Hyatt Regency MainzMainz is the capital of Rhineland Pfalz, situated South-West of the centre of Germany. Just 25 minutes from Frankfurt Airport by direct train, the Hyatt Regency Mainz in this once-Roman city is easy to get to and so much better than the airport options in Frankfurt. In addition, Mainz itself is worth at least a long weekend stay - there is plenty to see from cruises on the river to visits to the local vineyards.
The hotel is well located for tourists, on the west bank of the Rhine, a short and pleasant stroll away from the old town. Uniquely, it incorporates the 19th century Fort Malakoff. We were there on the Friday after Ascension Day and there was a wonderful market in town with lots of fresh fruit (strawberries are a must buy if in season), cheeses, meats and flowers. We can recommend the hand cream from the honey stall (a bargain 3 tubes for €5) - the market is worth devoting an hour or so to. We are definitely going back for the wine festival (last week August and first week September) though you can sample and buy wines in the shade of The Dom at least two market days per week. Near the market is the Gutenberg museum and cathedral - we wandered from here up to the Zitadelle, which offers panoramic views over the city. Club DeluxeOn our first stay at the hotel, back in 2013, we had used a Hyatt diamond certificate to upgrade to a suite. Shortly before the stay, we were contacted by the hotel to apologise because they had over-sold their suites. We were offered some points as compensation plus invited to have dinner in the restaurant - we felt this was fair and we enjoyed our stay.
Due to the mix-up the hotel guaranteed us a Club Deluxe room for our short stay (they only have a few of these so the room cannot be guaranteed as a standard upgrade for diamond members). This is a studio-suite style room, offering 45 square meters. Our room was on the corner of the hotel, offering beautiful views of the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers. As the hotel currently only has 3 suites (more are planned as part of the refit) diamond confirmed suite upgrades are difficult to secure. The Club Deluxe room is available as an alternative to upgrade to using the suite upgrade certificate - if you have a stay longer than a couple of nights, we would recommend doing this as the deluxe room is spacious, airy and you will enjoy the view. Club LoungeThe club lounge in Mainz is small and perhaps not large enough during periods of high occupancy. However, on our stay, we had no problems finding a window table at 17:30 and despite having to leave the lounge on business, still found a free window table on returning at 19:00.
Food and drink were of good quality - we really enjoyed our tuna salad with roasted mediterranean vegetables and pine nuts (we combined multiple items on the buffet) and many others seemed to be enjoying the soup. Small cakes were provided; however, we returned to our room to enjoy the fresh fruit bowl and the strawberries we had bought at market. In the morning, we ate breakfast in Bellpepper, the main restaurant so cannot comment on the spread in the lounge. LeisureThe spa area was recently renovated and is fresh and inviting. Although the gym doesn't have a rowing machine (why is it so rare to find one in hotels?) there is a reasonable range of cardio equipment and weights. A small but welcoming swimming pool and jacuzzi, as well as sauna and steam room are available to soak weary muscles after working out.
The spa offers a range of treatments - perhaps most unusual is that a specific Thai massage room has been designed - much better than on a normal massage bed. Products are German brands - Babor and Amala - nice to see a hotel supporting local companies. The one disappointment in the spa was the couple's treatment room. Although there is a room for couples with 2 beds and a small sitting area, so much more could have been made of the room by adding a jacuzzi bath (either inside or in the small outside area), a shower and perhaps a relaxation area. |
Regency Club RoomsStandard Regency Club rooms come in Queen, King or Twin variety with a river or city view. Rooms with a river view have an Asian-style wet room with shower and bathroom in the same enclosure, whereas the city-view rooms have a bath and a completely separate shower enclosure. We prefer the former, as it tends to provide more room in the shower, but it's good to have the choice. Whilst the river view is stunning, don't feel disappointed if you receive a city-view room - the skyline is interesting and whets your appetite for a stroll around the old town.
In general, the Twin rooms feel a little cramped (at 27-30 square metres the beds take up a lot of room) but the Queen and King rooms feel quite spacious for a standard room. Rooms have air-con and openable windows (not always a given), as well as the normal amenities you would expect. Unfortunately, no Nespresso coffee machines are in the club rooms, only the suites. Renovations are due to begin by 2015, so it will be interesting to see what changes occur. Whilst the rooms are ready to be refreshed, they are clean and remain a pleasant place to spend a night. Regency Suite KingOn this stay, we were surprised and naturally delighted to be upgraded to a large suite on the 6th floor. Although only staying 1 night, we made good use of the suite and will definitely try to stay again in the same room (even fully-paid rates offer good value). Currently the hotel only has 3 suites (this will change after renovations) so book early to secure.
At 90 square metres, the suite is very large and offers a spacious living area, perfect for entertaining (complete with sitting area and dining area for 6), as well as a standard-sized bedroom with walk-in wardrobe. For Mrs d2t the best feature was the huge bath (plenty big enough for 2) in the main bathroom, as well as the large shower and twin sinks. A guest cloakroom near the entrance completed the suite. Although we selected points as the welcome amenity, the suite came with a bottle of local red wine, a fresh fruit bowl offering plenty of choice and, showing the hotel's personal service, a tasty chocolate madeleine - dairy and gluten free naturally. DiningThe pictures on the left combine some of the public and private dining facilities. Bellpepper restaurant is the main dining venue and offers high quality food throughout the day. Our breakfast was wonderful - we advised the hotel of our allergies in advance and were provided with a huge spread of goat's cheese, fresh meats, gluten-free breads and offered plenty of other options as well. The fruit in the morning was ripe and service near perfect. In summer, the outside terrace would be a wonderful place to sit, or the hotel's beer garden would be an option for more casual dining.
The Malakoff Bar (situated in Fort Malakoff) is a well-rennovated space and popular at weekends as locals and tourists come to enjoy the live music. Our favourite space was the event space inside Fort Malakoff though. Upstairs is a large dining area, complete with open-style kitchen (perfect for cooking demonstrations) as well as a licensed wedding venue. Downstairs is a wine cellar, offering a casual atmosphere for groups - it would be hard to choose which to use for an event |
Overall Impression
We were very impressed with our stays in the Hyatt Regency Mainz. Naturally, being upgraded to a large suite can skew outlook on a hotel, but we had previously stayed and accepted a downgrade, so we have experienced the hotel from 2 sides. The location is beautiful on the bank of the Rhine and the hotel is easy to reach by car, train or plane. Although rooms are starting to show their age, renovations are planned and these should also solve the suite availability problem currently experienced. The club lounge is small but offers a good choice of food and breakfast in Bellpepper is wonderful. What really makes the hotel is the service though, which was friendly, professional and personal throughout.
We can't wait to return to the hotel, hopefully for longer than 1 night next time. In fact, we liked the hotel so much we plan to hold an event here in summer 2015 or 2016 - so keep an eye out on this website and Flyertalk for more information.
We can't wait to return to the hotel, hopefully for longer than 1 night next time. In fact, we liked the hotel so much we plan to hold an event here in summer 2015 or 2016 - so keep an eye out on this website and Flyertalk for more information.