Munich
Germany


The Experience

The rowdy Munich Hofbräuhaus is just around the corner, but as soon as you enter the intimate lobby of the Mandarin Oriental, you'll feel instantly relaxed. Couples chat in hushed tones in the lobby bar, while upstairs in the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, Mark's, an older crowd compares notes on young chef Mario Corti's Mediterranean-inspired dishes. While the interior is a bit worn at the edges (the hotel says it will begin a big renovation project in the next year or two), it almost adds to the genteel air of the place. The Mandarin Oriental chain has added a few Asian touches to this stately hotel, but they're subtle -- notice the bonsai tree centerpieces in the lobby bar.

The Rooms

The rooms here are smaller than at the Bayerischer Hof, but tasteful and consistent, appointed with framed old prints, antique desks, Asian vases and potted plants. The bathrooms are spacious in all the rooms and are typical of a five-star chain: lots of marble, heated floors, rain-shower heads and Molton Brown products. Some of the rooms (like 607) boast private terraces with incredible views of the neighboring Frauenkirche. The junior suite is relatively humble (it has a living room and a bedroom), but that doesn't stop members of the Saudi royal family from staying there.

The Service

Top service is the real reason why the Mandarin Oriental draws repeat guests. With almost 120 staff serving 53 rooms and 20 suites, visitors want for nothing. The rooms are usually ready for tired American guests arriving on morning flights. Bags disappear from your hands almost before you enter the door. And the room service is almost clairvoyantly fast.

The Highlights

If you arrive during summer, there's no better place to relax than the hotel's rooftop terrace. The view is unbeatable -- you can almost reach out and touch the city's most important city landmarks. Yoga classes are offered every Tuesday night, and you'll find an Australian barbecue buffet Wednesday through Saturday. Insider tip: Just before sunset, ask the restaurant to send up a bottle of wine; even if you don't manage to polish it off, you'll have the whole city at your feet.

-- Gisella Williams

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