When it comes to the best city views, it doesn’t get much better than overlooking the iconic Frauenkirche — the landmark two towered church in Munich’s old town — while sipping on cocktails from the rooftop Blue Spa terrace at Hotel Bayerischer Hof while the sun sets. 

That is unless you can soak up these views from the private penthouse suite of the historic hotel originally conceived by King Ludwig I, complete with a private fireplace, jacuzzi and a 124.5 sq m roof terrace.

“Our Penthouse Garden Suite, 350 sq m, was designed by Axel Vervoordt and meets the most exclusive living standards,” says Vanessa Longhitano, PR & Guest Relations Manager. “The suite can be combined with the entire seventh floor of the South and North Wings to the Penthouse Garden Ensemble, giving you an exceptional 575 sq m. The Panorama Floor, with its spectacular view over the city’s rooftops, will give you a beautiful, private retreat. Our luxury penthouse is a symbol of elegant interplay between luxury, modernity and peace.”

In total there are 337 unique rooms to choose from, including 28 deluxe rooms and 74 suites, one of which is a six-bedroom suite. There are also speciality rooms like romantic spaces designed by Laura Ashley with floral patterns and warm colours, as well as colonial rooms, which are designed to bring a touch of Africa to Munich.

“One of the many things that set the hotel apart is its location and grand appearance,” she says. “The Hotel Bayerischer Hof is located in the old town district of Munich. As soon as you walk through our door, you will sense the hotel’s history and experience the cordial welcome we extend to our guests. We have a long tradition of hospitality — the hotel has been owned and run by the Volkhardt family since 1897.”

Hotel Bayerischer Hof, which is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection, is a short walk to Munich’s top sights like Marienplatz, the old town square that dates back to the 12th century. This is where visitors flock to the New City Hall (Rathaus) to take in the daily Glockenspiel at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and at 5 p.m.

Although the property first opened in 1841 (and was rebuilt after it was completely destroyed during World War II), it has constantly evolved since fourth generation owner Innegrit Volkhardt took charge in 1992. A major expansion was completed in 2018, debuting the present-day South and North wings. 

“A total of 29 new rooms were created, which are divided into 23 Deluxe double rooms, five deluxe Junior suites and the Penthouse Garden Suite,” explains Longhitano. “A new eighth floor has been added, which is entirely taken over by the Penthouse Garden Suite… The rooms exude an incredible sense of tranquillity and comfort, and invite guests to stay longer. The design in the rooms partially includes the philosophical beliefs of Wabi (Japanese aesthetic concept) — beauty is found in imperfection and authenticity as well as the notion of ‘Artempo − where time becomes art’ and natural materials which are rich in spirit.”

Where to wine and dine: With five restaurants and six bars to choose from, you don’t have to venture far for a great meal. Notable options include Atelier, which has received many accolades including a two Michelin star rating, and Garden, awarded with 15 Gault Millau points, six pans in Gusto and three chef’s hats in the Grand Guide. For a taste of regional delights, Palais Keller offers a great tapas spread with six or eight appetizer options like mini schnitzel and Obatzda, a Bavarian cheese delicacy. Chef Tobias Heinze uses regional products from the surrounding area for his modern Bavarian specialties. For a night cap, head to Falk’s Bar, located in the famous hall of mirrors dating back to 1839, the only room at the hotel to survive the Second World War unscathed. Rounding out the experience is a lavish breakfast spread with made-to -order items as well as stations with eggs, salmon, fresh bread, fruit, spreads, cheese and more.

Relax and unwind: If you’re looking for a bit of pampering, the 1,300-square-meter rooftop Blue Spa features a pool, saunas, steam bath and a fitness studio, with panoramic views over Munich.