The stately Mandarin Oriental, Munich has led something of a varied existence, though its fantastic neo-Renaissance façade has survived intact. Its first owner, Johann Kilian Stützel, was also its architect, and when it was finally completed in 1800, the building opened as the Centralsäle in glorious fashion with a packed masked ball.
The Centralsäle quickly became one of Germany’s premier locations for dancing due to its impressive ballroom. It has hosted controversial theater plays, housed a Bavarian battalion during the first World War; it was converted into a wool factory, then an antique business, before coming under a Bavarian state preservation order in the 1980s.
Part of the Mandarin Oriental group since 2000, updates to the lobby in 2015 brought in a lighter, more modern feel — the re-creation of the renowned 1897 August Endell-designed Jugendstil relief above the curving central stairs is a joy. Then in 2020, the hotel overhauled its guest rooms and suites, the most extensive renovation in its history.
The Centralsäle quickly became one of Germany’s premier locations for dancing due to its impressive ballroom. It has hosted controversial theater plays, housed a Bavarian battalion during the first World War; it was converted into a wool factory, then an antique business, before coming under a Bavarian state preservation order in the 1980s.
Part of the Mandarin Oriental group since 2000, updates to the lobby in 2015 brought in a lighter, more modern feel — the re-creation of the renowned 1897 August Endell-designed Jugendstil relief above the curving central stairs is a joy. Then in 2020, the hotel overhauled its guest rooms and suites, the most extensive renovation in its history.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Head up to the luxury hotel’s rooftop Terrace to enjoy the stunning city views with an expertly made alfresco cocktail. Stay for a moonlit dinner and dine on a mix of Asian, Mediterranean and Arabic fare.
- With 48 rooms and 25 suites, the Munich hotel leans more toward boutique status than large international chain, but that doesn’t mean you miss out on any of the luxury amenities Mandarin Oriental is known for.
- The newly renovated rooms feel residential with wood floors, area rugs and local art. We favor the Tower and Bavaria suites, which sit in the building's towers.
- A 24-hour fitness center is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment including a Kinesis wall offering computerized wellness assessments. An adjacent sauce, steam room and shower provides extra relaxation.
- Don't miss a meal at Matsuhisa Munich. Anticucho Peruvian-style tofu steak, scallops with spicy garlic or wasabi pepper sauce, and grilled beef fillet with teriyaki sauce highlight the thoughtfully innovative menu, the likes of which you won’t find elsewhere in this city.
Things to Know
- Though more likely to be packed with tourists than locals nowadays, the world’s most famous beer garden is the Hofbräuhaus and it is situated just feet from the Mandarin Oriental.
- For newcomers to Munich, overnighting in the center of the city is a must, which means staying as close to the historic Altstadt neighborhood as possible.
- While the Munich hotel does not offer a spa, the concierge will be happy to book you a treatment at Amour Fou Spa de Beaute, which is on property.
The Rooms
- Each room blends historic and contemporary with a mix of styles, colors and patterns. But they all feature mountain images by local artist Felix Rehfeld as a nod Munich being the gateway to the Alps.
- Bathrooms have black and white polished stone. All come with a walk-in shower, separate bathtub, toilet and bidet and — a welcome touch on cold days — underfloor heating.
- The Tower and Bavaria suites are unique spaces. Tucked inside towers, the former has a circular sitting room and dining room, while the latter has a round bedroom.
- The 1,292-square-foot Presidential Suite boasts a wrap-round terrace, a glass-enclosed dining area for four, a vast bedroom with a walk-in closet, a kitchen with Bulthaup appliances and a large marble bathroom with a steam room and Jacuzzi.
The Restaurants
- Created by renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Matsuhisa Munich focuses on Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, delightfully revolving around seafood, including a traditional sushi bar.
- Head to The Lounge for afternoon tea, some coffee and snacks or lunch.
- Pop into Mandarin Cake Shop for delectable housemade cakes and pastries.
- During the summer, The Terrace offers alfresco dining with unbeatable views of the city.
- Swathed in dark green and gold, the dark and modern Ory bar makes you want to sip one of the creative cocktails and soak up the atmosphere.
Amenities
24-hour room service 
Babysitting services
Bar
Gym
Meeting rooms
Pet friendly
Restaurants
Spa
Getting There
Stories
