mixd

I will be in Munich in late May. I currently have reservations at both Le Meridien (near the train station) and Torbrau (in the center). Any thoughts on which reservation I should keep, or on other hotels? I've read that the area around the train station can be a little shady, but I suppose that varies by block -- any insight on Le Meridien's location specifically? Le Meridien is cheaper (and new), and if the location is okay, I guess I'd rather stay there. Thanks.

readysetgo

Last year we stayed at a little hotel about a block away from the train staion. It did not seem seedy at all, in fact we were so pleased that we plan on staying there again this summer. The web site is www.munich-hotel.net. The hotel Creatif Elephant has just been renovated and the breakfast was good. Only drawaback was all the rooms are on the street side and it gets noisy in the morning. It is about a 10 minute walk into the center of town. Hope this helps. Have a great trip.

Intrepid1

I've stayed at LeMeridien in Munich. It is directly acrossthe street from the train station..as you come off the platforms (facing the food "court" area) turn to your right and go oput that door...you'll easily see the hotel.

The area directly around the train station has, among other things, several ethnic take out restaurants. There is also a "sex shop" across one of the other streets from the side of the hotel. I suspect this is one reason some people here have described the area as "seedy." This area is not in any way run down..it just isn't as "prettified" or as "charmingly Bavarian" as other parts of the city.

Interestingly enough, when you walk to the Marienplatz you'll see one of Germany's largest "sex shops"..the huge Beate Uhse "emporium" which is right on your way to the famous glockenspiel.

Apparently the "charm" of the Marienplatz area negates the otherwise "seediness" of that part of town.

IMO I would keep the LeMeridien reservation if you wa t to be close to the train station and within a few minutes walk (or U-bahn ride) of other parts of the city.

victoria_reynolds

We've stayed at the Torbrau (it was quite a few years ago --1997), and found it charming and extremely convenient. It is located proximate to both the S Bahn and the U Bahn stop, a few minutes walk the the Marienplatz (w/o any seediness at all, just the characteristic Bavarian style buildings). Lots of street entertainer in the Platz itself. If anything, you might wonder if it is a bit "Disney," but this is the real thing!. The Hotel breakfast was a huge spread served in a beautiful, large room. They also have a Konditorei, an Italian Restaurant , and a pizzeria around the corner. There are many good restaurants within a few yards and lots of nice shops nearby. It is also near the Deutsches Museum (science museum) just outside the Ring and the Viktualien Markt is also nearby. Perhaps someone who has stayed there recently can confirm whether it is still great (or you can check on Trip Advisor).

maryanne1

Stayed at the Le Meridien 2 years ago. Very nice hotel. So convenient to the train station if you are traveling in and out. Herties Department Store nearby where there is a cafeteria we enjoyed eating in. We did not find the area seedy. When we were there there was not breakfast with the hotel,but plenty of places nearby and coffee, etc. in the room. I would not hesitate to stay in the hotel again as the concierge and desk staff were helpful. The other hotel I cannot offer any advice.

USNR

We like Hotel Schlicker, near Victualienmarkt, on Tal Strasse, up from Isartor. Small, no conventions, no tourist business to speak of, central location, near public transportation, helpful front desk, breakfast room right out of the Seven Dwarfs.

Underhill

Have a look at the Platzl, just off the Marienplatz. Good-sized rooms, excellent breakfast, and near many of the major sights.