Travel Advice for Frankfurt Area (Raunheim)
May 4th, 2010 | 03:28 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 308
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Travel Advice for Frankfurt Area (Raunheim)
I have a friend traveling to Raunheim, Germany from the USA for a temporary work assignment. I have been several times and wrote up my experiences below.
What else am I missing as essential travel advice? Would you comment on any other places, restraurants or things to do in the Frankfurt, Kelsterbach or Raunhiem area?
Thanks!
____________
Safety
Driving there is pretty much like here. Freeway "autobahn" highways are well marked. However, there is a strict expectation that slower traffic keep right except to pass. It is definitely unlike the USA where the daydreamers cruise along in the fast lane all day. On secondary "B" highways, the road number can be seen on a little sign on the guardrail. They are not obvious unless you are looking for them.
No right turn on red is allowed unless there is an green arrow to turn. Make sure you stop within the allowed position at a red light (white stripe on the road). In the USA, it usually doesn't matter unless there is a red light camera. But in Frankfurt, you may be interfering with a light rail passenger train that shares the street. I made this mistake once and had to drive up on the sidewalk to get out of the way so the train could proceed.
They are very fond of speed cameras over there. They are called "flashers" and you will see them on the roads. Even on the autobahn, there are plenty of speed traps, so watch your speed in posted areas.
I have never felt too apprehensive about my personal safety over there. Of course, a higher level of awareness is always a good idea, especially around the ATMs. When I first went to Germany, some Iranian students were burning an America flag in the Frankfurt Zeil. This angered me, but there was nothing I could do about it. The next little town just west of Raunheim is Russelsheim. I have been warned to avoid that area because of the crime there.
Airport & Flights
Travel to the Frankfurt site consists of flying to Dallas (DFW) to catch AA FLT 70 to Frankfurt (FRA). American runs this flight every day (of course, this week they have been grounded due to the Iceland volcanic ash). AA 70 leaves DFW at 1435. I suggest that you get to DFW before noon so you can get some lunch, get through security, and get to the gate (international flights start boarding earlier than domestic flights). AA 70 usually gets to FRA about 0715 local time which is 7 hours ahead of USA Central Time.
To return, you will take AA 71 from FRA. It leaves about 1030 every morning. Don't cut your travel to the airport too close. I usually get to breakfast at 0700 and head to the airport immediately afterwards. It takes a while to return a car and walk down to Hall C to the AA desk for check in. Once there, you may have a very long wait as the economy class goes through the security screening before checking in. Then you have to go through passport control, the main security and another passport check at the gate. Once at the gate (I think it is usually C4), there is a little newsstand there that sells the last items while you wait to board.
Inexplicably, given the German passion for efficiency, Frankfurt airport is not very easy to get around inside or outside. Inside, the terminal halls are aligned in a row and there is some walking involved to get to the rental cars. Outside, the traffic flow is arranged via an oval ring road in front of the terminal. Inside the oval, there are parking, rental car and hotel facilities. If you miss your turn, you have to continue until you circle back around the oval. I have done many laps on the thing, so it may take some getting used to. Everything is crowded together so you really have to read the signs carefully (the signs are in English). Once you escape the oval, it is a short drive to the hotel.
Rental Car
I usually use Avis and EuropCar over there. Either one is fine and prices probably determine which one is used when you book your travel. When you get there, you should get all the insurance. The rental car companies in Europe are quite different than those in the USA. In the States, if you bring a car back, it is fine; they are not looking at the car closely. In Europe, there is a detailed inspection when you return the car. I have had the check-in guys look under the front spoiler! Any scratch, dent or paint chip noticed on your paperwork will be charged as damage. With the full insurance, you will not have to pay for any damage. However, I still look the car over and if I don't see something noted properly, I make the rental car check-out person in the parking garage add it the damage to their records. All this naturally adds some time on both ends on the rental process and you should plan accordingly in your schedule.
I carry my personal GPS for navigation and if you don't have a GPS with current European maps, you must get one in the rental. It can be pretty confusing to drive over there until you get to know it a bit. Make sure to get a car with a GPS. In Germany, the GPS will likely be a factory built-in unit and the ones I have used work pretty well.
