Fodor's Expert Review Bayerischer Hof

There's the three Michelin-starred studio restaurant, the interiors designed by renowned Belgian art dealer Axel Vervoordt, the rooftop Blue Spa and Lounge with panoramic city views, the pool, the swanky suites, and the private cinema, and to top it all, rooms in Palais Montgelas, the adjoining early-19th-century palace. Yes, it would be easy to pigeonhole the Bayerischer Hof as just another expensive luxury hotel. But this hotel, opened in 1841, is an almost unique combination of luxury, history, and accessibility. Münchners, for example, are encouraged to visit the traditional Bavarian restaurant, while it is also a top jazz venue. Even King Ludwig I of Bavaria paid regular visits to take a "royal bath," when his own residence lacked hot running water.

When meeting someone at "the bar," or "restaurant," specify which one: there are six bars (including a nightclub) and five restaurants.

room

Rooms at this swanky joint come in a variety of styles. Some are surprisingly sleek and modern, all grey and cave-like, with trendy trunks. Others are as traditional as you like, and even named 'Laura Ashley', after the chintzy British home furnishings designer. All are comfortable and large. And expensive.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Weirdly, rooms don't have a coffee machine - which you would expect at this level. Housekeeping will bring Nespresso machines on request, though.

bathroom

Bathrooms are big, and also vary in style. Some continue the grey, concrete-like theme. Most have shower/baths, although some are separate. The cosmetics are by Lather.

lobby

Considering how imposing the building and entrance are, the reception area (to the left), with its low ceilings, is a little less fancy. But the staff make up for that with top-of-the-range service.

pool

The hotel's softly lit rooftop pool is gorgeous.

spa

The spa is similarly luxurious, and in a particularly fancy move, both the pool and spa roof can open to the elements in good weather.

gym

The gym also boasts the rooftop view, and plenty of machines.

dining

We're a bit overwhelmed here, to be honest, and that is the only downside of this behemoth hotel--there's so much going on that it can all get a bit much. Restaurant-wise, there are five, including the triple Michelin-starred flagship, studio, Polynesian cuisine at Trader Vic's and Bavarian specialties in the cellar.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Breakfast is delicious - but it is an astonishing €41.

drinking

Six bars--including a roof garden and lounge with great views--mean you are spoilt for choice. Our favorites are falk's bar, in the historic and gorgeously over-the-top Hall of Mirrors--the only room in the hotel to have survived the Second World War--and the Polar Bar, the hotel's outdoor winter bar, with fires and hot drinks for the cold season.