Where to Stay in Munich For a Local Experience

The Hotel MIO by AMOANO is smart, sophisticated and cool. Each of the stylish rooms has a smart TV, a suitepad tablet for guest communications and the convenient option of a mobile smart key. Mingle among locals at the trendy Amano Bar, which has an air of vintage luxury with its cosy lighting and gemstone-hued seating. Various DJs make the rounds here, providing the soundtrack while you sip expertly made cocktails.

The Moxy Munich Ostbahnhof is located near the Werksviertel, a vibrant urban development project, and TonHalle München concert venue, putting you just a short walk from a trendy centre of art, nightlife and gastronomy. This youthful hotel has funky, colourful common areas – such as the bar and living room – for socialising. When it’s finally time to call it a day, head to your fashionable room, complete with motion-activated LED lighting below the bed, high thread-count bedding and a leather lounge chair.

Lovers of luxurious, smart design should pay mind to Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor. The spacious, classy rooms let you take in city views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. For more vistas, head up to M’Uniqo Rooftop Bar, which offers a 360-degree panoramic perspective over the city and the Alps. Step outside the high-end hotel, and you’ll find yourself amid the Schwabing neighbourhood. Once known as a hub of artists and bohemians, the popular area draws in locals too, with its fashionable boutiques and access to the expansive Englischer Garten.

Cocoon Sendlinger Tor’s rooms are brightly styled with an ultra-modern touch, including soundproof tilted windows, rain showers and signature nooks for reading or working. The hotel’s location in the centre of the city makes it easy to explore yourself, but if you need some help uncovering cool local spots, join one of the Cocoon tours. Here, you’ll get some insider secrets about spots beloved by residents in and around Munich.

Germany is known for its developments in science and tech. Steep yourself in that culture with a stay at Motel One Munchen-Deutsches Museum, which is walking distance from the Deutsches Museum, the world’s largest museum of science and technology, as well as Munich’s largest museum. Speaking of tech, the hotel also has free iPad rentals at its reception. If gin and tonics are your go-to, you’ll be in heaven at the tendy hotel bar, which offers more than 50 international, hand-picked gins.

When you stay at the family-run, four-star Platzl Hotel, you need not go far for a memorable culinary experience. The hotel’s restaurants, Pfistermühle and Wirtshaus Ayinger, both serve exceptional regional cuisine – such as roast pork – loved by locals and travellers alike. Down the street is Hofbräuhaus München, a world-famous beer hall dating back to the 16th century, where traditional Bavarian culture is the star. Don’t assume it’s just for tourists though – the three-storey beer hall has over 100 tables and famous beer-mug safes for long-time regulars.

If Oktoberfest is what called you to Munich, you’d be hard-pressed to find a closer stay to the event space than BOLD Hotel München Zentrum. But since you’re probably in town to see more, you could make your home away from home in one of the hotel’s apartment units outfitted with kitchens. Even in one of BOLD Hotel’s standard rooms, you’ll feel welcome amid the mix of warm and neutral tones. Most of the rooms also have a balcony, so you can take in the fresh mountain air with your morning coffee.

Seen all the hotspots in Central Munich and want to immerse yourself in a less touristy part of the city? Stay at Harry’s Home Hotel in the quiet, residential area of Moosach – one of the oldest settlements in the Munich area. The hotel rooms have flair, with bold patterns, cushions and artwork. As the official partner of the Kinderhotels City, the kid-friendly hotel is fit for families with its decked-out playroom and children’s breakfast corner.

Set in a relaxed, tree-lined neighbourhood, the inviting Living Hotel is a short walk from one of Munich’s most popular green spaces, Olympiapark. Constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics, the manicured Olympiapark is one of the top spots to go for outdoor leisure in the Bavarian capital. With its winding walkways, sports facilities and entertainment venues, you can easily enjoy the sunshine alongside others who call the city home. For more rest and relaxation, hop into the hotel’s sauna or venture onto its lush terrace.

The drinks are as glamorous as the surroundings at Hilton Munich City’s chic Juliet Rose Bar, while the design of the unfussy rooms leans into simple, clean comfort. Rub shoulders with locals at the bar and indulge in thoughtful creations – whipped up by master mixologists – including the signature Pineapple Punch made with Absolut Elyx, pineapple rum, vanilla, orange, lime and chili.