Whether you want to sleep like Empress Sisi or in a round tent with 50 strangers – deciding where to stay in Munich is both exciting and challenging. The city offers a wide range of unique accommodation options. We introduce you to some hotels, hostels and campsites!
Ask any Munich resident about the city's top hotel and most will immediately name the Bayerischer Hof. For over a century, this hotel has hosted society's elite. Empress Sisi of Austria and silent film legend Charlie Chaplin spent nights here, even though the Grand Hotel had a different name back then. In more recent years, Hollywood stars such as Tom Cruise, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Daniel Craig have stayed here, as well as stage magician David Copperfield, TV legend Thomas Gottschalk and model Claudia Schiffer.
Ask any Munich resident about the city's top hotel and most will immediately name the Bayerischer Hof. For over a century, this hotel has hosted society’s elite.
Blues rockers ZZ Top left a bearded sketch in the guest book and violinist David Garrett drew a violin. There is even a monument commemorating music icon Michael Jackson. Years ago, his fans rededicated a statue in front of the Bayerischer Hof on Promenadeplatz (square), which originally depicted the composer Orlando di Lasso. The flowers, pictures and notes left on the pedestal of the statue testify to the aura that surrounded the ‘King of Pop’ throughout his life and also captivated the people in Munich.
Even if Michael Jackson and most visitors to Munich may have little in common, they do share one thing: if they don't want to leave right away, they have to stay, at least for a night or two. But where? Travellers to Munich are literally spoilt for choice – not just between the various suites in the Bayerischer Hof, which was once the top-selling hotel in Germany. In the Bavarian state capital, accommodation ranges from natural campsites to arty luxury hotels. Many hosts distinguish themselves in their own way: through their connection to the city's history, through the appreciation of regional products, or through sustainability that benefits both the environment and society.
Thanks to its illustrious guest list, the Bayerischer Hof is the most famous address in the city. However, it is by no means the only one. The Deutsche Eiche, for example, also enjoys a supra-regional reputation. Firmly rooted in the Gärtnerplatz neighbourhood since 1872, it began as a pub and later became a haven for artists and a gathering spot for the gay and lesbian community. Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, among others, is said to have once celebrated wild parties here. Since then, the establishment has of course been renovated several times. Today, behind its historic façade, the Deutsche Eiche houses a restaurant, a roof terrace, a bathhouse with a sauna and 36 modern rooms.
Other popular hotels: Ruby Hotel, 25 hours Hotel, Roomers Munich, Sofitel Bayerpost
When it comes to sustainability in the hospitality industry, Munich's Cocoon Hotels are particularly noteworthy. Three of its four branches are located in Munich: near the main railway station, at Sendlinger Tor (gate) and on Karlsplatz square (known locally as Stachus). All three hotels are certified with the “GreenSign Hotel“ level four label, which means (among other things): All three hotels only use green electricity from Munich's public utility company. Single-use plastics are largely avoided.
All three Cocoon hotels only use green electricity from Munich's public utility company. Single-use plastics are largely avoided.
A partnership with a local bike rental company promotes environmentally friendly transport. Natural materials such as stone or cork predominate in the rooms, which is reflected in the birch forest look of the Cocoon at Stachus. Allergy sufferers will be impressed by the bedding. It comes from the Mühldorfer company in the Bavarian Forest, where down and feathers are washed several times in mountain spring water and heated with steam to over 120 degrees Celsius, ensuring no mites or germs remain.
Maria's Platzl is another highly recommended sustainable option. Few hotels reflect such a strong visible connection to the Alpine foothills on the outskirts of Munich. The hotel in the Au district impresses with its Bavarian charm. Traditional elements are everywhere: Lüftlmalerei (Bavarian wall paintings), loden (thick woollen cloth), and regional delicacies. Yet, the overall impression is not overly rustic. The 34 rooms feature light wooden furnishings, complemented by impressive details such as porcelain lampshades and wallpaper made from traditional dirndl fabric.
The interior design is continued directly across the street three times a year during the Auer Dulten on Mariahilfplatz: a mix of folk festival and market that has retained much of their originality. It is best imagined as a busy-scene picture: people take a ride on the carousel, smell Swiss stone pine pillows, eat sausages, browse old books, try on clothes, test their skills at the shooting range, or try out vegetable peelers.
Other sustainable hotels are: Soulmade, Das Bader Hotel, Koos Hotel
In a city like Munich, tradition is everywhere. You can see it in the Schuhplattler dances at traditional festivals, in the bustling trade on the Viktualienmarkt, or the pubs with their foaming taps and mugs of local beer. Tradition also lives on in the old, worn wooden stairs of the Mariandl. This hotel is housed in a listed Belle Époque building on Beethovenplatz that has retained much of its historic charm. There is no elevator or television and no lobby – check-in takes place at the mahogany counter in the café on the ground-floor.
Modernity makes its appearance in the bathrooms, which most rooms on the upper floors now feature. However, the most astonishing thing about the Mariandl is probably that it has made a name for itself as an institution on the art scene. Since 2000, the hotel has hosted the “Zimmer frei” project every autumn, in which artists take over two floors. Instead of tourists, the rooms are then occupied by spatial installations, figures, and performances. Meanwhile, on the other floors, regular hotel business continues.
