Rick Enders: "The Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel's prime location makes us a benchmark for international travelers and events."

Could you provide us with a summary of the history of this property?

The Sheraton Hotel opened its doors in 1975 with building number eight, which had approximately 500 rooms. An additional building was added in 1986, and the final tower was completed in 1988, making the Sheraton a 1,017-room hotel. In 2017, under new ownership, the decision was made to split the complex into two: we currently operate buildings A and B as the Sheraton, with 784 rooms, and the Marriott, with 233 rooms.

Has the hotel always belonged to Marriott?

No, it originally belonged to Starwood. The change occurred after the merger between Marriott and Starwood in 2016-2017.

Could you tell us about the culinary offerings, services, and meeting spaces?

We have 58 meeting rooms, including the largest ballroom in the Frankfurt area. As for dining, we have three restaurants: The Eatery, with cuisine inspired by the East and West Coasts of the United States; The Tavern, a traditional German restaurant; and Flavors, which serves breakfast and doubles as a grill in the evening, specializing in dry-aged meats. We also have a bar in conjunction with the Davidoff Lounge, where you can smoke before heading to the airport.

What is the typical profile of your guests?

It's quite varied. We host both corporate travelers and overnighters before an early flight. We also host airline crews and, occasionally, passengers on canceled or delayed flights, especially in unforeseen situations like the crash of an Airbus A380.

What is your strategy for handling airport emergencies?

We have a team ready to accommodate unexpected guests, especially in the event of flight delays or cancellations. For example, if an Airbus A380 is unable to take off, we receive a large volume of guests all at once. To be prepared, we keep all rooms ready daily, even if normal occupancy is at 70%.

How do you manage your relationship with airlines and the airport?

We have a dedicated sales representative dedicated to managing our relationship with the airport and its stations. This ensures that, should any eventuality arise, we can quickly coordinate the reception of additional guests. Our prime location next to Terminal 1 and the future direct connection to Terminal 3 via light rail reinforce our appeal.

What is the composition of your clientele?

Approximately 60-70% are business and leisure travelers, while the remainder are air travelers. Although we are an airport hotel, we are also well connected to Frankfurt city center, just 15 minutes away. This sets us apart from other airport hotels located one or more hours from the city center.

What are your main source markets?

Our main markets are the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Frankfurt Airport is one of the main hubs in Europe, allowing us to accommodate international travelers, especially those connecting through Europe from the U.S.

What sustainability and social responsibility initiatives do you develop?

Our commitment to social responsibility and sustainability is fundamental to us. We participate in community activities, such as airport cleanups and collecting items for the homeless. We also collaborate with other hotels to plant trees and promote the use of recycled packaging and glass bottles instead of plastic. We are also working on innovative projects, such as uniform recycling and the possible installation of our own bottling plant.

What initiatives do you take to motivate and recognize staff?

During Employee Appreciation Week, special breakfasts, massages, and recreational activities are organized to recognize the team's daily efforts, especially after large-scale events. The goal is to value the continued commitment of employees, as they are the direct face of the customer.

How do you differ from other hotels near the airport?

As the closest hotel to Terminal 1, the complex maintains a strong relationship with the airport and station managers, hosting meetings, lunches, and events to strengthen the relationship. This proximity and direct connection to the future Terminal 3 offer a competitive advantage unmatched by other hotels in the area.

What is the ratio of corporate guests to airport guests?

Approximately 60-70% of guests are business and leisure travelers, while the remainder are airport-related. Although it's an airport hotel, its proximity to Frankfurt city center (just 15 minutes) and excellent public transport connections make it attractive to other traveler profiles as well.

With a strategic location and a focus on sustainability and employee well-being, the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center is establishing itself as a leading choice for both business travelers and those seeking convenience while traveling through the airport.