After traveling to Bavaria’s capital for well over 5 years on and off again, I’ve decided to come up with a list of my top picks for the best place to stay in Munich.
Because Munich can be a bit challenging for first-time visitors, and not only, I’m here to help you out. Packed with history-infused streets, museums, and attractions, the German town is also a nature lover’s paradise you will love no matter if you spend one day in Munich or come for the Munich Christmas Market. However, knowing where to stay in Munich is valuable information depending on what you’re looking for.
Since I’ve worked for a German company with its headquarters in Munich for over 5 years, I found myself returning over and over. And I’ve also tested a few hotels along the way for shorter or longer stays, cheap places to stay in Munich, and everything in between, even before I knew life will bring me back here.
Read further, and let me introduce you to the best area to stay in Munich, the best places to stay in Munich, and my top picks for the best hotels I’ve actually stayed in Munich.
One more piece of advice: make sure to book your stay in Munich as early as you can, since I know from experience that prices tend to increase a lot closer to the stay, and sometimes it can get really hard to find a room. And that’s because there is always something going on in the city.
Check out also: Getting around Munich
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Best place to stay in Munich
In a hurry? Here are my top 3 hotels in Munich I’ve actually stayed at and you should try as well
Why is this list different than most of the ones you’ll find online? Because I’ve actually stayed at these hotels for at least one night and will share with you my honest impressions.
While I’ve also experienced really bad hotels in Munich, there are some really nice ones out there waiting for you to discover them. And imagine not wasting all that time searching for the best area to stay in Munich, and let me help you out.
Even though I would be traveling for work, and sometimes would pick the location of the hotel according to my office location, I would always travel around town for tourist activities. No matter how many times I’d seen the city already. Munich is so charming and will always have something in store apart from the top 10 things you must not miss.
So if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to read through, here are my top 3 hotels in Munich I’ve stayed at:
Best Western Atrium Hotel – this hotel has a great location, only a few steps away from the Theresienwiese underground (U), which makes it perfect also for visiting during Oktoberfest. Munich’s Hauptbahnhof (train station) is only a few minutes away, and the city center is also within walking distance.
Maybe one of the things I loved most about this place is the small garden hidden in the interior of the building where I used to drink my morning coffee. Additionally, the hotel has a small underground parking space which you will need to book in advance for an extra fee of 18 EUR/night.
Check when they’re available and book your room here!
Mercure Neuperlac Sud – this is one hotel I’ve stayed at many times throughout the years, mainly because it is walking distance from the office, but also because I liked it very much. Yes, it is further away from the city center, but the U5 line will bring you to Lehel in about 20 minutes and the price is much more affordable, while you’ll stay at a 4* hotel.
I liked the spacious rooms, the great breakfast variety, and the fact that I would almost always find an available room for an affordable price.
Mercure München City Center – perfect for your first time visiting Munich because of its location right in the city center. Literally steps away from Munich’s central train station, and a short walk from Marienplatz, this hotel caters best for those who don’t want to waste time commuting from the hotel to Munich’s main attractions.
The downside to it is, of course, the price of a room. And Munich can get really pricy at times. Especially during Oktoberfest, but not only.
The best area to stay in Munich
I know it can get overwhelming looking for the best area to stay in Munich, and that’s why I’m here to help you out with a few words about some of the most tourist-friendly Munich neighborhoods.
Alt-Stadt – Lehel
Munich’s Old Town, the Alt-Stadt is the perfect location for people visiting Munich for the first time. Most of the tourist attractions in Munich you’ll have on your bucket list will be located in this area, thus choosing a hotel here will enable you to be efficient.
When visiting Munich during winter, this is where all the Christmas Market areas will be located. And staying in a close range would be a good idea since it can get really cold in Munich.
Upside: choosing a hotel in the Old Town will have you steps away from Marienplatz, Viktualienmarket, the Old Townhall, Residenz museum, or the Hofbrauhaus.
Downside: This area is usually the most expensive when it comes to hotels in Munich. But it is totally worth it when you can afford to pay the price.
Luxury $$$
Mandarin Oriental Munich – one of the most luxurious hotels in Munich, the Mandarin Oriental Hotels sits only a few steps away from Munich’s top attractions and will have you staying in style. If however, you don’t choose to stay here, come only for a cocktail on the rooftop terrace. I was totally charmed by the skyline view.
BEYOND by Geisel – I rarely see a hotel with a 5 rating on TripAdvisor, but this hotel is one of those unicorns. And when I check out the rooms at BEYOND I start to understand just why: it is a new hotel, you cannot get a better location than that, and people that stayed here were super happy with the services received.
