Just like ByrdluvsAWACO I was in Mainz on a MR last weekend. Unlike he, I stayed in the Mainz City, and unlike he, I didn't take a full, long nap after a fairly early check-in. (Hey Byrd, nice meeting you on the flight back.)

Housekeeping brought some chocolate truffles and a split of sparkling wine (with goldflakes, a la Goldschlaeger; Hilton branded). The room was spacious (despite the slanted ceilings on the 4th floor--kind of alcove-like), and the bathroom was modern, clean, and comfy, just what one would expect. There was no street noise or anything--super quiet. From the Mainz City it is a 10-minute walk to the train station and a 5-minute walk to the rather picturesque old city. The breakfast offerings in European Hiltons never cease to amaze me when compared to what they quite often (not always, mind you) serve Diamond VIPs in the US. For 59.50 euro (about $80) this was one heckuva great deal. Nice bonus: The Main City was part of the double points promo. I'll be back.

Oh yeah: Train ride from/to FRA airport takes about 30 minutes, and the fare is 3.70 euro (one-way) if you take the local train (S8). If you make the mistake of hopping on an ICE (about 20 minutes) you'll pay almost 12 euro one way. Buy your ticket from one of the many machines on the platform--you can't buy it on the S8. If you have one of those tickets and get on the ICE, the ubiquitous attendants will ask you to shell out the fare difference. Nope, didn't happen to me because I asked before boarding the ICE and decided to wait for a few minutes for the S8.