The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
Staying at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich is like staying in a sumptuous wedding cake: you enjoy layers of history, each offering a different flavor. Your eyes wander through the classical white decorations, creating a grand and airy feel, while your ego is pampered by the sweetness of the staff, who never fail to deliver more.
However, the cherry on top has a somewhat disco ball vibe to it—as this traditional Grand Hotel unexpectedly grooves and exudes rock star energy.
Built in 1841 by the Bavarian architect Friedrich von Gärtner, who was the director of the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, in the favored style of the then Bavarian King Ludwig I, Bayerischer Hof instantly became the place for state guests in Munich. Some of its renowned admirers at the time included Empress Elisabeth of Austria and Sigmund Freud. Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria was also a frequent guest after he fell in love with a commoner, a ballet dancer named Antonia. Their secret rendezvous took place at the Bayerischer Hof.
In more recent times the hotel’s guestbook continues with an impressive list of who’s who of the entertainment industry. Movie stars, musicians, and luminaries from various fields have sought refuge within its opulent rooms. In the 1960s, when The Beatles stayed at the hotel during their tour, they engaged in a playful pillow fight in their suite. Feather-filled chaos ensued, leaving the hotel staff with quite a cleanup afterward. It’s a delightful memory that blends rock ‘n’ roll with whimsy. In 1998, Michael Jackson famously stayed here with his kids and Debbie Rowe and has a memorial built around Flemish Composer Orlande de Lassus’s statue across the street by adoring German fans. Adding to this illustrious list are figures like Franz Kafka, the Dalai Lama, Tom Cruise, Kevin Costner, Daniel Craig, Sean Connery, Lenny Kravitz, and Luciano Pavarotti, making it clear that the Bayerischer Hof is no ordinary hotel. The hotel is tight-lipped about many of its celebrity guests, even remaining discreet about a superstar who just completed her record-breaking Munich tour. However, legends like The Beatles, Muhammad Ali, and even John F. Kennedy have openly sung its praises.
Flipping through photos of celebrities in a specially crafted history book about the hotel that I received upon arrival, I couldn’t help but think that these days, it’s common to browse celebrities’ social media accounts, catching glimpses of their private lives—imperfections and all. We often critique them harshly, but there’s an undeniable allure in imagining ourselves staying in the same hotels, walking the same corridors, and being surrounded by the whispers of their past secrets.
Today, this tradition of grand secrecy continues with the renowned Munich Security Conference, which the Bayerischer Hof hosts annually. One can only imagine the level of security, organization, and attention to detail required to accommodate senior politicians, diplomats, military personnel, and security experts from around the world as they discuss current issues in security and defense policies.
An ironic detail, however: in 1989, a daring art theft took place. A Picasso painting, Tête de Femme, was stolen from the lobby. Despite security measures, the thief managed to evade security and vanish into the night. The painting’s whereabouts remain a mystery.
All these guests and events represent the venerable luxury of the Bayerischer Hof: Louis XVI Period (1774–1793) barometers, French Louis Philippe (1830–1848) style armchairs, red jacquard fringe Fleur-de-Lis floral tapestry bedspreads, rustic Courchevel burnt-orange drapes, pastel heavy velvet curtains, muted colors, marble, and silk. Traditionalism is woven into the very fabric of the Bayerischer Hof.
However, the more contemporary side of the hotel has a lighter feel: wood and concrete, rough finishes, metal frames, linen, pure lines, and a constructivist aesthetic. How many hotels do you know, after all, that own or at least used to own original Picasso?
The hotel offers 340 rooms in different styles, allowing each guest to choose the look and feel that best suits their preference and character. The €15,000-per-night luxury apartment, complete with its own sauna, steam room, and rooftop gym, is specifically designed for the most elite travelers in the world. It features a private entry with a corridor for attached security personnel.
Perched atop the hotel, the apartment offers sweeping views of Munich’s skyline. Imagine floor-to-ceiling windows framing the city’s spires, parks, and bustling streets. A private terrace invites you to enjoy champagne toasts at sunset, while the marble-clad bathroom beckons for indulgent relaxation.
The suite is a symphony of plush furnishings, bespoke art, and cutting-edge amenities. It’s not just accommodation; it’s a lifestyle. The entire seventh floor is dedicated to a VIP area.
I absolutely loved the Blue Spa rooftop restaurant, where fresh Bavarian delicacies are served for breakfast, including white sausage, pretzels, and deep-fried, heavenly sweet Bavarian donuts. In the evening, relaxing in the Blue Spa sauna while gazing out at the Munich skyline felt like being in a different world. The serene calm of the rooftop, combined with the sunset view, created an unforgettable moment of tranquility.
Dining at the three-Michelin-star Atelier Restaurant, which offers creative French cuisine, was an exquisite experience. The concrete and wood interior exudes a youthful and upbeat vibe, while the modern fusion of Asian influences utilizes top-quality Mediterranean and regional ingredients.
Highlights include perfectly roasted saddle of venison from Gutshof Polting, served with chanterelles, buttery celeriac purée, bold chervil beurre blanc, and a rich venison jus with Chartreuse, as well as a delicate Japanese hamachi with a thin miso-ponzu glaze. The extensive wine list pairs beautifully with the set menus. Here, gastronomy meets artistry, and each dish is a canvas of flavors.
There are plenty of venues at the Bayerischer Hof for a cool cocktail or for meeting up with friends. Trader Vic’s, with its Polynesian flair, serves exotic cocktails and fusion cuisine. Tiki torches and bamboo create an enchanting island escape. Don’t miss Falk’s Bar, where history whispers from the mahogany panels. It is nestled within the historic Spiegelsaal (Hall of Mirrors), where the atmosphere is both glamorous and intimate.
Adjacent to the suite is the exclusive Blue Spa. Its rooftop pool overlooks Munich, inviting guests to swim under the open sky. The Blue Spa spans three floors and features a sauna, steam rooms, treatment areas, a swimming pool with sun terraces, a bar, and a lounge. Designed by the French interior designer Andrée Putman, who is known for her minimalist, avant-garde furnishings and interior designs infused with a touch of humor, the spa embodies contemporary elegance. In 1984, Putman introduced a modern vision for hotels in New York by creating the first boutique hotel, Morgans. As a result, Blue Spa feels exceptionally modern, providing a striking contrast to the breathtaking views of Munich’s skyline with the Alps on the horizon.
As a cultural hub, the Bayerischer Hof frequently hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and international events. Its prime location offers easy access to Munich’s most iconic landmarks, including Marienplatz and the vibrant Viktualienmarkt. Whether for business, leisure, or a cultural getaway, the Bayerischer Hof promises an unparalleled experience in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
For me, the Bayerischer Hof Hotel felt like more than just a place to rest — it’s a living legend, a stage for dreams, and a portal to a glamorous past. It’s a place where time stops and history lives on. Every corner of this hotel holds a story, with ghost tales whispered throughout its history, making it one of the most thrilling time capsules a traveler could hope to visit. Guests often feel transported to a bygone era, where impeccable service was the norm.
No matter your age, the Bayerischer Hof is a timeless gem that has been shown endless love throughout the years, and it continues to inspire affection in all who visit. They say as one gets older, one needs more love, and gives more love. This could easily typify the German Legend of the Bayersicher Hof. In 2024,The Bayerischer, celebrated throughout Germany, and internationally courts devotion and love as in actuality, it’s Munich’s beloved own Rock Star.
