Beer, sausages, beautiful Bavarian architecture, explosive art, the latest in automobile technology and lederhosen top the list of what our Gurus first think of when they hear the name: Munich. It’s quite a list, and it’s quite a city. One of the wealthiest cities in the world, Munich is also fun and laid back, with something for everyone. That goes for the hotels too, with our selection of the best places to stay in Munich highlighting romantic boutique boltholes as well as family-friendly favourites all across the city. If you're not sure where to base yourself, check out our neighbourhood guide.

Explore the beautiful Altstadt, Munich’s centre, to marvel at the city’s plethora of museums, galleries and cultural attractions. You’ll find the Marienplatz, the city’s central square, in the heart of the old town, close to the imposing Residenz — the former seat of power in Bavaria and now a museum — the Münchner Stadtmuseum, and the exquisite baroque Asamkirche. Slightly north is the Maxvorstadt district, with great art museums, two universities and a reputation for lively beer gardens and artsy events. Franz Marc and Wassily Kandinsky had there studios in this area, near the leafy Englischer Garten.

The Art Nouveau buildings which characterise Schwabing, on the other side of the park, are not to be missed. For quiet elegance, amble around Haidhausen, often dubbed the ‘French Quarter’, and the warren of art-studded streets of Lehel. The city’s top nightlife can be found in Glockenbach, whilst the Olympiapark is good fun for a sense of Munich’s 1972 Olympics.

Set on a river-crossed plain in Upper Bavaria, Munich is surrounded by lush hills. The rivers reputedly lend something to Munich’s famous beer, savoured by dedicated fans at the annual Oktoberfest. Whether you’re dreaming of delving into the city’s trendy art scene or sampling its top-notch craft brews, the best places to stay in Munich await.

The Best Places to Stay in Munich

For a Hip Design Hotel

• Roomers Munich, close to Friedenheim, has fantastic retro-modern decor with beautifully shaped furniture in great colours. Think brushed brass and glass, dark parquet, grey and deep gold tones in the 280 guest rooms and suites. A timeless and sophisticated design hotel with a popular fine-dining restaurant, swanky bar and impressive modern art collection. Very hip.
• Flushing Meadows is a chic design hotel with spacious, loft-style suites in lively Glockenbach. Converted industrial spaces are individually decorated, with high ceilings, private balconies and all the mod-cons. The rooftop bar is the perfect gathering spot for a young, trendy crowd in the evenings.
• Ruby Lilly Hotel in Maxvorstadt is brilliant for design-conscious groups of friends or couples. The 174 guest rooms are small but well-planned, with crisp white-on-white interiors and smart bathrooms. Expect generous breakfasts, a swanky '70s inspired bar with cracking craft beers and wine, and a lively, convivial feel. An adults-only spot, where the bar is open 24 hours a day.

For Classic Charm

• Excelsior by Geisel, on the border between Maxvorstadt and the centre of town, fuses modern comforts with classic Alpine style. The 114 rooms and suites are tastefully decorated, with pale wood and cream tones, topped with soft terracotta-coloured touches. Kick back in the traditional lounge after days of exploring the city. The Bavarian bar and restaurant are charming.
• Hotel Munchen Palace has elegant guest rooms with low lighting, private balconies and big cosy beds. The lively bar and restaurant are excellent, and the sun terrace, surrounded by leafy gardens and ivy-clad walls, is ideal for those looking to enjoy al fresco drinks and dinner. A timeless city favourite.
• Platzl Hotel boasts an enviable central location and a beautiful historic façade, with ivy-covered faded white walls, and a pretty restaurant spilling out onto the street. A recent renovation, however, means that rooms feel chic and contemporary, with steel grey and burgundy touches. Brilliant for those looking to fuse classic Bavarian charm with contemporary luxury.

For Families or Groups

• Schwabinger Wahrheit by Geisel, in beautiful, leafy Schwabinger, is a chic, contemporary hotel with 80 rooms and suites and a real sense of Scandi minimalism. The bunk rooms are very affordable, and great for groups of friends travelling together, whilst family suites make city breaks with kids comfortable and easy. There's an on-site sauna, shared terrace spaces and good breakfasts.
• Cocoon Hauptbahnhof is a fun, Alpine themed hotel close to Karlsplatz. Suites with mezzanine levels and extra beds are great for holidays with little ones. Families will appreciate the central location, the relaxed rustic-chic style and the generous breakfasts. There's a crackling fire in the bar for cosy evening drinks.

