The Charles Hotel

Anyone with even a modicum of familiarity with Munich will recognize that locating a stylish hotel room in the immediate vicinity of the main train station is no small challenge. With a mere handful of exceptions—two of which merit particular attention—travelers in this neighborhood can expect nothing more than soulless, run-of-the-mill hotels. Fortunately, since 2007, there has been The Charles, another hotel gem from Sir Rocco Forte and his like-minded sister, designer Olga Polizzi. Situated right in the heart of the city, this Art Deco–inspired retreat makes guests feel as if they have stepped into another world. The credit goes not only to the luxurious ambiance but above all to its exceptional location. From the majority of the 160 rooms and suites, the view sweeps across the Old Botanical Garden, revealing lush greenery as far as the eye can see and, at best, the gentle chirping of birds—if your ears, fatigued by urban clamour, can even detect it. The lobby and the new “Circle Bar” were renovated in 2025. Art Deco elements dominate the bar, located at the rear of the lobby. It offers champagne, snacks, coffee, and pastries inspired by aperitivo culture, while works of art by Francois Mascarello and Mauro Staccioli complement the ambiance.

Breathtakingly Unique

Whether it’s a Classic Room or a Presidential 2-Bedroom Suite: Each of the bedrooms and living areas is individually styled and features Rocco Forte’s signature connection to the respective destination. Carefully selected art objects by artists who work in Munich or have a special connection to the city, as well as furniture and decorative elements crafted exclusively for the hotel, round out the design concept. The grandest and most spectacular of all, the Montforte Royal Suite encompasses 200 square meters and boasts a Bechstein grand piano, a marble bathroom with a steam cabin, and a breathtaking vista reaching all the way to the peaks of the Alps.
And speaking of superlatives, the 15-by-8-metre indoor pool in the spa area is also one of the largest in Munich’s hotels.

Green, green,

greenCulinary delights at the hotel’s Sophia’s restaurant focus on excellent, regional, and hand-selected products from local producers. At Sophia’s Bar, guests can enjoy an excellent cocktail.
In Sophia’s Restaurant, flooded with natural light, guests savour refined yet relaxed Italian-inspired dishes. Under the guidance of the new Executive Chef Thomas Beiglböck, the Sophia’s team reinterprets Italian classics with a contemporary twist. In summer, the restaurant enchants guests with its terrace nestled amid verdant greenery. The 200-square-metre terrace has been reimagined to resemble a park, where wrought-iron furniture, shades of green and sumptuous textiles invite guests to unwind in the heart of Munich. As the summer outdoor extension of the “Florio” restaurant, it augments the new dining concept scheduled to debut in September 2024. Photos: The Charles Hotel