian grill work done right. No heavy sauces here; it let the quality of the beef shine.
To balance it I ordered a side of seasonal vegetables, which came in a deep black ridged bowl looking rustic and generous: roasted new potatoes with golden skins, bright green broccoli florets, tender green beans, wilted spinach (or similar leafy greens), glazed carrots and sweet potato wedges, plus some charred red peppers for smokiness. Everything was perfectly al dente where it should be, lightly seasoned with herbs, olive oil, and a touch of garlic – fresh, colorful, and exactly what you need after a rich main. It felt thoughtful and not just an afterthought side.
For dessert I couldn't resist the panna cotta, presented on a textured glass-like plate dusted with powdered sugar. The panna cotta itself was a smooth, wobbly dome of creamy vanilla perfection, topped with a glossy mango or passion fruit sauce layer (that vibrant orange crown), a delicate green mint leaf dusted in sugar, and surrounded by a mix of fresh berries: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Thin trails of vanilla or lemon sauce artfully zigzagged around it. It was light yet indulgent, the creaminess cutting through the fruit's tartness beautifully – a spot-on finale.
I paired it all with a glass of Italian red (probably a solid Chianti or similar from their well-curated list – wines here lean toward quality Italian and some German selections, though prices start higher).
The whole dinner felt civilized and satisfying: portions generous enough without excess, flavors balanced, and service smooth. It wasn't rushed; I lingered over the last sips, watching the Opernplatz lights come on fully. Prices are on the upscale side for Frankfurt (mains around €30+, desserts €10–12), but for the location, quality, and atmosphere it felt worth it – especially being so close to the Sofitel that I could stroll back in minutes.
