The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel is a new-build luxury hotel property in Munich which opened in 2007 as part of a major regeneration project adjacent to the city’s old botanical gardens. The Rocco Forte-owned hotel curves round the former gardens, now a pleasant city park expanse. The renovation of the area has transformed the look and feel. From here you can reach much of the city’s best sites in minutes, including historic Königsplatz square.
The new built hotel not only boasts the most serene locations in the city but also some of the largest rooms and suites most of them with floor to ceiling windows perfectly framing the outdoors. The hotel has been built with all the latest luxury amenities and features, including for instance technology, AC which adapts to any temperature in seconds but also high water pressure in the stand alone walk-in shower, part of the full-marble bathroom which also includes a separate bathtub.
You will enjoy the exquisite Italian bathroom amenities by Irene Forte Skincare. Soundproofing is superlative, while there is generous wardrobe space, regardless of the room or suite category. Bedding is one of the highlights of the rooms and suites with impeccable Italian high-thread silk satin cotton linen custom made for Rocco Forte Hotels. The heavenly comfortable beds and beautiful during the day set-up with large hand-sown artisanal pillows, the interiors being overseen by Lady Olga Polizzi. The interiors are abundant in understated elegance and good taste with a focus on the best furnishings and finishes.
As part of the currently ongoing renovation process, rooms are brighter with a more lit colour scheme – I have always appreciated the attention that each Rocco Forte Hotel pays to flowers, in all public spaces but also in the rooms and suite. When other chains or groups have completely eliminated flowers, The Charles Hotel Munich, Rocco Forte Hotels has its very own florist who designs spectacular fresh flower arrangements – the lobby is a feast every single day of your stay.
Housekeeping service is attentive, heartfelt – enthusiastic and energised at each interaction. Like throughout the other departments and other units of the hotel, service is personalised and individualised, but all in an effortless manner. I could notice that there is a certain ease, especially for returning guests, and the property has a very high ratio of such guests to return time and over again. Service is also solid, at every single time during your stay you will feel taken care of and in ”good hands”. whether it may be a detail during a meal or the spa or the concierge making arrangements outside the hotel.
The main dining venue of the hotel is Sophia’s Restaurant & Bar, with a blend of Italian and Asian cuisines,which are entwined with Bavarian flavours, locally sourced. Breakfast (one of the best in Munich) , lunch and dinner are served amid the backdrop of huge floor-to-ceiling windows and the parkland behind.The food is fresh and imaginative and seasonal — a winter salad might consist of radicchio, lamb’s lettuce, pear, blue cheese and walnuts, while a main course could be venison with black salsify and corn bread. For the Summer season 2024, The Charles Hotel will have a ZUMA residency pop-up on its much sought after terrace
The Munich hotel is very kid-friendly, offering miniature step ladders in the reception area where little ones can fill out their own details. Rooms include mini-bathrooms and slippers for children, but an entire themed decor and fit-out can be organised in a room or a suite. Kids are also welcome at the indoor heated swimming pool and the spa and all other venues, but they are very well taken care so that they would not disturb the other guests in any way.
Rocco Forte Wellness addresses complete enrichment and unity of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health – together, a Forte Life – fusing proven, pioneering science and technology with inherited wisdom and an affinity with nature across Rocco Forte Spas, Nourish and Fitness. The hotel proposes one of the largest heated indoor pools among luxury hotels in Munich. The wellness and the Spa is presently also undergoing updates and renovations, with more to be gradually revealed in the next years.
From skincare to body treatments and relaxation and detox rituals, the Spa has a very wide offering, with some treatments inspired by Italy, which is home to the largest Rocco Forte Hotels in one country. Beauty services are also available, including hair and nails. There are bespoke treatments for men as well as children with custom made products being used. In the future, the hotel plans to further enhance its wellness and spa offering, drawing on the unique location of the hotel – an ideal urban spa!
Concierge, like most other departments has an exceptional team – nothing is too complicated or demanding. I was very pleased to benefit from the support of the team during my entire stay, including my very early departure for an international flight out of Munich Airport ! Watch out the news and novelties as well as the renovations program!
Read more insights on the hotel and Munich’s luxury hotel market in an interview with General Manager, Florian Steinmaier
Oliver Petcu in Munich
The Charles Hotel Munich, Rocco Forte
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