Botanical garden hideaway
Curved limestone architecture hugs the Old Botanical Garden, opening into sunlit lounges with bespoke plasterwork and grand floral displays.
“This property in the Rocco Forte empire underwent a major renovation last year, steered by interior designer Olga Polizzi.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Dedicated concierges, spacious suites, and heated limestone bathrooms with deep soaking tubs.
Notable
Botanical motifs across curved limestone architecture, custom plasterwork, and Nymphenburg porcelain accents.
Notable
A fifteen-meter indoor lap pool accompanied by Finnish saunas and botanical body treatments.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
far from being another beige business hotel, The Charles looks crisp and contemporary, and just rich enough without crossing over into excessive opulence.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Bordering the Old Botanical Garden in Maxvorstadt, the property sits a short walk from Karlsplatz and the renowned art museums of Königsplatz.
The rooms
Spacious bedrooms feature wrought-iron balconies framing park treetops, plush velvet seating, and heated limestone bathrooms with deep soaking tubs.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 15-meter heated indoor pool is lined with red coral mosaics and illuminated from beneath.
The spa
Five treatment rooms offer botanical rituals using Irene Forte Skincare, beside a candlelit relaxation lounge.
The thermal baths
Thermal facilities include a Finnish sauna, an aromatherapy steam room, and heated foot baths behind beaded chain partitions.
Dogs stay too.
Florio Restaurant
Italian seasonal dishes are served under potted olive trees and arched windows facing the Old Botanical Garden.
Though a new piece of architecture, the inspiration for the design of The Charles Hotel owes much to the grand hotels of the Côte d‘Azur. Elegant and refined, it is light-filled and spacious.
At the table
Florio Bar serves Italian aperitifs at a green marble counter, and Circle Bar mixes champagne cocktails.
How it began
Sir Rocco Forte built the limestone hotel in 2007 as a personal tribute to his father, the legendary British hotelier Lord Charles Forte.
“A striking change from the Baroque grandeur of central Munich, the Charles looks like a sculpted white seashell set on the edge of the Old Botanical Gardens.”
Good to know
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The Charles Hotel
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Munich
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.