Frankfurt-ering in Frankfurt: Trip Planning
After 2 years of being grounded in Singapore, the time has finally come to fly again. Here’s my plan……
My last trip to Europe almost 3 years ago, on a 1.5 weeks Scandinavia (Sweden, Denmark, Norway) trip with the Missus during May 2019. It was my first trip to Europe, and since during Spring, we really enjoyed the cool but not-too-cold weather. Well this time, I figured out that my first post-COVID trip would be to Europe again! Which destination? It was decided when this article came out……125,000 miles for a Singapore Airlines First Class seat? Frankfurt it is!
Flights
I couldn’t believe it when I saw Suitesmile’s article, as it was rare that First Class Saver space was available, not to say 2 seats! In the end, the Missus was not able to make it, and I decided to book just one seat, and unleash the hidden beast. I redeemed round-trip tickets from Singapore to Frankfurt, damage taken was 217,000 miles + S$???. Both flights are on the Boeing 777-300ER, which has the 2013F and J seat types, both which I have not tried before.
Why SIN-FRA on first class, instead of the other way round (adding a stopover to CGK on the way)? Well, I took a risk in hoping that The Private Room would be opened in Q1 2022, but alas it was not be to, as it was known that there were further delays to the renovation works. But still, I will get to visit the new SilverKris Business Class Lounge T3, which was still good enough. At least, I reckon that it’s better than the return leg…..
For the return leg, I initially wanted to try out Lufthansa for the first time, in their Business or First class (Frankfurt First Class lounge!), but wasn’t able to find award space on Lifemiles. Hence, the next safest option was to take SIA Business Class, and is a more direct flight back.
Hotels
With 5 nights planned in Frankfurt (technically 4 nights because I will arrive in Frankfurt at night, not much time to sightseeing), I predominantly booked stays at Hilton hotels, while leaving the last 3 nights to a unique hotel chain that is rare in Asia-Pacific, Rocco Forte.
Hilton Frankfurt Airport
As mentioned, my flight was scheduled to arrive around 8pm, hence I decided to play safe and booked a night at the airport, so that I am able to have a good rest and get my Frankfurt Card at the airport, which settles my public transportation for the next 2 days. After comparison with Marriott-chain (Sheraton and Marriott) and Hilton-chain (Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton), I decided on Hilton Frankfurt Airport, for 149 EUR, under a flash sale. I had a complimentary room upgrade and breakfast as a Hilton Gold member, and reviews seem to be decent for this price point.
P.S. I did a check on Hotelux rates, but they don’t seem to offer dining credits, only just a room upgrade. Hence I did not go with Marriott-chain hotels as I did not have status with Marriott Bonvoy.
Hilton Frankfurt City
For my 2nd day, I continued with the Hilton Chain run by booking a night at Hilton Frankfurt City, near the shopping area of Frankfurt (Hauptwache) and is relatively central to the main attractions, either by walking (myZeil, Romerberg area) or the metro (Palmengarten, Senckenberg Museum). Trip.com was offering a $100 promo code, and I was lucky to snap it up and use it for S$312, which includes a complimentary dinner and breakfast.
Villa Kennedy Rocco Forte
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I wanted to try a luxury hotel in Frankfurt, it was a toss-up between Kempinski Hotel Frankfurt Gravenbruch and Villa Kennedy Rocco Forte. Although I would have loved to tried Kempinski Frankfurt as a GHA Platinum, ultimately I decided on Villa Kennedy Rocco Forte, due to 3 main reasons:
Its nearer proximity to Frankfurt am Main
the Stay-3-Pay-2 Nights offer was too good to refuse, and basically solved my accomodation for the last 3 days
a new hotel chain!
I booked a lead-in Deluxe Room for 640 EUR, which also includes complimentary room upgrade, daily breakfast and 85 EUR credit.
P.S. I was glad that I booked it, as it was known later that the hotel would be closing the following month, which means I got to try a unique hotel!
Lounges
SilverKris Lounge T3
Despite the disappointment of not being able to try the new First Class Lounge, I was still glad to experience the temporary SilverKris Lounge at Terminal 3, which will soon be the new Krisflyer Gold Lounge. Anyway the First Class section is still considered exclusive enough (while enjoying the Piper Heidseick!).
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Frankfurt Airport
With the thought that I will be directed to the Lufthansa Business Lounge, I got a surprise when I got to review another business class lounge with excellent runway views and very near to the departure gate.
Travel Insurance
After researching, I narrowed down to DBS TravellerShield or Singlife (previously Aviva). In the end I went with Singlife, for S$87 covering 6 days of travel (a bummer that an additional day has to be added, despite landing in Singapore in the morning). I got the highest Travel Prestige plan, applying the 18% off promo code and further 30% discount for MINDEF & MHA Group policyholders. It covers the following:
COVID-19 medical expenses: S$200,000
COVID-19 emergency evacuation: Unlimited
COVID-19 overseas quarantine: S$200 (S$100/24 hours)
COVID-19 Testing
At the point of travelling, Singaporeans are not required to take a Pre-Departure Test (PDT) to Germany. On the return trip, an ART/PCR test with a minimum of 2 days prior to departure was required. Needless to say that I chose to do a complimentary ART test near Frankfurt Train Station (Hauptbanhof).
Upon return to Singapore, a supervised ART test is required, and luckily I was able to go with tele-supervised ARTs instead of a QTC/CTC. I went with Doctor Anywhere (DA), and cost me $12.84 nett (plus S$5 from my own HSA-Approved ART Kit). The process was relatively simple and straightforward, and under the comfort of your own home! Highly recommended.
A complete guide has been done by The Milelion, and you can know more on the process here.
Miscallaneous
Transportation-wise, after doing some research, I decided on getting a Frankfurt Card, which covers cost of all public transportation (except on RB and ICE trains) within the Frankfurt Main City area, together with up to 50% discount on most attractions and museums. This really saved me a lot of time in It is available for 1 or 2 days, I got the 2 day one for 17 EUR.
An advice: if you are getting it at the airport, get it in-person at Terminal 1 (Departure Area), at the Travelex Counter (it is a small money-changing booth near the escalator, but don’t worry, this is the correct one). Apparantly they are not able to process online orders.
Conclusion
There was significant anticipation on my first overseas trip in a long time, and was glad to say that everything was very smooth, and was a breathe of fresh air. Look out for my next posts on how the trip was.
