Asian opulence finds its way to the grandest city in Germany for a match made in hospitality heaven. The Mandarin Oriental Munich is pure glamour – a must when in the Bavarian capital.
East Asians know a thing or two about luxury hospitality. Whether it’s the overwhelming beauty of an Aman resort or the polished elegance of Langham properties, Asian hotels offer a refined and courteous sensibility that is popular the world over. The original eastern hotel mega brand? Mandarin Oriental – two words that are practically a synonym for luxury.
Mandarin’s Munich outpost is contained in a graceful white building dating from 1880, originally intended to serve as the city’s opera house. The location couldn’t be better for the well-heeled weekenders who frequent this hotel, with both the best art galleries and most exclusive shopping avenue (Maximilianstrasse) just moments away. Inside, comfort begins from the first step onto the champagne-hued lobby’s sumptuous thick-pile carpets. Check-in comes with signature Mandarin Oriental graciousness, and from there it’s up the winding golden staircase and into one of the hotel’s lavish bedrooms.
On site there are three restaurants and bars (including a Matsuhisa), a lounge serving afternoon tea, and a rooftop terrace complete with pool. Despite having everything you’d imagine in a deluxe five star property, the hotel has a distinctly more intimate feel than anticipated. With just 48 bedrooms and 25 suites, the staff to guest ratio allows for a personalised, boutique-y service that is the direct opposite of the anonymity expected from big name city hotels.
We loved Munich. Superb museums – Pinakothek der Moderne, Museum Brandhorst, Alte Pinakothek – that are amongst the best in Europe, glorious gardens for lazing away the dog days of summer, and town squares full of street food and Bavarian culture make the city a top choice for your next European minibreak. And of course, there’s no address more stylish to explore from than that of the Mandarin Oriental.
Sleep
Bedrooms at the Mandarin are a total joy. A recipe of 19th century architectural proportions, classical Biedermeier style, and Asian design touches come together to create rooms that feel palatial, contemporary, and supremely comfortable.
We stayed in a Deluxe Junior Suite which came with stupendously high ceilings, parquet floors, a generous seating area, super-king size bed, and full length windows that flooded the room with natural light. The décor was finished with textiles in shades of cream, brown, and gold, completing the opulent look.
The rooms aren’t just beautiful, but are well-appointed too. Ours had a walk in closet, Bang & Olufsen entertainment systems, and a black marble bathroom with underfloor heating and Shanghai Tang amenities – sheer bliss.
Eat
The hotel’s principal restaurant Matsuhisa is iconic super-chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s only operation in Germany. The dining room strikes a sexy note, with dim lighting and lower ceilings that create a Hong Kong meets downtown New York vibe. Expect all the classic Nobu dishes cooked to perfection. We ate the irresistible black cod (as meltingly delicious as ever), yellowtail jalapeno sashimi, lobster tacos, soft shell crab harumaki, and a selection of sushi rolls. All were expertly crafted and exquisitely fresh.
The Matsuhisa space doubles up as the breakfast room, which provides an east-meets-west spread of both German and Asian classics. Cheeses, meats, breads and pastries, fresh fruit, and a large variety of juices are on offer, alongside bratwurst and other local delicacies. Hot food can be ordered from an a la carte menu that includes various egg dishes as well as rice congee – a traditional Asian breakfast dish.
The hotel has two bars: downstairs is Bar31, a trendy space with brooding interiors of petrol blue and bronze. The menu of Asian inspired cocktails and light bar food is perfect for late night tête-à-têtes. The more famous bar however is China Moon. Only open during the warmer months of the year, China Moon is located on the roof terrace and offers incredible views over the Munich skyline and to the mountains beyond. Come here to sip on frozen wine cocktails and rub shoulders with the city’s coolest locals.
Relax
Guests of the hotel benefit from access to the small but brilliantly formed summer rooftop relaxation terrace. There’s no getting around how tiny it is, but excellent design makes the most of the space available. Instead of sun loungers, the hotel has installed large traditional German sunbeds – a kind of mini cabin for two with snug seating, a retractable roof, and built in tables and footstalls – that offer a surprising level of privacy from the sunbathing guests next to you. The terrace also boasts a plunge pool. Ideal for cooling off from the unexpectedly hot Bavarian mid-day sun.
Direct flights are available to Munich from London on various airlines including British Airways and EasyJet from around £100 return.
Mandarin Oriental Munich’s Superior Rooms start at 600 Euros, based on two sharing and including breakfast.