Before the arrival of Rosewood Munich in late 2023, the Mandarin Oriental Munich stood firmly as the city’s crown jewel — and after my site visit, I can tell you it still holds its own beautifully. What makes this hotel so special is its intimate scale: just 48 guest rooms and 25 suites, housed in an imposing 19th-century building originally constructed by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a grand venue for royal events, concerts, and debutante balls. Where Rosewood delivers grand, sweeping luxury, the Mandarin Oriental offers something perhaps even more rare: the feeling that the hotel exists entirely for you.

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As I mentioned in my Rosewood Munich review, Munich is one of Germany’s most overlooked gems and deserves at minimum a two-night stay. The Mandarin Oriental sits on a quiet side street in the heart of Old Town, just a five-minute walk from Marienplatz and steps from the legendary Maximilianstraße shopping corridor. Same city, same walkable neighborhood — but the Mandarin Oriental feels tucked away and hushed in a way that suits guests who prefer to slip in and out of the city unnoticed.

Munich is a natural hub for many flight routings, and the city itself is deserving of a 2-night minimum stay for your connection. As a long-time travel advisor, Germany is an often-overlooked country within Europe, but the country as a whole is truly one of my favorites. The heart of Old Town Munich is about 45 minutes from Munich International Airport. Traveling through Frankfurt and you’d still like to experience Munich? It’s just a 3-hour 20-minute train ride.

If the Rosewood Munich is the glamorous newcomer drawing diplomats and celebrities with its buzzy bar scene, the Mandarin Oriental is the discreet institution that the city’s most discerning travelers have been quietly returning to for decades. Its intimate size ensures that every guest feels personally attended to from the moment they are welcomed with a glass of Moët & Chandon at check-in to the instant a doorman bids them a warm “auf Wiedersehen” upon checkout. There is no scene here to see and be seen in — and for many guests, that is precisely the point.

Rooms are individually designed with an East-meets-West aesthetic, and at 73 keys total, are some of the largest in Munich.

Rooms are soundproofed, many feature high ceilings, and private bathrooms are fitted with a Turkish steam bath, sauna, hair dryer, and plush bathrobes. All rooms offer 24-hour room service and premium bedding, with thoughtful extras like pillow menus and laptop-friendly workspaces — a nod to today’s modern traveler.

During my site visit, I was struck by the Tower Suite in particular: a separate living room in the building’s corner turret with a semicircular sofa, views over the city, and a main bathroom tiled in deep-veined white marble and black stone with a free-standing soaking tub and rainfall shower. The rooms feel curated rather than designed by committee — each one has its own distinct character.

Book with Diego Travel to receive exclusive perks like a potential room upgrade, hotel credits, and other members-only benefits.

This is where the Mandarin Oriental truly sets itself apart. Matsuhisa Munich brings the renowned Japanese-Peruvian cuisine of celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa to the heart of Bavaria — a combination you simply won’t find at any other hotel in the city. It’s unexpected, world-class, and wholly memorable. For something more relaxed, The Lounge is the ideal spot for afternoon tea, cake specialties, and all-day dining with international options. And when the season allows, the rooftop terrace offers a full 360-degree view of the city with summer snacks and drinks that make for an unforgettable evening in Munich. 

The spa and wellness center features a sauna, steam room, and a range of treatments including body wraps, massages, and beauty therapies. Guests can unwind at the rooftop pool and sun terrace with breathtaking views of the city — a seasonal but spectacular retreat above the rooftops of Old Town. The fitness center is available around the clock for those who like to keep their routine while traveling. 

Its history, its scale, and its restaurant. Named Germany’s Best City Hotel in 2024, the Mandarin Oriental has earned its reputation not through reinvention but through consistency. The East-meets-West design sensibility, Nobu Matsuhisa’s flagship restaurant, and a staff that remembers your name set it apart in a city that now has no shortage of excellent luxury options. 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The deeply personal service at this hotel is something you feel from the first moment. Guests consistently note that staff — from the bellman to the front desk to the restaurant team — remember names and anticipate needs throughout the stay. Paired with the Matsuhisa dining experience and the rooftop pool, this is a hotel that rewards guests who take the time to slow down and settle in.

At Diego Travel, we are proud Preferred Partners with Mandarin Oriental, which means our clients receive exclusive Fan Club Amenities when booking through us — and trust me, these perks consistently outshine what you’ll find booking through any other channel. Fan Club benefits are designed to elevate your stay from the moment you arrive. Reach out through diegotravel.com/book to ensure your Mandarin Oriental Munich booking comes with everything it deserves.

Don’t miss Matsuhisa for dinner — book well in advance as it draws both hotel guests and locals alike. And if you’re visiting in warmer months, the rooftop terrace is a non-negotiable sundowner stop with some of the best views in the city. As with the Rosewood, the hotel sits steps from Maximilianstraße — perfect for a morning stroll before the boutiques open and the crowds arrive.

My site visit to the Mandarin Oriental Munich left a strong impression. This is a hotel for the traveler who values intimacy over spectacle, legacy over novelty. It doesn’t need to compete with the Rosewood Munich — it occupies an entirely different emotional register. If Rosewood is the hotel that takes your breath away upon arrival, the Mandarin Oriental is the one that earns your loyalty over time, visit after visit, through flawless service and an atmosphere of refined calm. Munich is lucky to have both, and your choice between them really comes down to the experience you’re seeking.

Book with us to get Mandarin Oriental Fan Club Benefits and Exclusive Promos.