A lot of cars are diesel there and I would recommend them. They get better mileage and a modern turbo diesel is a smooth, quiet and peppy engine. One other note on refueling: In the States, the green handed pumps are diesel and gas are black. In Europe, the green handles are gas and diesel are black.
Cash
The use of credit cards is not so widespread in Germany and you may find that some vendors will not accept cards at all and some will accept plastic only if you are making a purchase of 10 euros or more. Therefore, I always get a little cash when I get there. I don't use the money changers because the fees will cost more and they don't take loose change. I use my debit card in the ATMs at the airport or the bank in Raunheim. Then I make sure I spend the cash so I don't have to change it back to dollars and incur the fees when I come back. Getting euros from ATMs will always be the fastest way and will have the lowest exchange rates; never use your credit card for a cash advance (unless it's an extreme emergency) because of the added fees with credit cards. Always check receipts that you are being charged in Euros, not American dollars.
I know of two easy-to-find ATM's: inside FRA Terminal 1 and the bank in Raunheim. To find the bank, turn left out of the hotel and stay on the main street. It is on the right at the third light.
Hotel
I usually stay at the NH Raunheim. NH is a European brand like Holiday Inn and maybe a little less fancy. It is located on the main drag, Kelsterbacher Strauss, and is within easy distance of good places to eat. Unfortunately, it is directly below the glide path to FRA which has earned it the "NH Runway" nickname from me. Planes fly approximately 0500-2230 and sometimes earlier; at peak times you can see 4-5 lined up in the approach to land about every 45-60 seconds.
They do laundry, but you can only get next-day service Mon-Thur. Friday laundry will not come back until Mon at the earliest. The desk help speaks good English.
Electrical/Communication Devices
You will need 2-prong plug adaptors (not voltage converters) for all your electronic devices. The Germany male plugs have round prongs instead of the flat one used in the USA. You can pick these up on the internet for $3-4, I think. Radio Shack will have them for $6-8 so unless you can get free shipping, buying them locally may be best. Be sure to pack all chargers you might be using (laptop, phone, camera, etc.). Voltage there is 220, but most modern chargers accept a wide range of voltages so a voltage converter is not required.
If you are going to take a cell phone, you will want to check with your service provider to see if you can get service while overseas. The cell providers use different technology so most phones won't work.
Store
In Raunheim, the local market is the Real. They carry groceries, household items and clothes, etc. It is on the right at the fifth light (left out of the hotel). This portion of the main drag is called Mainzer (main) Strauss. There is a McDonald's inside and a pharmacy, too. The store is open about 0800, but like everything except restaurants in Germany, it will be close much earlier than we are used to in the States. Also, it will not be open on Sundays. They don't speak English at the Real.
There is also a gas station that has a convenience store in it just a couple blocks from the hotel on the opposite side of Kelsterbacher Strauss.
Restaurants
There is a restaurant in the NH Runway and of course it is pricy. Breakfast is 17 euros, about $24. I don't think that is a good value so I usually eat breakfast elsewhere. I have eaten dinner at the hotel, but it is not impressive. Of course, it is convenient and you can charge meals to your room.
The Real MickeyD's does not serve breakfast and has a more limited menu than those in the USA. However, I have had their burgers and they are pretty much just like the ones in America.
There are several good restaurants in Raunheim. For breakfast, I always eat at the Cafe Bar. It is located across the main street across from the Rathaus (city hall). You can park in the Rathaus lot and cross Mainzer Strauss to it. Most of the help speaks English, but the menu is all German. They only accept cash. They make a good "English Breakfast" and the scrambled eggs with ham, etc., are good and for 6-7 euros you can get plenty with coffee, too. Cafe Bar also has burgers and such for lunch on the weekends.
Across Mainzer Strauss from Cafe Bar at the corner of the second traffic light is Michelangelo's. I like their pizza there. They take plastic and the menu is understandable.
Just past the third light on the right is a guesthouse/restaurant called Zum Bembelsche (a bembel is a traditional pitcher for apple wine). It is a good schnitzel place. They eat a lot of pork and potatoes over there and this place has good stuff. The default order will have two huge pieces, but you can ask for just one. Fried potatoes are traditional (you can get them with onions and bacon,etc), but I have tried the vegetable medley and it was a good buttery blend of broccoli, carrots and cauliflower. This is especially good for me because lots of places do not have any good green vegetables on the menu. Bembelche have an English menu and accept plastic, too.
