If you’re thinking about taking a luxury European city break to immerse yourself in great culture, fascinating history, and excellent nightlife, then you really must consider traveling to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Home to centuries-old buildings, a multitude of museums and a little over 1,4 million people, the city of Munich is so much more than the kitsch, picture-postcard images of lederhosen-clad individuals attending the annual Oktoberfest celebrations might have led you to believe.
Location
This thriving, cosmopolitan hub, full of beautiful gothic architecture, has so much to offer, and the perfect five-star haven from which to see it all is The Charles Hotel, part of the Rocco Forte chain.
Style & Character
Built on the site of a former university library, The Charles Hotel enjoys a serenely calming backdrop of beautiful, old botanical gardens whilst boasting the city’s most spacious rooms and longest indoor pool.
Rooms
You are spoilt for choice at The Charles Hotel, with over 130 guest rooms and 24 stunning suites, all with views of this incredible city or the beautiful Old Botanical Garden. The rooms and suites have been designed by Olga Polizzi and offer understated elegance and charm in their contemporary designs with distinctly Bavarian detailing. Their classic guest rooms with 40 m² are the largest in Munich, and most of them feature a French balcony.
If you would prefer a little more room to relax in, then The Charles Hotel has seven levels of suites to choose from. I’m sure there is the perfect room for everyone. My favorite suite is the Executive Suite. It has a gorgeous and unique circular bedroom, surrounded by windows overlooking the Old Botanical Garden – a real little haven of a bed-nest to wake up in.
For those who can splurge, there is the 200 m² Monforte Suite (aka the Royal Suite). This unique suite offers you antique paintings, a grand piano in the lounge, a study and dining room, a kitchen, a precious marble bathroom with a steam room, and a private rooftop terrace with stunning views (on a sunny day, you can see all the way up to the Alps!).
Service & Facilities
If you are keen to stay in shape on your travels, the hotel has a fully-equipped fitness center with state-of-the-art cardiovascular, weight, and resistance equipment, or why not take some time to relax in The Charles Spa, an oasis of calm in the heart of the city? The spa features five treatment rooms; a beauty salon; a relaxation suite; the longest indoor pool in Munich with heated mosaic-stone lounge chairs; a Finnish sauna, and a steam room with color therapy and aromatherapy – truly the perfect place to escape the hectic pace of urban city life. Tip: After 60 minutes of Thai Massage, you will feel like a new person.
If you are in Munich on business, the hotel can more than cater to all your needs with a business center, seven meeting rooms, a ballroom, and a foyer for receptions, plus its conveniently just 5 minute walk from Munich’s main station.
Food & Drink
The Charles Hotel has the beautiful, light, and airy Davvero Restaurant, where you can dine in style, or alternatively, you can enjoy your meal alfresco on their terrace entertained by the dancing sunshine glinting through the rich green foliage of the surrounding trees (on a hot day don’t miss to order one of the home-made ice teas or lemonades). Daverro offers an exquisite selection of Mediterranean dishes, all made with the finest local ingredients. Dining tip: try the Vitello Tonnato with Pepper Confit and Capers. It’s simply divine.
The hotel bar also entertains both guests and Munich city residents alike with an extensive range of expertly-made cocktails, fine cognacs, whiskies, and wines accompanied by regular live music, and during the day, they also serve a delicious traditional English afternoon tea.
Conclusion
Everything great about Munich is within easy reach of The Charles Hotel. It’s close to historic attractions such as Königsplatz and a short stroll from the designer stores around Maximilianstrasse. If you want to mingle with the locals, you can venture into one of the hundreds of traditional beer gardens or why not try the delicious Bavarian cuisine in the Maxvorstadt artists’ district? Also worth a visit is the bohemian Schwabing quarter and Nymphenburg Palace.
If you’re looking to discover this great city, a stay at The Charles Hotel is not to be missed. You’ll receive excellent five-star service in beautiful surroundings and enjoy a true Bavarian welcome that you won’t experience anywhere else.
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Image(s) courtesy of The Charles Hotel, Munich.
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