I've stayed at the Hotel Isabella probably 8 times now, and our recent visit saw a nice refresh of the facilities thanks to the purchase by the Quality Hotel group. We stayed there during our trip to the Frankfurt Christkindlmarkt in December 2005.

This is a business hotel, and the buildling itself is a bit of a relic of the post war industrialization of the 1950's, but there are some advantages: the rooms are absolutely huge, the beds big and comfortable, and there is plenty of room to stretch out. The views from the balconies on the upper floors are impressive.

Neu Isenburg is a bit out of the way, being about 8 or maybe even 10 miles or so from Central Frankfurt. If you are willing to walk about a mile, you can catch the streetcar at the end of town that will connect you with all the S and U bahn trains. A little farther (maybe a mile and a half) away is the Neu Isenburg train station, with direct S bahn service to all the important places in Frankfurt. There is plenty of free parking near the station, ideal for heading into town. You should avoid taking your car in to Frankfurt if you can avoid it, parking is difficult and expensive, and there really is no need since they have excellent public transportation.

What I like about this hotel is that the staff is super friendly, very very helpful, and really go out of their way to make sure you have a nice stay. The staff at the Hotel Isabella all speak excellent English and really seem happy to be there helping you... a pleasant surprise.

The breakfasts are wonderful, served on the 19th floor with great views of the city, and with lots of different types of breakfast foods, but be aware that breakfast is NOT included in all rates. We paid 12 euros each for breakfast. At first that seemed expensive, but then I would have to say that we felt it was a really good value given the unlimited number of Caffe Lattes we were able to consume!

We usually stay here for about 70 euros, but be advised that they jack up the rates (often doubling) whenever there is a fair in town at the Messe hall. They offer free outdoor parking on a first come/ first served basis, something rather unusual in Frankfurt where you can easily pay 10 or 20 euros a night to park your car.

One other thing: the Hotel Isabella is right next to Neu-Isenburg Zentrum, a decent enclosed shopping mall (a rarity in Germany, very helpful in Winter) and there are several excellent restaurants a short walk down the main street (Frankfurter Strasse).

If you are looking for some room to stretch out with a very accomodating staff and a good value when visiting Frankfurt, I would say I recommend the Hotel Isabella.