Top Lounge at the JW Marriott: Samba at Thurn-und-Taxis-Platz

350 guests from society, business, and politics celebrated an evening full of South American joie de vivre at the newly opened Greta Oto restaurant in the JW Marriott at Thurn-und-Taxis-Platz in downtown Frankfurt. A business party unlike anything Frankfurt has seen in a long time!

Photos: Michael Hohmann, Holger Peters and Edward Park

For 25 years, the Top Lounge has stood for a unique mix of guests, consisting of top executives from the Rhine-Main region, who network and celebrate in a relaxed atmosphere in attractive locations. But this has never happened before: When the samba troupe DJ Pituca & Friends, in colorful costumes, whirled up the curved show staircase between the lobby and the restaurant, it was reminiscent of a joyful carnival in Rio. Many guests, including decision-makers such as banker Christian Chester (Liechtensteinische Landesbank), entrepreneur Günter Hildmann (Betten-Zellekens), and gynecologist Dr. André Rotmann , stormed the dance floor.

A lively polonaise, led by publishing representative Eleonore Schmidt , wound its way through the restaurant, with family law expert Alma Fritz , sales manager Udo Kandel (Emil Frey Group), and model Bruna Rodrigues in the middle. The latter beamed breathlessly: "It's just like being at home in Brazil!" Trade fair director Detlef Braun watched the lively activity with amusement: "A fantastic atmosphere! But be glad I'm not joining in. I'd even miss a step during the polonaise!"

The innovative and sophisticated atmosphere of Greta Oto, named after a rare Central American butterfly with transparent wings, inspired lively interaction among guests on all levels: Guests strolled up the stylish spiral staircase, where the ladies showcased their eye-catching dresses, and sipped cocktails as they strolled between the cozy terrace overlooking the historic Thurn and Taxis Palace, the stylish bar in the lobby on the ground floor, and the restaurant on the upper floor. Entrepreneur Thomas Kramer acknowledged: "A truly fantastic location!"

The fact that this hotel has reinvented itself so wonderfully is thanks to architect Oana Rosen , who has received many compliments for the appealing design, which perfectly combines nature and opulence. Stephanie Wüst , head of the economic department, accompanied by the new head of economic development, Bernhard Grieb , looked around in awe: "It's incredibly cool here. This place really appeals to me!" After her maternity leave, she now wants to "first settle into office." Naomi Countess zu Solms-Wildenfels , beaming with her baby bump, is expecting her second son in early August. "And then I'm planning another baby, with bartender Yared Hagos ," she laughed. And added with a wink: "An exciting new project that will enrich Frankfurt."

The charming new hotel director, Anne Drescher, personally attended to the guests of the Top Lounge in an exciting jungle-green dress with sparkling butterflies: "Tailored by our hotel seamstress Maria Doukas and coordinated with the Greta Oto concept. It practically screams fun in life and Latin American culture," she beamed. This, of course, also included exotic Amazon Cuisine delicacies, served as flying food and at live cooking stations: Tostada with yellowtail tuna, guacamole with crispy crackers, papa arrugadas (potatoes with spicy paprika and garlic sauce), salmon ceviche, beef tacos with spicy mango and papaya salad, and much more delighted the guests' palates. Head chef Dean K'Toth and sous chef Matthias Beubler were supported by Florian Glauert, head chef of the hotel operator MHP, and the 24-person kitchen and service team left nothing to be desired.

"Frankfurt is Champions League," said publisher and host Michael Ruiss to applause, referring not only to Eintracht Frankfurt, but also to those present: "The Top Lounge brings together the minds that shape our region. All of you here are the players who make the difference."

City Councillor Dr. Bastian Bergerhoff listed everything else that is Champions League in our city: "Our location, our economy, our cultural landscape, our internationality... it's shorter to say what is NOT Champions League in Frankfurt!" Angelika Werner , Vice President of the Frankfurt School of Finance, is also at the top of her game: "We are the only German university among the top 100 in the research rankings of the University of Texas at Dallas, which evaluates research achievements worldwide. We are very proud of this leading international position."

Pisco Sour, the national drink of Peru and Chile and the signature drink of Greta Oto, was a popular welcome drink on the red carpet, at the bar, or directly from the Pisco Sour fountain. Honorary citizen Petra Roth remained loyal to her beloved beer and toasted her birthday a few days ago with numerous well-wishers.

A truly atmospheric highlight was provided by legendary sports reporter Rolf Töpperwien , who grabbed the microphone and paid the hosts a hymn-like compliment: "Eintracht Frankfurt is ready for Liverpool, London, Milan, Madrid, and Paris! And in the heart of Europe is the JW Marriott and Top Magazine, already playing in the Champions League!" Thanks for the high praise from someone who's experienced many top events and knows how to party properly. And yet, the Top Lounge remains one thing above all else: a place where people come together with passion, style, and joy, without taking themselves too seriously.

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