For Romantic Opulence

• Beyond by Geisel is a lavish boutique bolthole with just 19 indulgent rooms and suites. Atmospheric lighting and elegant modern furnishings create a wonderfully sophisticated sense of style, completed by en-suites with sink-into bathtubs. A romantic hotel with views of the grand town hall and private chefs ready to whip up delicious dinners.
• Hotel Splendid Dollmann has 36 sumptuous rooms and suites, each with original artworks and fine fabrics. A historic townhouse-turned-hotel, this gem in the Lehel district oozes timeless charm, with an old-fashioned library, dining room and leafy patio. Expect gilded mirrors, chandeliers and romantic splendour.
• Louis Hotel is a beautiful Bavarian property set just opposite the Viktualienmarkt food market. Rooms feature handmade walnut and oak furniture, bench seats with velvet cushions, milking stool tables and leather-handled TV cabinets. The exceptional Grillroom restaurant will delight foodies. Sensational.

For Five-Star Luxury

• Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski is splendid and generously proportioned, with opulent rooms and suites hidden behind a traditional façade. Private butlers, personal shoppers and slick limousines await at this five-star city spot, which also offers a fabulous spa with indoor pool, gastronomic cuisine and a central location.
• Charles Hotel has crisp, contemporary rooms and suites with cream textiles, parquet floors and private balconies offering views over the old botanic gardens. Unwind in the extensive spa, feast at the acclaimed Italian restaurant, and admire the extensive art collection. A five-star favourite for fans of modern style.
• The Bayerischer Hof is arguably one of the finest hotels in Europe, with 220 enormous rooms and suites boasting private terraces, spa baths and marvellous city views. A private cinema, rooftop spa, nightclub with lvie jazz and multiple restaurants — including the two-Michelin-starred Atelier — complete the picture. Upscale grandeur in the heart of the city.
• Mandarin Oriental Munich takes luxury to new heights, with immaculate contemporary guest rooms hinting at Asian influences through rich fabrics. Moments from the opera house, major museums, galleries and boutiques, this landmark hotel promises a splendid rooftop pool and bar, a superb spa and a Japanese-Peruvian fine dining restaurant.

For Great Value

• 25 Hours Royal Bavarian has a reputation for eclectic style, with warm, jewel-like tones in guest rooms with carved headboards, retro-chic tiled bathrooms and an atmospheric library-bar clad in deep reds. The big restaurant space is quirky and cool, ideal for a trip with friends. Very affordable.
• Bavaria Boutique Hotel has 50 attractive rooms and suites, sightly beyond the city centre. The design has mid-century Danish influences, with natural materials, light wood and soft green and grey tones. Big breakfasts and a good bar complete the picture at this romantic yet reasonably priced base.

For a Tranquil Escape

• Hotel Schrenkhof is a charming chalet-style property set south-east of the city centre. Built in the 1980s to resemble a historic inn, the hotel has traditional Tyrolean painted wood panels and carved details in bedrooms with cosy patterned bedspreads and coffered ceilings. Savour delicious breakfasts in the garden or the classic dining room. Also great value.
• Hotel M120 has simple, self-catering units with wooden floors, large windows and soft grey and white textiles. Suites have well-equipped kitchens, and multi-bedroom options are great for families with little ones. The owners also have a good Bavarian restaurant, located just along the road.
• Hotel Laimer Hof, another quiet option, sits a few minutes from the Teutonic Schloss Nymphenburg, and within reach of central Munich by tram or train. An 1886-built gem, this B&B has 23 fresh, white-painted guest rooms with brass bedsteads and antique touches. Warm hosts are full of recommendations, and families are welcome.
• Gasthof Neuwirt, to the north-east, is another family-run favourite for those seeking affordable rates and tranquil residential surroundings. Interiors are panelled in Swiss pine with crisp white linens, offering a contemporary take on traditional style. The Bavarian cuisine is superb, and there are good room options for families or groups.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY HOUSE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Munich International Airport, and catch an S-Bahn train or the Luftansa Airport Bus to the centre of town in 30-45 minutes.
• Bavaria is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car and explore beyond the boundaries of the city.
• Visit during the summer months, with temperatures averaging around 23°C between May and early September. The annual Oktoberfest is peak season, and the Christmas markets are hugely popular. You'll find fewer crowds and great hotel deals outside the school holidays in spring and autumn.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Nuremberg.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Bavaria.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

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