The Bavarian capital, Munich, is Germany’s third largest city and one of its most popular travel destinations, not least of all in October when the beer taps are flowing non-stop. But Oktoberfest is a small, 16-day event. The rest of the year, Munich remains a hub for tech, culture and business, with a broad array of architectural styles across numerous palaces, religious buildings, museums and theatres. The city’s medieval core around Marienplatz, like Neues Rathaus with its neo-Gothic flourishes, is particularly revered.
All of these elements and more have helped Munich to become what is considered to be one of the world’s most liveable cities. And you can guarantee that a liveable city has more than its fair share of luxury and boutique hotels. Munich does not disappoint in this sphere either. Below is a list of seven of the best upmarket hotels in Munich. The final selection here was created by comparing hotels against one another across a number of different categories, such as location, cleanliness and comfort, hotel facilities, in-room amenities and the value for money of your stay.
From €342/ night
Suave, comfortable and relaxing, Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel offers spacious rooms and excellent spa facilities to its guests. All rooms have a seating area, desk and a flatscreen TV with content streaming services like Netflix. The cleanliness is highly rated at this hotel too, including at the fitness centre, indoor pool and spa areas. The latter includes a sauna and steam room that is open to guests. The onsite Neo Bistro is an elegant space with high-ceilings that opens onto a terrace that overlooks the Alter Botanischer Garten (Old Botanical Garden). There is also a bar at the hotel. Munich’s main train station is just a few minutes away.
From €480/ night
BEYOND by Geisel is an excellent boutique hotel located in the most enviable spot in Munich from a visitor’s perspective. With the Neues Rathaus and Marienplatz right next door it is surrounded by the best sights, while also connected to other areas by the various tram and metro lines that ply the streets outside the hotel. Inside, you’ll find that every inch of the rooms is touched by luxury and finest quality. Excellent free toiletries, deluxe furnishings, huge flatscreen TVs and Bluetooth speakers mean you can unwind after a long day of roaming through the city. There’s a hotel bar also, although the free minibar inside the room might just tempt you to stay in.
From €180/ night
When you blend unburdened creativity with hospitality, you often get something that looks a little like Roomers. Interior spaces, particularly in the deluxe rooms, have stylish touches aplenty, including curious statues of flamingos and giraffes, with fine art photography on the walls. All rooms have an iPad, minibar and coffee machines, along with free toiletries and bathrobes in the ensuite bathrooms. Roomers also has an excellent fitness centre as well as spa facilities like a Jacuzzi and sauna available to guests. The location is slightly removed from the centre on the north side of the city.
From €199/ night
This luxury concept hotel gives you a great sense of the hotel’s position in Munich and beyond via its excellent rooftop bar. The 360-degree views from there take in the whole city and even beyond on a clear day, while the rooms have views over the Schwabing West region of the city or out towards the Englischer Garten. Rooms have an excellent layout, with a separated area to get ready in the mornings, and comfortable beds ensuring a good night’s sleep. The concept art in the rooms is designed to inspire. Common areas have plenty of space and creative, modern art installations and architectural flourishes that subtly delight and motivate you for the day ahead.
From €119/ night
Over on the East side of the city in the Bogenhausen District, this four-star boutique hotel is well liked for its high standards of comfort and cleanliness. The hotel backs onto the Denninger Anger park and as such this area is one of the more peaceful in the city. This is a great choice too for those looking for a little extra space in their rooms. Even the best value rooms have a sofa, a large double bed and a terrace with space to sit and look out onto the park. There’s also a desk, minibar and flatscreen TV. The hotel also boasts a bar, fitness centre and sauna.
From €144/ night
If you have a train departing or arriving at München Ost station, Design Hotel Stadt Rosenheim is an excellent boutique choice right on the plaza facing the station entrance. Rooms come in a variety of designs, each one unique, from crisp white walls, to pastel colours and even the occasional millefleur motif. An iPhone docking station is available on request, along with all the luxury hotel usuals, such as free toiletries, a desk and flatscreen televisions. As with most hotels in Munich, there is a breakfast available, although it comes with an additional charge.
From €173/ night
Back in the Old Town of Munich, Hotel Opera is a classy accommodation on the comparatively peaceful eastern edge of the centre. As the name suggests, the furnishings here are classical in style, with carved wooden furniture and warm lighting used throughout. Some rooms also have balconies. The hotel has a delightful courtyard, with arcades around the edges where the popular breakfast (which unusually for Munich is included with the price) is served. There’s also a bar in the hotel’s conservatory. As with most of the hotels on this list, parking is available at a public car park close by, but incurs and extra charge.