I'm arriving Frankfurt airport mid-Sept. By the time I complete hire car formalities it'll be at least 4-4.30pm. After 14-hour flight I won't want to drive far. Any ideas for moderate-priced hotel, pension, B&B on edge of or around Frankfurt, handy for going in to Sachsenhausen if we want, or for other attractions in the region around Frankfurt?

We just returned from Germany yesterday. Our last two days were spent in the Frankfurt area. Since we were arriving late in Frankfurt (leaving late afternoon from Munich) and would be leaving early from the airport our last day, we wanted an inexpensive yet nice room near the airport.

We booked directly on-line with the Holiday Inn Express - Frankfurt Airport. The rate was 55 Euros for a room with a king bed and a sleeper sofa (double bed); buffet breakfast was included (huge variety of food). The hotel is 10 minutes from the airport off the A5 (next exit south from the airport). We had to pay an extra 8 Euros for parking.

The hotel is extremely new, the staff was very helpful, and the room was large. It even had an ice machine.

Don't know if this is the right direction for you but we stay in Heidelberg before departing from Frankfurt. It is close to airport...1 hour...and we enjoy the old town more than staying at some airport hotel. The ZUR BACKMULDE in Heidelberg has been a good find and we have stayed there at least 5 times.

Thank you all for your responses. I am now spoilt for choice, but that's good! Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Limburg (to the NW), Bacharach (to the E). Someone told me about Michelstadt on the way to Heidelberg. Does anyone know it?

Michelstadt is a very nice little town. Nice buildings to look at but not too much along the lines of entertainment - especially if you like the Sachsenhausen scene. What is your purpose of coming to Germany, what do you hope to do/see? I would stay away from Frankfurt - BORING (I live nearby). Plus - that time of day the Autobahn is likely to be very congested, depending on day of week.