Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Munich

Located in the heart of Munich, this Neo-Renaissance building was constructed in 1880 and housed Munich’s Opera House before it was turned into a hotel. Today, the Mandarin Oriental successfully blends traditional European elegance with Asian design. The sun-filled rooms boast German Biedermeier furniture, elegantly combined with Asian antiques, silk textiles, and art.

You’ll find a flat screen television, complimentary mini bar, as well as a personalized welcome note in your room – just one of the many signs of the hotel’s supurb service. Another highlight is the heated infinity pool with its 360-degree view. No wonder that the Mandarin Oriental has been voted among the top “10 of the World's Best Hotels” by Travel + Leisure.

Address: Neuturmstr. 1, 80331, Munich

Opened in 1841, the Bayrischer Hof has a long-standing tradition of luxury. From the lavishly decorated lobby and its 345 rooms, to its six bars and five restaurants, the hotel combines the charm of days gone by with modern elegance. Take you pick between six different room styles (from country to cosmopolitan), or choose from the themed suites like “Paris” and “5th Avenue”.

Indulge in the hotel’s Blue Spa, which is set on the rooftop and offers a breathtaking view of the iconic Munich church, the Frauenkirche. The swimming pool has a sliding glass roof, so you can swim under Bavarian skies in summer. Besides saunas, massages, and beauty treatments, you can get your own personal exercise program in the state-of-the-art fitness studio.

Address: Promenadeplatz 2-6, 80333, Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Part of the Rocco Forte Hotel Group, the Charles Hotel overlooks the picturesque Botanical Garden and is close to Munich’s central station. The sleek and sophisticated design of the hotel gets a warm touch by the original paintings of Munich’s 19th century artist Franz von Lenbach.

The rooms and suites are stylish as well as spacious and the rooftop terrace has vistas of Munich’s historical skyline. Inside, guests can sweat off those extra-large beers with the Finnish sauna, swim in the indoor pool, and make use of the gym.

The Charles also pampers its small guests; kids can have their own small robes and mini slippers, Charly the Lion stuffed toy, and 24-hour babysitting is available upon request - a treat for the whole family.

Address: Sophienstrasse 28, 80333, Munich

The Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski has hosted many famous guests, from Winston Churchill and Elizabeth Taylor, to Elton John. Its name Vier Jahreszeiten literally translates to "Four Seasons", but it isn't associated with the “Four Seasons Hotel” chain.

Built in 1858 by King Maximilian, the hotel is aptly located on Maximilianstrasse, one of the city’s most expensive shopping streets. Inspired by the grand era of Munich’s kings, the rooms and suites boast a simple and elegant luxury, where design furniture goes hand in hand with antiques and opulent art work. Some rooms even have murals on the ceilings.

There is a rooftop pool, a luxurious day spa, gourmet Schwarzreiter Tagesbar & Restaurant, and the Jahreszeiten Bar.

Address: Maximilianstraße 17, 80539 Munich

The Palace Hotel is family-run and you feel the personal atmosphere throughout the hotel. Each room has hard-wood floors and is individually decorated with lots of attention to detail. The furniture is tasteful, the colors muted, and classic art adorns the walls.

In summer, take a break in the lovely leafy courtyard garden where everything from breakfast to cocktails is served. If you want a maximum of comfort and privacy, get the Maisonette Suite which extends over two levels and has its own private rooftop terrace and private sauna.

Set in Munich’s posh area of Bogenhausen, it’s a 15-minute walk to Munich’s Altstadt (Old Town) and bus and subway stops are around the corner. Athletic guests can even take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary bike rental.

Address: Trogerstrasse 21, 81675, Munich