All Photos: Bryan Dearsley / LuxuryEurope
Updated April 18, 2024 / Commissions may be earned from LuxuryEurope’s affiliate partner links.
My arrival at the brand-new 5-star Rosewood Munich certainly didn’t go unnoticed.
“Hello Mr. Dearsley, we’ve been expecting you,” said a smartly dressed man standing at the hotel’s entrance. This, I soon learned, was Thomas, head of the hotel’s on-the-ball concierge staff. He’d espied me (no, probably heard me!) as my suitcase and I trundled along Kardinal-Faulhaber-Straße toward the property.
Without missing a beat, he and the Rosewood Munich team immediately set to work, impressing me with their impeccable service and professionalism. Noisy suitcase? Sent up to my room in a flash. Comfortable seat in the lobby? Yes, and what a beautiful space it is. Champagne? Naturally! Check-in? Seamless, and all the more pleasing as Front Office Manager Henrike came to me as I stayed put and sipped that champagne.
The whole process was so swift, simple, and downright pleasant that I didn’t head up to my room until I’d had a chance to fully absorb not just the champagne, but also my new stunning surroundings.
Banking on Success at Rosewood Munich
That Rosewood Munich is an opulent place to stay is beyond question. Five years in the making, this spectacular property occupies two important historic buildings: the former Baroque headquarters of the State Bank of Bavaria, and the old aristocratic residence known as Palais Neuhaus-Preysing.
Entering through a grand hallway with two sets of stairs leading off the central main staircase (I went right, my suitcase went left), I stopped for a moment to reflect on the bust of an Imperial head of state who was, I later learned, connected to the bank. Following his gaze, I noticed that he, too, seemed in awe of the richly decorated vaulted ceiling with its ornate plasterwork and fresco.
Noticing my impressed expression, Thomas pointed out that these ornate flourishes were all part of the original bank that Rosewood was obliged to leave intact as a condition of transforming these properties into Munich’s most luxurious hotel. The lobby was an equally inspiring space. Adorned with marble flooring and marble flourishes on the walls, the décor’s rich earthy tones were soothing. Along with the champagne and the warm welcome, it all made me feel quite relaxed.
Historic Heritage Meets Modern Luxury
Like the lobby, the other public areas of this plush new hotel by the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts brand are equally stunning. The work of London UK interior designers Tara Bernerd & Partners, each space is not only extremely luxurious in tones, fabrics, and furnishings, but they also manage to exude a great deal of comfort at the same time.
The same is true of the accommodations. Featuring 73 spacious guestrooms as well as 59 suites and five houses, each unit features custom furnishings and high-quality linens. My room, the aptly named Grand Premier Suite, certainly lived up to its title. Boasting over 1,000 ft of living space and luxuriously appointed, I knew the moment I entered that I’d not be in a hurry to leave.
Consisting of a comfortable bedroom with a king bed, a separate living area, a spacious dressing room with a make-up table and plenty of closet space for two, it was the exquisite marble bathroom that got my attention. Plush robes hung next to the huge walk-in shower, the bathtub was big enough for two, and the heated floors were a very welcome touch.
Other noteworthy features included a second smaller “guest” bathroom, a spacious entranceway, and a dining table; remotely operated and easy-to-figure-out curtains, blinds, and shutters; and my personal favorite, an art-deco style drinks cabinet with glass doors, interior lighting… and three ready-to-drink custom cocktails. All I had to do was secure a little ice (thank you, prompt room service!), and finish off that bottle of champagne the hotel had provided me with.
World-class Dining at Brasserie Cuvilliés
Not to be outdone by the front-of-house staff, my greeting at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Brasserie Cuvilliés, was equally effusive and equally genuine. Arriving a little earlier than my reservation dictated, I was nevertheless seated quickly and attended to enthusiastically by the attentive (but not overly so) serving staff.
Forgoing an appetizer, I went straight for one of the authentic Bavarian dishes Chef Caspar Bork had perfected: Zwiebelrostbraten. The literal translation provided by my server, beef roasted with onions, didn’t do the dish justice.
This traditional dish of locally sourced Bavarian heifer (beef so tender I could have used a butter knife), braised onions, and spinach spätzle, with a delicious beer sauce, was exactly what was needed after a day exploring Munich’s top attractions.
This delicious dish was a hard act to follow, but I did my best with the restaurant’s unique take on another German tradition: Black Forest gateaux. Chef Bork’s twist on this often-over-done desert was a minimalist treat. Served as an individual portion with a sour cherry and chocolate sauce topping and accompanied by a cappuccino and a wee dram of whisky, it was a fitting finale to an incredibly good meal and a very satisfactory dining experience.