Rosewood Munich, the exquisitely transformed former Bavarian State Bank is now one of the most beautiful hotels in Europe. Set in the heart of Old Town Munich, my stay at Rosewood Munich exceeded all my expectations. The hotel itself has a very residential feel, as the lobby is referred to as your living room, feeling simultaneously refined and relaxed. The hotel marries old world charm with modern comforts just perfectly, and my stay felt personalized and beyond luxurious. Part of our Rosewood Elite amenities included a grand upgrade to a suite, as well as a personalized welcome amenity from the Rosewood Munich team, and perhaps the best German breakfast that previously existed only in my dreams.

Perfect For: Multi-Generational Families | Young Kids | Families with Teens | Business Travelers  | Couples Trips

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Rosewood Munich

Munich is a natural hub for many flight routings, and the city itself is deserving of a 2-night minimum stay for your connection. As a long-time travel advisor, Germany is an often-overlooked country within Europe, but the country as a whole is truly one of my favorites. The heart of Old Town Munich is about 45 minutes from Munich International Airport. Traveling through Frankfurt and you’d still like to experience Munich? It’s just a 3-hour 20-minute train ride.

Prior to the opening of Rosewood Munich in late 2023, the best hotels in the city of Munich were Mandarin Oriental and Hotel Bayerischer Hof, both luxury hotels as well. Munich was long overdue for an upgrade and Rosewood has delivered. As I mentioned, the building itself was formerly a Bavarian State Bank, steeped in original details. It’s also located on one of the best streets in Munich, surrounded by high-brow shopping and restaurants and bars that are frequented by the locals. The hotel attracts the best of the best from Germany and all of Europe, with everyone from international diplomats to high-profile celebrities like Adele choosing the Rosewood Munich as their address. Privacy is key, service is impeccable, and the buzzy scene at both Bar Montez and Brasserie Cuvilliés can’t be beat. Trust me, I tested out all three locations for the city’s top hotels.

There are 132 keys at Rosewood Munich, with rooms ranging from the entry-level Deluxe Room (ranges from 388-420 square feet, which is quite large by European standards) to my favorite suites which are referred to as Houses and all named for German historical figures such as Princess Augusta and King Maximilian I, a 4-bedroom house that sleeps up to 12 guests. Perfect for your Oktoberfest trip with a group of friends or family.

I was upgraded to a Grand Premiere Suite which was absolutely stunning and where I would recommend any couples looking for a separate living space/office from the bedroom. As so many people work remotely now, this is a frequent request, and this type of suite was perfect for that. The closet came with a full vanity, equipped with a Dyson hairdryer and perfect storage for our suitcases. The marble bathroom was stunning and looked over a courtyard below. The technology was state-of-the-art, with different mood lighting and electronic blinds for both privacy and blackout.

In addition to my suite, I also toured all of the Houses so that I can best guide my clients to the right accommodation. I even saw the House that Adele chose for her stay. No two rooms are alike, so I am here to help guide you, along with my Rosewood Elite team partners, to choose the right room category for you.

Book with Diego Travel to receive exclusive perks like a potential room upgrade, hotel credits, and other members-only benefits.

As I mentioned, I tried all three dining outlets while staying at Rosewood Munich and every experience and plate was phenomenal. I have a gluten allergy, and the brasserie was able to accommodate my favorite German dish, wienerschnitzel. If I ever find myself on death row, this would be the request for my final meal. Following dinner, I enjoyed a drink at Bar Montez while enjoying live music. The perfect setting to come ‘home’ to after a day of sightseeing in the city.

I had a chance to visit Asaya Spa, an expansive spa with products from Barbara Stürm and Evidens de Beauté. The treatment menu here is excellent and very popular with the locals. The indoor pool was beautifully designed with sitting areas that offered privacy from other guests. It was very peaceful and the perfect setting to relax post-treatment. The fitness center has Technogym equipment, a TRX studio and of course, Bavarian saunas. Personal trainers are on hand to provide classes or assistance throughout your stay, and many locals take advantage of the these offerings.

It is the newest hotel in Munich and quite possibly a favorite in all of Europe. The team did an excellent job of maintaining the historical landmark while making it still feel like a modern hotel with incredible amenities and spacious room configurations that just make sense.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

While the hotel used to be a historical bank building, much like the Park Hyatt in Vienna, I don’t think you would know that it was a bank unless someone told you. They have done a wonderful job at making it feel elevated and residential, while each room and suite has every amenity imaginable – smart system, high-end luxury finishes and the best in linens, steamers and hair styling accessories. The team was professional, courteous and extremely helpful in securing dinner reservations and making me feel welcome. I noticed many European clients in the lobby, also known as the living room, were return clients and welcomed by name.

With our Rosewood Elite amenities, our clients receive access to exclusive promos including:

You can book directly through diegotravel.com/book to get access to these exclusive Rosewood Elite amenities.

A stop in Lodenfrey should be required on a trip to Munich. When you buy an item at this luxury department store, the item is delivered to the checkout area where a row of women meticulously wrap your items with care. It feels like a step back in time when shopping was about customer service and attention to detail. I also picked up advent calendars and goodies at Dallmayr Delikateenhaus. Here you can find authentic German foods, wines and souvenirs to take home.

My stay at Rosewood Munich was nothing short of perfection. My only regret was not staying longer, and I kicked myself for not visiting sooner. It had been many years since I’d visited Munich, and it is a city that stole my heart and took me back to how Europe felt 20+ years ago when I studied abroad in Spain. It felt authentic, especially at the start of the Munich Christmas Markets, and the overall feel of the city. It also felt safe, and small enough to walk around all of Old Town, discovering gems that you can’t find anywhere else all along. Biergartens, check. Boutique shops, check. Food markets and museums, check. I wish I had time to visit the Olympic village, as my dad competed in swimming here back in 1968, so I really wanted to get there. I guess this just means I’ll need to return to Munich for another visit, next time with my kids.

Book with us to get $100 euro hotel Credit + Upgrade at Time of Booking (Subject to Availability) + Rosewood Elite Exclusive Promos.