Just one block down (left out of hotel) on the same side of Kelsterbacher Strauss as the hotel is the Corner Steakhouse (it is right across the street from the gas/convenience store). This is a good place for steaks. You select the cut you want and they bring you a stone that has been heated and you cook the steak to your taste on it at your table. A little pricey, but one time is an unique treat. They accept plastic and the menu is English.
What else am I missing as essential travel advice? Would you comment on any other places, restraurants or things to do in the Frankfurt, Kelsterbach or Raunhiem area?
Thanks!
____________
Safety
Driving there is pretty much like here. Freeway "autobahn" highways are well marked. However, there is a strict expectation that slower traffic keep right except to pass. It is definitely unlike the USA where the daydreamers cruise along in the fast lane all day. On secondary "B" highways, the road number can be seen on a little sign on the guardrail. They are not obvious unless you are looking for them.
No right turn on red is allowed unless there is an green arrow to turn. Make sure you stop within the allowed position at a red light (white stripe on the road). In the USA, it usually doesn't matter unless there is a red light camera. But in Frankfurt, you may be interfering with a light rail passenger train that shares the street. I made this mistake once and had to drive up on the sidewalk to get out of the way so the train could proceed.
They are very fond of speed cameras over there. They are called "flashers" and you will see them on the roads. Even on the autobahn, there are plenty of speed traps, so watch your speed in posted areas.
I have never felt too apprehensive about my personal safety over there. Of course, a higher level of awareness is always a good idea, especially around the ATMs. When I first went to Germany, some Iranian students were burning an America flag in the Frankfurt Zeil. This angered me, but there was nothing I could do about it. The next little town just west of Raunheim is Russelsheim. I have been warned to avoid that area because of the crime there.
Airport & Flights
Travel to the Frankfurt site consists of flying to Dallas (DFW) to catch AA FLT 70 to Frankfurt (FRA). American runs this flight every day (of course, this week they have been grounded due to the Iceland volcanic ash). AA 70 leaves DFW at 1435. I suggest that you get to DFW before noon so you can get some lunch, get through security, and get to the gate (international flights start boarding earlier than domestic flights). AA 70 usually gets to FRA about 0715 local time which is 7 hours ahead of USA Central Time.
To return, you will take AA 71 from FRA. It leaves about 1030 every morning. Don't cut your travel to the airport too close. I usually get to breakfast at 0700 and head to the airport immediately afterwards. It takes a while to return a car and walk down to Hall C to the AA desk for check in. Once there, you may have a very long wait as the economy class goes through the security screening before checking in. Then you have to go through passport control, the main security and another passport check at the gate. Once at the gate (I think it is usually C4), there is a little newsstand there that sells the last items while you wait to board.
Inexplicably, given the German passion for efficiency, Frankfurt airport is not very easy to get around inside or outside. Inside, the terminal halls are aligned in a row and there is some walking involved to get to the rental cars. Outside, the traffic flow is arranged via an oval ring road in front of the terminal. Inside the oval, there are parking, rental car and hotel facilities. If you miss your turn, you have to continue until you circle back around the oval. I have done many laps on the thing, so it may take some getting used to. Everything is crowded together so you really have to read the signs carefully (the signs are in English). Once you escape the oval, it is a short drive to the hotel.
Rental Car
I usually use Avis and EuropCar over there. Either one is fine and prices probably determine which one is used when you book your travel. When you get there, you should get all the insurance. The rental car companies in Europe are quite different than those in the USA. In the States, if you bring a car back, it is fine; they are not looking at the car closely. In Europe, there is a detailed inspection when you return the car. I have had the check-in guys look under the front spoiler! Any scratch, dent or paint chip noticed on your paperwork will be charged as damage. With the full insurance, you will not have to pay for any damage. However, I still look the car over and if I don't see something noted properly, I make the rental car check-out person in the parking garage add it the damage to their records. All this naturally adds some time on both ends on the rental process and you should plan accordingly in your schedule.