Other special hotels: Hotel Opéra, Hotel Krone, Hotel Splendid-Dollmann, Hotel Lux
Also, the Flushing Meadows is a feast for the eye. If you guessed that the name suggests a location near “flooded meadows,” you are spot on. The hotel is less than 100 metres from the Isar. And if you feel reminded of a club when entering the building, you are also right: The three founders of the hotel are all rooted in Munich's nightlife. The entrance is hidden behind an unassuming grey steel door. Inside, guests find rooms in various distinctive designs, thought out in collaboration with Munich creatives. One room, designed by DJ Hell, features black walls and a turntable.
Inside, guests find rooms in various distinctive designs, thought out in collaboration with Munich creatives. One room, designed by DJ Hell, features black walls and a turntable.
Another, inspired by Eisbach surfer Quirin Rohleder, even includes a hammock. After all, as a member of the international Design Hotels network, the Flushing Meadows has a reputation to uphold. However, what attracts many locals is located at the very top of the building: The rooftop terrace with a bar guarantees stunning views over Munich. It is the perfect spot to end the day in style with a cocktail.
Compared to that, the new Koenigshof can call itself striking. Despite its uninviting brutalist façade, the old Königshof – then still spelt with an umlaut – was known for its exquisite cuisine and was one of the city's top restaurants. At some point, time took its toll on it. It was demolished, but not forgotten: since 2024, a spectacular new building with cubist elements and a hidden glass front has taken its place. The hotel, which is now part of the Marriott Hotel Group's Luxury Collection, offers rooms and suites, decorated in dark tones.
The old Königshof – then still spelt with an umlaut – was known for its exquisite cuisine and was one of the city's top restaurants.
Its prime location is one of the hotels greatest assets. The Koenigshof is situated directly on Stachus square, one of the city's main transportation hubs. It is only a short walk to Karlstor gate and the diverse shops on Kaufinger Strasse. Alternatively, guests can take a suburban train and head to Starnberger See (lake), just as Bavaria's royalty once did.
Other design hotels: Locke Hotels, Bold Hotels, Haus im Tal, Andaz
Even more royal luxury can be found in the northern part of the old town, between Maximiliansplatz, Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz squares. Perhaps, the term ‘miracle of space’ would be appropriate here: According to its own information, the Rosewood has 73 rooms, 59 suites and five so-called houses. The largest of these houses – named after the Bavarian King Maximilian I – has a floor area of 250 square metres. Three suites can be added to this, bringing the total to a generous 450 square metres. Furnishing highlights include a marble bathroom, curated works of art by Munich artists, handmade porcelain from the Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg and a personalised butler service.
Other luxury hotels: Charles Hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, Beyond by Geisel
Of course, you can also go one size smaller, which doesn't necessarily mean it's worse, just different. In Thalkirchen, in the south of Munich, a delightful contrast to the opulence of the old town awaits: one of the few campsites within the city limits. Spread over 4.5 hectares, the site is nestled in the green meadows along Zentralländstrasse. According to the operator, it offers space for around 300 tents and 300 camper vans.
On the other side of the campsite lies Maria Einsiedel, one of the most beautiful outdoor swimming pools in town.
During Oktoberfest, it can get crowded – just like everywhere else in Munich – but here you are closer to the water. On one side of the campsite, a side canal of the Isar rushes past, where excursion rafts with music bands swim over from Wolfratshausen and moor here in summer. On the other side of the campsite lies Maria Einsiedel, one of the most beautiful outdoor swimming pools in town. And in the quiet of the evening, if you listen carefully, you might even hear the lions from Tierpark Hellabrunn (zoo) roaring across the Isar.
Backpackers, on the other hand, head for the numerous hostels around the main station, or perhaps to the city's most unique accommodation: The Tent youth camp between Nymphenburg and Moosach. Founded on the occasion of the 1972 Olympic Games to discourage young travellers from camping in parks and green spaces, The Tent was intended to be a low-cost alternative – and the non-profit offer is still extremely popular today.
It's said that many lifelong friendships have been forged around its campfire. After all, meeting people is part of Munich's DNA.
The address, In den Kirschen 30, lives up to its name as the site is nestled in the picturesque Kapuzinerhölzl neighbourhood, not far from Nymphenburger Schlosspark (palace park). For just ten euros, you can secure one of the 50 sleeping places in the large ground tent, which includes a sleeping mat and blankets. Overnight accommodation in your own tent costs from 7 euros per person, plus 6.50 euros for a (small) tent.
In total, The Tent can accommodate up to 300 people. What it lacks in luxury, is made up for with international flair and a great atmosphere. It's said that many lifelong friendships have been forged around its campfire. After all, meeting people is part of Munich’s DNA.
And there's no better place for this than the city's beer gardens and pubs, where everyone meets – from luxury hotel guests to backpackers and locals. Here, people sit together, clink glasses, chat, and maybe even ask each other how the other person has slept. There's a good chance that you'll hear fascinating stories about Munich in return!
