THE FACTS ABOUT THE PURE

Germany

This is without doubt the hippest new hotel in town, a 50-bedroom, city-centre sanctuary for sharp-suited bankers. Behind its elegant façade it was built in the 19th century as a textile factory are virginal interiors created by the Romanian architect, Oana Rosen. Breakfast is served in an all-white lounge furnished with white-leather banquettes and chairs from the Italian furniture house MDF. White floors continue into the bar and reception, which are themselves linked by a Thassos stone counter. Touches of humour are provided by porcelain stags-head coat hooks and video projections. The bedrooms have white-leather headboards, oak parquet floors, shiny, black Zebrano furniture and pleated lampshades, all made to Rosens designs. There are few decorative touches; only huge mirrors and LCD flat-screen TVs hang on the walls. The hotel is equipped with the first example of Shair, the on-demand media jukebox for practically limitless music and videos. In summer the timber-decked courtyard terrace comes into its own. WHEN TO GO In high summer when the banks of the River Main open for business and all the bankers have left town. ROOM TO BOOK Any of the fifth-floor rooms, with full-height doors to a terrace overlooking the courtyard. CONTACT Niddastrasse 86, Frankfurt, Germany (00 49 69 710 4570; www.the-pure.de). COST Doubles from 140 euros