Hotel Bayerischer Hof, Munich

An interview in the *Süddeutsche Zeitung* devoted entirely to a well-worn hotel revolving door? In Munich, only the Bayerischer Hof—that legendary 5-star hotel where business leaders, statesmen, Hollywood stars, politicians, royalty, and discerning individual travellers have been passing the handles of that revolving door back and forth for more than 100 years—could pull off something like that, until it finally had to be replaced. Although the new version differs only subtly from its venerable predecessor, anyone wishing to catch a glimpse of the original in motion need only screen the cult 1980s series “Kir Royal,” in which the door enjoys a surprisingly substantial supporting role.
Innegrit Volkhardt, the fourth-generation proprietor guiding the establishment, also knows that one must always look to the future. During a six-month construction phase from June to December 2025, the central reception area was redesigned at a total cost of four million euros. The project marks the tenth collaboration between the historic hotel and Belgian interior designer Axel Vervoordt. When selecting the furnishings, the focus was on natural materials and traditional techniques. The floor, made of “Hungarian Red” natural stone, was preserved and complemented with material from Hungary’s last active quarry—a stone traditionally found in sacred and feudal buildings in southern Germany.

A Gourmet

ParadiseBut enough about the exterior, for it is above all the “inner values” of the Bayerischer Hof that speak for themselves: Guests can indulge in as many as five restaurants—starting with the Atelier, which has been awarded 3 Michelin stars and 19 Gault Millau points (under the direction of Kevin Romes from Andernach starting in April 2026), to the Palais Keller, designed by Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt, the Restaurant Garden—featuring a sun terrace and brasserie-style dishes (15 Gault Millau points)—and all the way to the exotic Trader Vic’s with its Polynesian cuisine. Hotel guests can savour an à la carte breakfast in the rooftop garden while taking in the view over the city’s rooftops. For cocktail connoisseurs, Falk’s Bar is ensconced in the famed Hall of Mirrors, dating from 1839 and the only room in the Bayerischer Hof to have emerged unscathed from World War II.
The glamorous German Film Ball takes place annually in the ballroom with its sliding glass roof. Film buffs will be delighted by the hotel’s own 38-seat cinema. And the “Komödie im Bayerischen Hof” is an extremely popular variety theater.

Pure Ingenuity

: Munich residents love their Bayerischer Hof from the basement all the way up to the 1,300 m^² Blue Spa on the 7th floor—designed by star architect Andrée Putman—which spans four floors. Floors 1 through 7 in the main building, as well as floors 3 and 4 in the adjacent Palais Montegelas, are reserved for overnight guests. Within these floors guests will discover a total of 337 rooms, including 74 suites, each distinguished by its individual design: whether the romantic Laura Ashley aesthetic, elegant colonial style or timeless classic Pilati elegance, there is something to suit every discerning taste. Another highlight is the “South and North Wings,” featuring 28 rooms and the luxurious 350-square-meter Penthouse Garden Suite, designed by the renowned Belgian interior designer Axel Vervoordt. This unique, historic hotel has something to offer for every taste. Photos: Benjamin Monn, Christian Kain, Daniel Schvarcz