Yesterday I was in Frankfurt on business and was booked into the Intercity Hotel across from the train station. I only hope that the company saved money, because comfort was certainly not an issue.

It is true that one hears no train noise. However, the noise inside the hotel is considerable. Doors banging, closets in the adjacent room opening, elephantine footsteps on the next floor, etc.

I was given a room on the ground floor, where "in case of fire" the door to the bar/lobby is not allowed to be shut (I tried); ergo I was treated gratis to a concert of loud-mouthed drinkers until 1 a.m. To balance that out, the maids started rattling glassware, carts, etc., at 6:30 a.m. One of them tried to enter my room before 9 a.m.

But the real kicker was the TV unexpectedly waking me at 6 a.m. I turned it off, fuming at a system which allowed the instructions of a previous guest to disturb my sleep. Unsuccessfully wooed Morpheus until 7:30 a.m. when the TV blared again. This time I called the receptionist, who, flustered, assured me someone would come to check. Thirty minutes later, having given up hope of succour and still gamely trying to rest, I received a call from the front desk saying I had neglected to press the OK button for a call left the previous evening, therefore the TV would continue to remind me. (At midnight when I entered my room, the omniscent TV had told me that a call had come. In vain I sought information from the TV and from the front desk. I was assured no call had come. Not true.)

Even the manager attempted (admittedly, in not quite in so many words) to persuade me that these disturbances of sleep were my fault for having failed to press the OK button (also not true). Should I add that the remote control for the television was far from self-explanatory?

Another colleague was awakened at 3 a.m.! But at least only once.

I had to request that the soap containers be filled. No shower caps, shampoo, etc. Drains sluggish. Pillow was thin, although upon request an extra was provided.

The A/C did work.

The only other positive aspect was the not-quite-automatic offer of a free CombiTicket for public transportation. I received one at check-in, but other colleagues had to ask for it.

One expects no better from the former proprietors of this hotel chain, but it is now owned and operated by the Steigenberger group. From THEM even transient guests should expect more.

The Intercity Hotel is a cozy, comfortable hotel in the heart of Frankfurt. I found the staff to be very helpful and pleasent. The rooms were small, but that seems to be standard for Europe. The only problem I had was when I booked I booked in for a rate of 79euro a night and ended up being charged 92euros a night. I was unable to rectify this with the hotel, probably due to the laguage barrier (I cannot speak German at all). And I did not have a print out of my booking to prove what I was supposed to pay. Otherwise it was a very pleasent experience. Just make sure you have proof of what your rate is supposed to be.

Conveniently located across the street from the Hauptbahnhof, hotel guests get a pass that gives them free access to all the various public transportation around Frankfurt, including to the airport. We did a lot of hopping on and off the U-bahn to get around town. Our room was quiet even though we were so close to the train station.

The hotel has entire floors that are non-smoking, and we found a yummy Thai restaurant just around the corner. The hotel restaurant has an extensive buffet for breakfast - much more than we needed, but we tried it once. Dinner was good there, too.

If you get a call while you are out, the TV is on in your room displaying the message - nice way to not miss anything important.

Location: Excellent. Right across the street from the main train station. In the heart of the city centre. Within walking distance to everything. Easy access to all forms of public transportation if you need to go outside of the downtown area.

Room: Small. Bed and sheets are clean but carpets and walls are a bit stained and dusty. No amenities provided in the bathroom. Shower is small. No bath.

Service: Excellent. Everyone at front desk speaks excellent English and is very friendly and helpful.

Other: They provide a complimentary transportation pass for your stay so you can access public transportation for free.

Restaurants: Adolf Wagner. Wega. Just off Schweizer Platz station. Highly recommend both.

Overall: Would stay here again because of the location or for a short stay. Not suitable for a romantic getaway or a longer-term stay. And to respond to previous about safety of the location - I found it was totally fine. It is just off the red light district - unlike other hotels who are right in the midst of it. There are a few unsavory individuals that hang out right outside the main entrance to the railway station (very few and they will not bother you) but use the side entrance across from the hotel and you will avoid them if it concerns you.