Mandarin Oriental, Munich
Munich, Germany
Old Town
Vibe
Behind the Neo-Renaissance facade, the triangular lobby greets arrivals with cascading floral arrangements, antique furnishings, and the discreet calm of a private salon.
“Neo-Renaissance ballroom citadel”
Doormen greeting arrivals by name, complimentary in-room minibars, and attentive concierge service define the discreet boutique stay.
An 1880 Neo-Renaissance landmark originally constructed as the Centralsäle municipal ballroom hall under King Ludwig II.
Neo-Biedermeier cherrywood furnishings, custom parquet floors, August Endell reliefs, and circular suites tucked inside historic corner towers.
In Munich's Altstadt, steps from Maximilianstraße luxury boutiques and historic Marienplatz.
“Despite its distinctly old-fashioned appearance, this is, perhaps, Munich's most sophisticated hotel. Small and discreet, the Mandarin Oriental is still widely referred to by its old name, the Rafael”
Rooms
Neo-Biedermeier cherrywood and heated stone bathrooms outfit the interiors, while tower suites offer circular sitting rooms framed by historic turrets.
“The newly renovated rooms feel residential with wood floors, area rugs and local art.”
Wellness
A heated seasonal rooftop pool overlooks the Frauenkirche and Bavarian Alps, paired downstairs with a Finnish sauna and Turkish steam bath.
“Rooms have views of the city’s red roofs, cherrywood furniture in the style of the neo-Biedermeier period, and cream, gold, and brown hues.”
Backstory
Built in 1880 as the Centralsäle ballroom hall under King Ludwig II, the landmark hosted masked balls before becoming a luxury hotel in 1990.
Eat & drink
Matsuhisa serves Japanese-Peruvian sashimi downstairs, while the dark green velvet Ory Bar and seasonal Mahjong Roof Garden pour craft cocktails late.
The neighborhood
Tucked on quiet Neuturmstrasse in the historic Altstadt, the hotel sits steps from Maximilianstrasse boutiques, Marienplatz, and the Hofbräuhaus beer hall.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.