Munich hotel with central location and an air of discreet elegance

Louis Hotel / Munich / Germany

If someone would ask me to list my favorite cities, Munich would be up there. It is a city of contrasts. Classic but modern. Traditional but forward-thinking. Conservative but ”gemütlich”. But one area of improvement for Munich is the hotel scene. A city of this size and that is aiming high, should have more options. But luckily there are some gems out there. Like this one, Hotel Louis.

This 72-key hotel is located right in the middle if town, on the famous open food market called Viktualienmarkt. It opened already back in 2009 but truth be told, it still feels like the design was done fairly recently. I guess it has to do with the timeless elegance that is the main characteristic. A kind of discreet luxury. It is interesting, I read somewhere that the look has a connection with the Med, but I would rather say it feels like a nod to Japanese design, especially in the reception/bar/lounge area with its warm and earthy tones. A golden brown, almost golden sheet, beautiful wooden floors and wicker (or is it rattan?) design features. Anyhow, regardless of where the inspiration has been drawn from, it works.

Our room was more pared-down with white washed walls and wooden features, and best of all, had a view of the busy marketplace below. I love being able to enjoy the view from above, watching people sampling their way through the market, stopping for a beer or two.

One of the best features of the hotel is the roof top terrace, where you can enjoy something to drink, while looking out over the roof tops of Munich. But don’t just hang out in the hotel, this town has so much to offer. Use the hotel bikes to explore the city, discover Maxvorstadt and Schwabing which are two of my favorite areas, and the huge urban park, the Englischer Garten where you can go for a run or just enjoy a nice snooze in the shade. I must say, I wish I could go back to Munich right this instant.

Approaching the Louis Hotel from Viktualienmarkt. It is the white building in the background.

The lobby area has an attractive golden sheen to it.

There is a lot of rattan (or is it wicker?) used in the design which gives the hotel an almost Japanese look.

Our spacious room with views of the market below.

The design feels paired down and elegant.

A cupboard and minibar dressed as an old piece of luggage.

Exploring the hotel. There is a large roof top terrace with views of the surroundings.

If you are interested in exploring Munich from the saddle, there are bikes to loan from the hotel.

A short walk or bike ride from the hotel, you’ll find the green lung of Munich, the leafy Englischer Garten.

We were so happy to discover that our favorit Berlin bakery has now opened in Munich. It is called Zeit für Brot and is located in the Maxvorstadt area.

If you are after a really traditional Bavarian/Austrian restaurant, Wirtshaus Zum Straubinger comes highly recommended from me. It is located a 5 min walk from the hotel.

And the Wienerschnitzel there is just as delicious as it looks in this photo.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…find happen to find yourself in Munich and are looking for a hotel with a elegant feel. A hotel that is located right in the center of this Bavarian capital where the service is impeccable.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the location. In Munich this particular location is hard to beat, right on the Viktualienmarkt, a popular outdoor food market, just a couple of minutes walk from Gärtnerplatz, an area which is full of great restaurants, shops and bars. In other words, a perfect starting point for your Munich city getaway.

What not to miss when staying here…

…is Zum Straubinger restaurant. It is located across the market square and is one of those typical Bavarian places, oozing of Gemütlichkeit. And the food is excellent. Rich and so tasty! Remember to book at table in advance since this is a popular restaurant for locals and visitors alike.

If you like this hotel you might also like:

Hotel Cortiina / Munich, Germany

Hotel Sanders / Copenhagen, Denmark

St. George / Helsinki, Finland

Bank Hotel / Stockholm, Sweden