Mid-Range $$
Platzl Hotel – apart from its perfect location in the very heart of Munich, guests staying here enjoyed the great Bavarian breakfast and excellent service. All at a more convenient price.
See when they are available here!
Budget $
Hotel Am Markt – even though a budget stays in this area of Munich might not be as cheap as you would expect, this place is still close to everything, is located one of my favorite areas to explore whenever I’m there. Offering small rooms, guests were happy with the hotel’s location and the variety of food and drink options just steps away.
Airbnb
Artist Studio in Central Munich – A large, elegant and well-equipped studio in the center of the town, very easy to reach from the airport and close to the main square.
Ludwigvorstadt-Isarvorstadt
Just outside of Alt-Stadt, this area is a much cheaper option and with great connections. It is also one of Munich’s hip area, where you’ll find plenty of bars offering local craft beer and great options for a night out.
This is also the place you want to stay during Oktoberfest because Theresienwise is steps away.
Upside: great location also for when you want to take day trips fro Munich by train, but also for seeing Munich’s main attractions at a more affordable price.
Downside: some of the streets might look a bit obscure, especially when moving closer to the train station, but this is just an impression – Munich is really safe. Also, during Oktoberfest (the second part of September, the first week of October) prices could get really crazy.
Out of my first recommendations, 2 hotels are here: Best Western Atrium Hotel ($$) and Mercure München City Center ($$$).
Another hotel I’ve stayed in only steps away from Best Western Atrium is GHotel Munich City. This is a cheaper version, but also the hotel is much simpler but still good when you are looking for a good location at an affordable price.
Budget $
Another cheap place I’ve stayed in when visiting Munich for the first time many years ago with a group of friends is Jaeger´s Munich (Hotel/Hostel).
It is a hostel, and we stayed 4 people in the room, but I was surprised how clean it was. I also loved the perfect location which enabled us to see almost everything on foot, the common area, and the delicious breakfast.
Airbnb
Entire apartment hosted by Lisa&Amad – when you book this place, you’ll have not only access to a great location, the chance t experience Munich like a local but also a great little terrace to drink your coffee outside on a lovely spring or summer day.
Glockenbachviertel
Maybe my favorite area to stay in Munich, and definitely one of the best places to stay in Munich. This is the hippest and the most gentrified area of the city. Close to the Isar river, with tens of bars and international cuisine restaurants, stay here when you want to live Munich at its best.
Fraunhoferstrasse is by far the place to go to when looking for a relaxing fun night out.
Upside: walking distance to most of the tourist attractions, hip fun area.
Downside: not so many accommodation options to choose from.
Mid-Range $$
Hotel Olympic – a small and cozy bad & breakfast, in the perfect location along the Isar River. It is the perfect place for art lovers since the hotel has an art exhibition which changes every other month. People that stayed here appreciated how open and helpful the hotel’s staff was, something not very easy to find.
The Flushing Meadows Hotel – the hotel is for aficionados, who appreciate the attention to detail, design and personalized service. The hotel is situated on the top two floors of an industrial building in Munich’s most vibrant neighborhood, and some of the rooms have amazing views. Guest staying here liked that each room has its individual design and its bar where they tasted some great cocktails.
Budget $
Hotel Gio – this is a budget hotel and you really get what you pay for. The design is nice, and the hotel has a Mediterranean feel to it. I’ve actually stayed here for a week but the room I got was not great because it was really noisy and smelled from the kitchen since I was staying on the first floor right above it. I just think I was very unlucky and the rooms on a higher floor should be fine.
However, the location is great, the price is also acceptable, and the thing I liked most about the hotel was its Italian – style breakfast which I served in the back garden.
Airbnb
Servus in Munich – a spacious apartment, with a lot of bright natural light, and a small nice balcony. I tend to appreciate balconies more because I know how rare they are in Munich, and how much more expensive such an apartment is.
Maxvorstadt
This is one area I often get mixed vibes about. On the one hand, it starts right from Odeonsplatz which means it is really close to most of Munich’s Instagrammable places and main tourist attractions. On the other hand, this is where Munich’s University is, thus you’ll also find plenty of clubs and bars, where the youngsters hang out.
Also, this is the area with lots of museums such as the Pinakothek der Moderne, Alte Pinakothek. And of course, Augustiner Keller famous beer garden.
Upside: location, location, location! And some amazing brunch places around. Perfect for art and museum lovers.
