What it is

A palatial German villa, built in 1901 and named for President John F. Kennedy following his 1963 tour.

What it isn't

A total throwback. Swedish decorator Martin Brudnizki infused each room with streamlined tailoring and pops of only-in-the-21st-century pattern.

What we think

Just ask Prince Harry: life in a castle isn’t always a royal delight—it can be too far removed from urban thrills. Villa Kennedy combines the best of princely architecture (soaring ceilings, show stopping colonnades) with the things any citified soul delights in, including proximity to bucket-listed museums (Arkitechturnmuseum, Stadel) and on-site restaurants helmed by Italian celebrity chef Fulvio Pierangelini where dishes include fried calamari with zucchini blossoms. Rooms are clean-lined (this is Germany) but not without senses of humor, in the form of heated mosaic floors in the bathrooms and sitting area upholstery as saturated as an Anthropologie catalogue.

You're here because

Unlike actual castles, Villa Kennedy is kid-friendly enough for the whole brood: there are treasure hunts, children’s menus (in both the spa and restaurant) and teddy bears at-the-ready. Don’t be surprised if Will and Kate show up with a certain trifecta.

The Moment

Your shoulders drop even further when you enter the four-story spa, where an outdoor courtyard, 15-metre pool and finnish sauna beckon. After a full body apricot scrub and a rub-down with an herbal compress cream, you feel like a whole new you.

Restaurants & Bars

- Gusto - Award-winning restaurant with an innovative Italian menu

- Bar JFK - A vibrant bar featuring expertly mixed cocktail, cognacs, malt whiskies and wines

Location

Within the former home of the banking kingpin Speyer family, in central Frankfurt, along the Main River. The airport is a ten minute drive away.