I carry my personal GPS for navigation and if you don't have a GPS with current European maps, you must get one in the rental. It can be pretty confusing to drive over there until you get to know it a bit. Make sure to get a car with a GPS. In Germany, the GPS will likely be a factory built-in unit and the ones I have used work pretty well.
A lot of cars are diesel there and I would recommend them. They get better mileage and a modern turbo diesel is a smooth, quiet and peppy engine. One other note on refueling: In the States, the green handed pumps are diesel and gas are black. In Europe, the green handles are gas and diesel are black.
Cash
The use of credit cards is not so widespread in Germany and you may find that some vendors will not accept cards at all and some will accept plastic only if you are making a purchase of 10 euros or more. Therefore, I always get a little cash when I get there. I don't use the money changers because the fees will cost more and they don't take loose change. I use my debit card in the ATMs at the airport or the bank in Raunheim. Then I make sure I spend the cash so I don't have to change it back to dollars and incur the fees when I come back. Getting euros from ATMs will always be the fastest way and will have the lowest exchange rates; never use your credit card for a cash advance (unless it's an extreme emergency) because of the added fees with credit cards. Always check receipts that you are being charged in Euros, not American dollars.
I know of two easy-to-find ATM's: inside FRA Terminal 1 and the bank in Raunheim. To find the bank, turn left out of the hotel and stay on the main street. It is on the right at the third light.
Hotel
I usually stay at the NH Raunheim. NH is a European brand like Holiday Inn and maybe a little less fancy. It is located on the main drag, Kelsterbacher Strauss, and is within easy distance of good places to eat. Unfortunately, it is directly below the glide path to FRA which has earned it the "NH Runway" nickname from me. Planes fly approximately 0500-2230 and sometimes earlier; at peak times you can see 4-5 lined up in the approach to land about every 45-60 seconds.
They do laundry, but you can only get next-day service Mon-Thur. Friday laundry will not come back until Mon at the earliest. The desk help speaks good English.
Electrical/Communication Devices
You will need 2-prong plug adaptors (not voltage converters) for all your electronic devices. The Germany male plugs have round prongs instead of the flat one used in the USA. You can pick these up on the internet for $3-4, I think. Radio Shack will have them for $6-8 so unless you can get free shipping, buying them locally may be best. Be sure to pack all chargers you might be using (laptop, phone, camera, etc.). Voltage there is 220, but most modern chargers accept a wide range of voltages so a voltage converter is not required.
If you are going to take a cell phone, you will want to check with your service provider to see if you can get service while overseas. The cell providers use different technology so most phones won't work.
Store
In Raunheim, the local market is the Real. They carry groceries, household items and clothes, etc. It is on the right at the fifth light (left out of the hotel). This portion of the main drag is called Mainzer (main) Strauss. There is a McDonald's inside and a pharmacy, too. The store is open about 0800, but like everything except restaurants in Germany, it will be close much earlier than we are used to in the States. Also, it will not be open on Sundays. They don't speak English at the Real.
There is also a gas station that has a convenience store in it just a couple blocks from the hotel on the opposite side of Kelsterbacher Strauss.
Restaurants
There is a restaurant in the NH Runway and of course it is pricy. Breakfast is 17 euros, about $24. I don't think that is a good value so I usually eat breakfast elsewhere. I have eaten dinner at the hotel, but it is not impressive. Of course, it is convenient and you can charge meals to your room.
The Real MickeyD's does not serve breakfast and has a more limited menu than those in the USA. However, I have had their burgers and they are pretty much just like the ones in America.
There are several good restaurants in Raunheim. For breakfast, I always eat at the Cafe Bar. It is located across the main street across from the Rathaus (city hall). You can park in the Rathaus lot and cross Mainzer Strauss to it. Most of the help speaks English, but the menu is all German. They only accept cash. They make a good "English Breakfast" and the scrambled eggs with ham, etc., are good and for 6-7 euros you can get plenty with coffee, too. Cafe Bar also has burgers and such for lunch on the weekends.
Across Mainzer Strauss from Cafe Bar at the corner of the second traffic light is Michelangelo's. I like their pizza there. They take plastic and the menu is understandable.
