The Charles Hotel

Germany
Europe

The Experience

A gentlemanly hotel for a genteel city, an aura of sophisticated glamor pervades the Charles Hotel, the newest of the three German hotels in the Rocco Forte Collection. Situated in the museums quarter of Munich, the hotel overlooks the Old Botanical Gardens. It is also convenient for the renaissance of intra-European rail travel as the main train station is only a few minutes walk. The vast portico fronting the art deco-inspired facade identifies the hotel in the “properly” luxurious sector and leads to the clear layout of the lobby. The hotel boasts a real sense of place with several Bavarian connections. This is seen most obviously in the artwork from local master, Lenbach, and the Nymphenburg porcelain friezes but also in the use of local cherry wood and Jura limestone.

The Rooms

Guestrooms are eclectically furnished with a mix and match of the modern and the traditional. A classic armchair and ottoman sit next to a drum-like table in mirrored chrome. The rattan-effect desk chair fronts a bespoke desk/bookshelf combo that incorporates a beautifully soft, black leather inlay. Large bathrooms include under-floor heating and top-quality, own-brand toiletries. The suites participate in the Rocco Forte Suite Experience program, introduced in May 2008, which includes a complimentary unpacking/packing service, pressing and in-suite check-in. The top floor Monforte suite has views of the Bavarian Alps, easily visible on a clear, blue-sky day.

The Service

In keeping with the hotel’s Leading Hotels of the World membership, all guests are shown to their rooms. This is worthwhile in order to reveal the location of the surprisingly powerful hairdryer that's hidden behind the chrome-framed bathroom mirror. Exemplary service is led by standout staff such as Charlie, the barman poached from Munich’s upper upscale bar, Schumann’s.

The Highlights

At the restaurant, Davvero, try the seasonal specialities such as the melt-in-your-mouth veal ravioli with artichokes and green salsa or beef Rossini with white bean purée and summer truffle. Head through to the lobby where faux red snakeskin upholstered sofas sinuously lead toward the cozy hotel bar. A strong spa offer is led by a large pool; the coral-patterned wall mosaics at either end are illuminated by a strip of natural daylight. Exclusive toiletries are from Organic Pharmacy and Hungarian Eminence. Busy seven days a week, Munich also experiences an annual popularity surge in September with the now inappropriately named Oktober bierfest.

 

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