Mandarin Oriental München

Unlike The Charles and the Vier Jahreszeiten, the Mandarin doesn’t try to be contemporary, opting instead for understated, elegant interiors.

• One of the few hotels in the city with a bona fide children’s program.
• The city’s most romantic suite in a turreted tower.
• The rooftop bar that’s a chalet in winter, lounge in the summer.
• Complimentary Mercedes-Benz bikes for city exploration.

With just 73 room, including 24 suites, the Mandarin Oriental is more boutique than its competitors (the Bayerische Hof and Vier Jahreszeiten). It’s situated south of busy MaximilIanstrasse, the so-called “Madison Avenue” of Munich with Gucci, Prada and the like, around the corner from the city’s Hofbräuhaus.

Occupying a neo-Renaissance building with a white turret at its center, the Mandarin was fully renovated in 2007, though its rooms showcase a kind of elegant timelessness. Nothing here is super innovative or destination specific but the hotel gets all the details right: marble bathrooms come with Molton Brown amenities and heated floor; the beds are lined in crisp, cotton-satin sheets; and children get toys upon arrival.

Due to the quirky architecture of this 1870s palais, no two rooms have the same layout. Some have slanted ceilings, others have spectacular views from their bathtubs, others yet have balconies. The most romantic must be the five tower suites, with an elevated circular sitting area whose windows have 360-degree views of the city and beyond.

Like the Bayerischer Hof, the Mandarin boasts a rooftop swimming pool and the adjacent China Moon Terrace lounge is one of the best places for an aperitif during the summer. In winter, it’s still worth visiting the MO rooftop, which is transformed into a cozy wooden chalet, where diners can sample rustic food and seasonal cocktails. More formal fare is found at the Michelin -starred Mark’s restaurant, whose old-fashioned décor is going to be updated this year.

Those traveling with kids can take advantage of a comprehensive program, with children’s menus, amenities, welcome gifts and babysitting service. The whole family can enjoy a bike rental program (Mercedes-Benz bikes, of course). The Mandarin is within walking distance to many sights and museums. Note that the proximity to the Hofbräuhaus makes late-night encounters with beer-seekers unavoidable, especially during Oktoberfest. During the day, the famous Brauhaus is a great spot for a local lunch.