Hi,
We're visiting Munich in December and trying to decide between two hotels: the Meridien and The Hotel Excelsior. Can anyone give me more feedback on these two? (I've checked the past threads and also Tripavisor.com). Which is more luxurious, closer to city centre etc?
Thanks
Keith

sorry, don't know either, but i have stayed twice at the mandarin-oriental, very nice property if that is what you're looking for.

Hi,
Thanks for the suggestion. Much as I'd love to stay at the Mandarin, it's out of my price range (quoting around 460euros a night!)...
I can get pretty good prices at Meridien and Excelsior, although the price I'm being quoted is, I think, room only..

I'm not familiar with the Excelsior but have stayed at LeMeridien twice. It is located directly across the street from the main rail station and about 10-15 minutes' walk from the Marienplatz. Public transport connections are excellent.

The last time a discussion about this hotel arose there was some concern, by some, that the neighborhood is "seedy" and some of us, including myself, disagreed with that. The neighborhood does have, among other things, many ethnic take-out restaurants and there is a "sex shop" across the street from the side of the hotel. Of course, it isn't nearly as big as the Beate Uhse sex emporium located closer to the Marienplatz itself.

The larger rooms at LeMeridien are very good sized with king size beds. The baths have separate shower enclosures.

The service has been excellent both times.

The Mandarin (which I have also stayed in) is MUCH more upscale and closer to the Marienplatz). Whether or not it is worth the additional money is an entirely different conversation.

We stayed at Le Meridien last time in Munich and loved it. It was nice that you can wheel your luggage right under the street from the train station and come up an escalator practically by the door to the hotel. So convenient. We generally walked from the hotel right down the main street, primarily pedestrian after a short distance to the "center". But, of course, public transporation is a breeze from there too.

The room was wonderful. I had my laptop and they had easy access high speed internet, and it was the first hotel I've stayed in with a giant plasma TV in the room. Very nice. We did not eat any meals at the hotel.

Hi Keith -

Another vote for Le Meridien, however, I have never stayed at the Excelsior.

But we much enjoyed our stay. I was a new "Moments" member and they even upgraded us to a very large room (even by American standards) with a large bath, sitting area, desk. Service was excellent. The hotel is only about three years old.

I only paid 125 € so to me it seemd a bargain.

Another vote for the Le Meridien for all the reasons others have given. So convenient to all public transportation. The service and rooms there are excellent. They stored our luggage when we went to Rothenburg for the night without charge and had our room when we returned the next day. Very helpful concierge. Around the corner is Hertie's department store where they have a very good buffet with many types of food. I do not think you can go wrong with this hotel and the price is good for the hotel.

intrepid...
that's funny because i once got berated for describing the neighbourhood of le meridien, munich. i don't even think it was this forum but someone was wondering why it was so cheap compared to other munich luxury hotels. i responded that it was probably the nature of the neighbourhood. Consequently, i was given a stern lecture on how europeans view sexuality in a healthier way and i shouldn't be so repressed. needless to say i did not need such a cliche lecture but the facts still stand...most meridien properties are in the midst of the city's finest shopping and dining...munich's is clearly not. it is located among the sex shops, kebab shops and the most seedy hotels in the city. most travelers (like myself) probably do not mind this...however, the informed traveler needs to know that this property is not in the usual type of neighbourhood for le meridien.

if you want a very high quality hotel at a very good value then le meridien munich is a great choice. it is a short walk to some nicer areas but itself is in a less desirable but completely safe and not unpleasant neighbourhood. munich centre (marienplatz) is too quiet at night so at least this area has a little life.

if it were in a more desirable location, it would command a much higher rate. i watched it being built and when the sign went up indicating that it was going to be a meridien hotel i was quite surprised.

Hi,
Thanks to everyone for the feedback on Meridien. I am tempted to book it but before I do does anyone have any feedback on the Hotel Excelsior in Munich?
Thanks

One more point...the last time we stayed we got the hotel at a significant discount through Utell so be aware that they do, periodically, sell some of their rooms through discounters.

Hi,
Thanks for all your responses. I'm going to make reservations at both Meridien and Excelsior and see if I can decide between the two in the next couple of weeks.
Thanks