Other Food and Drink Options
I would be doing Rosewood a disservice if I didn’t at least mention the restaurant’s décor. I felt as if I’d shimmied back in time to a Munich of the 1920s, with its Art Deco styling looking like something out of the Great Gatsby. Mirrored ceilings, ornate chinaware, and a mix of comfortable sofas and leather-clad bench seating only add to the overall effect.
It’s worth noting that several personalized dining opportunities are also available. While I wasn’t able this trip to sample the chef’s table experience, I did sample the in-room dining program. My choice? Bavarian rice made with fresh mountain cheese, pear, sorrel, and artichoke, followed up with another of Chef Bork’s twists on a classic, the delectable old-fashioned cheesecake. All of it was first-rate.
While Brasserie Cuvilliés is also open for breakfast and lunch, you’ll want to sample the hotel’s other food and drink options. Bar Montez is a must and offers a range of handcrafted signature cocktails, as well as premium spirits and an extensive wine list. This sumptuous bar’s diverse cocktail menu includes all the classics from Manhattans to Margaritas, along with innovative originals, all using fresh locally sourced ingredients. Live music adds to Bar Montez’s pleasing ambience.
In need of a fast pick-me-up? For a great espresso coffee and a snack, visit the charming Wintergarten. A mix of heated outdoor seating in the courtyard that shares a huge fireplace with its indoor seating area, it, like the hotel’s Palaishof, is a quiet spot to reflect and drink coffee or enjoy a delicious afternoon tea.
Rosewood Munich’s Amenities
While my two-night stay at the hottest new 5-star luxury hotel in Munich saw me sample many of the property’s amenities, those that I missed are certainly worth mentioning.
The Rosewood Munich’s other amenities include:
- Asaya Spa – Billed as an “integrative wellness destination,” the hotel’s vast spa is set on two floors and covers nearly 14,000 sq ft; facilities include a vitality indoor pool, two saunas, a steam room, six treatment rooms, a private wellness suite, and a 24-hour fitness center; day passes are available.
- Event space for meetings and functions, including ballrooms and outdoor patios.
- Concierge services, including bookings and local travel planning.
- Shoe cleaning – The hotel’s concierge staff have been expertly trained in the fine art of shoe care by the team at Munich-based Ed Meier, Germany’s oldest shoemakers (they were established in 1596) and one of the city’s esteemed former Royal Bavarian Purveyor’s to the Court.
Location, Location, Location
My final big thumbs up goes to the hotel’s central location. From here, you’re a pleasant stroll away from some of Munich’s top attractions, as well as its excellent public transportation system.
Here are a few of the best places to visit in Munich that I tackled during my stay at Rosewood Munich:
- Frauenkirche – Munich’s iconic Gothic cathedral is famous for its twin towers, which can be climbed for spectacular city views; Walking Time = 6 minutes.
- Residenz Museum – This former royal palace (almost as opulent as Rosewood Munich!) is home to a huge collection of art, furnishings, and artifacts; Walking Time = 6 minutes.
- Marienplatz – The city’s most popular public square is home to the Old and New Town Halls and is where you’ll see the famous Rathaus Glockenspiel; Walking Time = 7 minutes.
- Viktualienmarkt – Munich’s vibrant food market is a must-visit and features a vast array of local delicacies and traditional Bavarian treats; Walking Time = 12 minutes.
- English Garden – Take a peaceful stroll through Munich’s largest park and enjoy panoramic views over the city; Walking Time = 12 minutes.
Prefer not to walk? Talk to Thomas and the hotel’s concierge team about local luxury limo services or car rentals to get you around Munich, or even to the airport.
Another great idea is the Munich Card & City Pass. I highly recommend these easy-to-use guest cards, which provide admission to the best attractions in Munich, as well as transit around the city.
To learn more about the card and the many other fun things to do in the Bavarian capital, check out the official Munich Tourism website at www.munich.travel/en.
A Final Word or Two…
If you’ve read this far, you might be thinking that with all that champagne and whisky, I’m a bit of a lush. I’m not. It had more to do with the fact I was nursing a bit of a cold and was here as a guest of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts to celebrate this spectacular hotel’s grand opening on October 20th, 2023.
The company’s seventh European property (#32 worldwide), Rosewood Munich is certainly ready for its moment in the spotlight. This stunning 5-star Munich hotel will undoubtedly become the address in which to be seen when in Munich.
My only regret? Well, that’s easy… I wish I could have stayed longer.
LuxuryEurope Recommends: For the latest info, and rates, and to make reservations at the Rosewood Hotel Munich, visit Rosewood Munich.
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Bryan Dearsley is a luxury lifestyles writer, a prolific traveler, a Co-Founder of Riley and LuxuryEurope, and a huge fan of Germany.
