Novum Hotel Continental Frankfurt (Frankfurt, Germany)

The majority of positive reviews start by praising this hotel's proximity to the train station. Easily reached from there on-foot, the hotel is also a short walk to the historic town centre and the hugely-popular Christmas market. Taxis and trams are also available just outside the property.

Arrivals are invariably delighted to step into their bright and well-appointed rooms. Living spaces are huge, spotlessly clean and feature all the modern conveniences required by the contemporary traveller. Beds are supremely comfortable while massive bathrooms with deep tubs are a welcome sight for sore-footed tourists.

The buffet breakfast comes highly-recommended by reviewers who appreciate the plentiful hot and cold options which are both fresh and frequently replenished. Businesspeople are often grateful that the buffet starts so early, while partygoers are frequently delighted to find the buffet still open when they finally rise.

While many appreciate the hotel's proximity to the station, for others, the consequent noise spoils their sleep. Trains run into the night and resume in the early hours, which means some rooms are almost always effected, while trams, car horns, trash trucks and revellers add to the cacophony.

The surrounding area is popular with beggars and some guests arriving with expensive handbags and laptops have attracted the interests of opportunistic thieves. A clutch of people checking in have had items whisked off in the blink of an eye and urge other visitors to be extra vigilant.

Some guests have been less than impressed with the attitudes of certain staff members. New arrivals have not always experienced a warm welcome, and those reporting issues to or making requests of personnel have not always received an appropriate response, but rather indifference, surliness and confrontational attitudes.