Just past the third light on the right is a guesthouse/restaurant called Zum Bembelsche (a bembel is a traditional pitcher for apple wine). It is a good schnitzel place. They eat a lot of pork and potatoes over there and this place has good stuff. The default order will have two huge pieces, but you can ask for just one. Fried potatoes are traditional (you can get them with onions and bacon,etc), but I have tried the vegetable medley and it was a good buttery blend of broccoli, carrots and cauliflower. This is especially good for me because lots of places do not have any good green vegetables on the menu. Bembelche have an English menu and accept plastic, too.
Just one block down (left out of hotel) on the same side of Kelsterbacher Strauss as the hotel is the Corner Steakhouse (it is right across the street from the gas/convenience store). This is a good place for steaks. You select the cut you want and they bring you a stone that has been heated and you cook the steak to your taste on it at your table. A little pricey, but one time is an unique treat. They accept plastic and the menu is English.
May 4th, 2010 | 10:17 PM
#2
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 0
Doesn't look like a very exciting town, and it is close enough to either Frankfurt or Mainz that I am not sure what the reason is for staying in the town itself, especially with the planes flying over head. Here is their website.
http://www.raunheim.de/sites/gensite...740198&Art=058
I think that Mainzer Strasse has more to do with Mainz and not that it is the main street. The town is also located along the Main river, but they use a "z" in it, so that leads to Mainz and not Main. The word for street is Strasse and not Strauss.
There is plenty to do all around this area, depending on what interests you. I have tons of suggestions for Frankfurt, plus a goodly number for the nearby towns of Mainz, Kronberg, or Bad Homburg.
http://www.raunheim.de/sites/gensite...740198&Art=058
I think that Mainzer Strasse has more to do with Mainz and not that it is the main street. The town is also located along the Main river, but they use a "z" in it, so that leads to Mainz and not Main. The word for street is Strasse and not Strauss.
There is plenty to do all around this area, depending on what interests you. I have tons of suggestions for Frankfurt, plus a goodly number for the nearby towns of Mainz, Kronberg, or Bad Homburg.
May 5th, 2010 | 02:32 AM
#3
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 938
Likes: 0
I also like hotels close by the place of work. But in case that the office is close to the S-Bahn station, you might consider staying in Mainz instead. There are hotels close to the railway station in Mainz, so it's easy to get to the S-Bahn.
I think it'd be a huge improvement in regard to what he can do outside work. And in case he doesn't really need a rental car, public transport to the airport is much more convenient than driving (the S-Bahn stops below the terminal).
I think it'd be a huge improvement in regard to what he can do outside work. And in case he doesn't really need a rental car, public transport to the airport is much more convenient than driving (the S-Bahn stops below the terminal).
May 5th, 2010 | 03:24 AM
#5
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 0
Info about how to use the trains from the airport.
http://frankfurt-on-foot-cityguide.b...nal-train.html
http://frankfurt-on-foot-cityguide.b...nal-train.html
May 5th, 2010 | 04:42 AM
#6
Original Poster
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
Your points about including public transportation are well taken. I have used the S-Bahn for jaunts into Frankfurt. The Raunheim stop is within easy walking distance. Thanks for the links. I should include that info.
When I hear public transportation, I always think of a bus. I have never tried a bus there and I don't even know if one is available.
Regarding the hotel, unfortunately, it is by company policy, not choice, that we stay there. It is convenient to the office, which is one of the few positives.
Mainhattengirl, thanks for the insight and correction on the streets. Your explanation makes perfect sense.
Regarding Mainz (the city), I love it and have visited several times. Another problem with staying there is dealing with the extra time and traffic on the way to work. However, as a site-seeing destination, it would be another tidbit to pass along.
Thanks, all!
When I hear public transportation, I always think of a bus. I have never tried a bus there and I don't even know if one is available.
Regarding the hotel, unfortunately, it is by company policy, not choice, that we stay there. It is convenient to the office, which is one of the few positives.
Mainhattengirl, thanks for the insight and correction on the streets. Your explanation makes perfect sense.
Regarding Mainz (the city), I love it and have visited several times. Another problem with staying there is dealing with the extra time and traffic on the way to work. However, as a site-seeing destination, it would be another tidbit to pass along.
Thanks, all!