Downside: might be a bit more pricy than some of the other locations.
Mid-Range $$
Hotel im Hof – a hotel with great reviews, providing an ideal mix of value, comfort, and convenience, it offers a family-friendly setting with an array of amenities designed for travelers.
Budget $
KING’s HOTEL Center – ideally located, with a traditional Bavarian design, what I like most about this hotel is its garden.
Airbnb
Entire apartment hosted by Ron – a large apartment with a simple design, guest enjoyed its perfect location.
Au-Haidhausen
On the other side of the Isar River, this area offers a few options both close to the city center, and more further away but with great connections.
Munich East train station links this area both to the city center but also to Munich Airport or other destinations you might want to see when in Munich. You will also find plenty of chain hotels and some great restaurants for the foodie in you.
Upside: lower prices, still close to the city center.
Downside: it might not be the place for you if you choose to stay close to some bar or club. Even though places like that close rather early in Munich.
Mid-Range $$
Hilton Munich City – we’ve actually booked our car for our Germany Romantic Road trip from this hotel and since we had to wait a bit, I got a peek. The location of the hotel is great, really well connected to both the city center and the airport. We even walked all the way from Wiener Platz with our luggage, so it is easy to do.
One thing I liked about this hotel apart from its location, in a quiet location, with plenty of green spaces. And they even have a back garden where I would have spent some time enjoying a drink or a coffee.
Motel One München – Deutsches Museum – Motel One is a chain I always check out whenever I travel in Europe, because I know they always have great trendy design and affordable prices. This one right here is right next to the Hilton above, but more affordable. Guests staying here liked most the comfortable beds, hotel decoration, and the extremely varied breakfast options.
Just don’t expect extra spacious rooms, most European cities have rather small apartments and hotel rooms.
Budget $
mk hotel münchen max-weber-platz – a very affordable hotel in a great location, just a few steps away from the U-Bahn Max-Weber-Platz stop connecting you to the city center. Expect a self-check-in after the lobby hours are over, and a rather small and cozy hotel altogether.
Airbnb
Apartment in Haidhausen, Munich – an affordable cozy apartment in a quiet area, perfect for 2 people. The apartment is on the ground floor with its windows facing the inner courtyard.
Schwabing
Whenever I’m in Munich I enjoy taking a stroll in the Schwabing area. It is maybe because this is where my love affair with Munich has started years ago, but I’m sure it’s not only that.
This is a great residential area with lots of beautiful houses to admire. Everything is so green, and the English Garden is just a few steps away.
There are also plenty of great restaurants I always go back to, but also hip brunch places and cafes plenty of them along Leopolstrasse. The Schwabing area is known as being one of the most popular area frequented by artists, so you can imagine it an be a bit picturesque.
Upside: centrally located, but still quiet and green.
Downside: it can be a bit of a pricy area.
Mid – Range $$
Hotel Biederstein – just steps away from the English Garden, this hotel is simple, yet great value for money. Guest staying here loved how green the area is, the great services provided by the staff, and the perfect location. Note that the hotel does not have AC, so it might be worth checking the weather forecast before booking a stay during summer.
Budget $
Mercure Hotel München-Schwabing – a simple hotel in a great location for an affordable price considering the area. Tip: don’t book the breakfast at the hotel, walk around the area and you’ll find plenty of great cafes serving breakfast and brunch.
Airbnb
Charming and Unique apartment – what caught my eye about this place it’s the pretty, clean and simple design. That’s apart from the location where I would have loved to stay on one of my many visits to Munich. Maybe next time.
Luxury Hotels in Munich
If you want to make your stay ultra-special in Munich, or re celebrating something important, why not book an ultra-luxury hotel for your stay?
In Munich, there are plenty of options, most of them right in the heart of the city. Here are my top 3 picks:
Bayerischer Hof – one of Munich’s most legendary hotels, originally conceived by King Ludwig I. It all comes down with a price tag, of course. See their prices here!
BEYOND by Geisel – I rarely see a hotel with a 5 rating on TripAdvisor, but this hotel is one of those unicorns. And when I check out the rooms at BEYOND I start to understand just why: it is a new hotel, you cannot get a better location than that, and people that stayed here were super happy with the services received.
Mandarin Oriental Munich – one of the most luxurious hotels in Munich, the Mandarin Oriental Hotels sits only a few steps away from Munich’s top attractions and will have you staying in style. If however, you don’t choose to stay here, come only for a cocktail on the rooftop terrace. I was totally charmed by the skyline view.
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