Gekko House

Gekko House FRANKFURT

Gekko Group’s new opening nods to the industrial heritage of Frankfurt’s up-andcoming Gallus district.

Words: Ben Thomas • Photography: Courtesy of Gekko Group

Nicknamed Mainhattan for its impressive lineup of skyscrapers, Frankfurt is known as a hub for commerce, home to a major financial centre, countless corporate headquarters and one of the world’s largest trade fair venues. It’s often thought of as a business travel destination, but there’s plenty for tourists too, with museums, galleries and a beautiful old town.

Over the past decade, the number of overnight visitors to the city has doubled, and with that, its accommodation sector has both grown and diversified. Along with the many airport hotels and branded offers, there’s a handful of newcomers that bring something different to the market. The newest kid on the block is Gekko House, a 128-key hotel nestled between the converted warehouses and sleek apartment blocks of the once-industrial Gallus quarter.

Opened as a member of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, the property is the brainchild of Micky Rosen and Alex Urseanu, the founders of Gekko Group who have made it their mission to elevate the cultural, gastronomic and hospitality standards across Germany, particularly within their hometown. The dynamic duo have already seen success with their Roomers brand, which has extended to Munich and Baden-Baden in recent years, and with Provocateur in Berlin, a multi-sensual member of Design Hotels. Each property has its own distinct identity, a credit to Rosen and Urseanu’s ability to reinvent, revitalise and develop narratives with character.

The latest addition is no exception. Driven by the motto ‘life is crazy’, Gekko House fills a niche in the group’s portfolio,

and illustrates a more casual approach designed to appeal to a broader audience, from business travellers to creatives and city explorers.

“The arrival of Gekko House brings a whole new product to the Gekko Group portfolio and establishes new standards for the German hospitality industry,” say Rosen and Urseanu. “Unlike anything on the German market at present, the hotel provides a more casual concept without compromising on design, style and comfort. It’s a place where business travellers and tourists can come to unwind, let loose and enjoy.”

Guests arrive at the hotel through a narrow passage, after which a ground-floor lobby brings together Lincrusta wallcoverings, deep olive furnishings and carpets by Object Carpet. The space also plays host to Gekko House Späti, a convenience store offering artisanal drinks and snacks as well as quirky souvenirs. From here, public and private spaces designed by Morgen Interiors are elevated by warm colour palettes, raw materials and custom furnishings.

Upstairs in the guestrooms, exposed concrete walls are paired with wooden flooring, handblown glass lighting fixtures, lavish velvet upholstery and

contemporary furniture, including a side table by Versmissen. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the spaces with natural light, while a Marshall Music Box and toiletries by Grown Alchemist accompany thoughtful details such as a Gekko House City Guide and Marriott’s Make a Green Choice programme.

At the heart of the hotel is Chicago Williams, the Berlin-born barbecue concept established in 2012 by Nawid Samawat, a former employee at Gekko Group’s Roomers and Gerbermühle brands. Bathed in rich red tones, the restaurant couples a rough wooden floor with oak tables and copper detailing, while on the menu, German beer is served alongside specialties such as baby back ribs, beef brisket and macaroni cheese. For a more intimate experience, diners can be seated next to a black-tiled smoker room, where they can enjoy a culinary presentation from the chefs.

Still to come is Chicago Beach Rooftop, a lounge bar with panoramic views of the city; and there’s plenty more in the pipeline. Next up for Gekko Group is the 136-key Roomers Parkview, a second new property in Frankfurt, due for completion in 2021. Life just got a little crazier for Rosen and Urseanu. EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Arthur Ronny Wiener Operator: Gekko Group Architecture: Scharnberger Architekten und Ingenieure Interior Design: Morgen Interiors www.gekko-house.com