Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at the hotel early in the day for a meeting, before check-in time. My room was not ready, so the front desk held my luggage. The attendant gave me my room key and an approximate time when my room would be ready. I also received a book on Munich culture and shopping highlights, complete with a map of the city. My luggage awaited me when I entered my room later in the day.

Guest Quarters: Opened in 1841, the Hotel Bayerischer Hof retains an Old World sensibility with a contemporary feel. I was greeted with fresh fruit, a bottle of Evian and a plate of German chocolate on the coffee table in my fourth-floor room. Most guestrooms face the hotel’s inner courtyards, keeping out the sounds of the city streets. Windows open fully, and I took in the fresh air in peace. My room, in shades of gray, offered a variety of lighting options; however, some of the switches were tricky to coordinate, and I was at times literally left in the dark.

After a long day, I enjoyed the amenities of the luxurious bathroom. A fresh rose on the sink gave a bright pink pop to the dark brown walls and floor. I indulged in both the peaceful rainfall shower and separate large tub during my stay. Lemongrass-scented products were refreshing. Heated floors were a much-appreciated escape from the cold weather outside. At turndown service, my slippers were placed beside the side of the bed I slept on; I appreciated the attention to detail. A piece of dark chocolate was on my pillow, along with a breakfast menu to place an order, if desired.

Services/Amenities: Hotel Bayerischer Hof houses several high-end shops. Many other shopping options in Munich’s Old Town, including a spectacular outdoor market, are within walking distance. Guests can choose from the hotel’s five restaurants and six bars, including Michelin-starred Atelier and the Polynesian Trader Vic’s. For lunch, I dined in the hotel’s Palais Keller restaurant. I enjoyed a traditional Bavarian meal of beef consommé with sliced pancake, roast suckling pig with potato dumpling, apple strudel and, of course, a pretzel. Room service is available around the clock, with different options throughout the day, including a night menu.

The Cinema Lounge is a 40-seat room that features a choice of one or two movies. The Artist and a German film were playing during my stay. The space can also be used for press conferences, screenings, corporate presentations and private events. The hotel’s various meeting spaces accommodate any number of meeting-goers. A conference room seats 10; the ballroom, with plenty of natural light, can host up to 2,500 guests. The stunning rooftop spa spans three floors and includes a pool, sun deck, steam bath, sauna and fitness center.

The Experience: The charming Hotel Bayerischer Hof perfectly melds business and leisure for a true German experience. I felt completely at home during my first visit to Munich. I hope to return for another sampling of Bavarian hospitality.

GT Checklist

• Doorman/valet
• Reasonable arrival-to-room time
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Complimentary WiFi
• Ample lighting
• Quality bed linens
• Choice of pillows
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• Iron and ironing board
• Easy-to-set alarm clock
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• Coffeemaker in room
• Large, complimentary laptop safe

Hotel Bayerischer Hof

Promenadeplatz 2-6
80333 Munich, Germany
tel 49 89 21 20 0
bayerischerhof.de