Fodor's Expert Review Louis Hotel

No other hotel in Munich manages to combine the subdued elegance of a design hotel, first-rate service, and perhaps the best Old Town location, overlooking Viktualienmarkt, that the Louis offers. You can experience the bustle of the market and the Biergarten below, but once you're in the hotel, all is calm, with uniquely designed interiors and well-thought-out rooms, many with French balconies. Opened in 2009, this former bank continues to appeal to well-heeled clients, though some room prices are competitive.

Look for the tiny, enticing chocolate store below the hotel.

room

Rooms are a reasonable size by Munich standards, and come with views of the market or the courtyard and nearby 'Old Peter' church. Colours are subdued - whites, beiges, greys - and soothing, and the handmade furniture is classy. Beds, with natural rubber mattresses, are comfortable. All rooms have air-conditioning.

bathroom

Bathrooms come with some lovely touches - heated floors and mirrors, plus a wicker-covered window into the room beyond (with a curtain for privacy). Standard class rooms have showers.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Some travellers have warned that the design trumps function in the bathrooms, with too-small shower curtains letting water onto the floor.

lobby

The hotel lobby is as chic as you'd expect from a hotel with design chops, with a Japanese feel that continues throughout the hotel (its restaurant is Japanese too). Staff are fabulously helpful.

gym

The hotel has a small gym and sauna overlooking the Munich rooftops.

dining

In its culinary offer, the Louis has a secret weapon: a fabulous and buzzing Japanese restaurant called Emiko, which offers delectable sushi and great, delicate choices, including a dish with a whole leek that is a work of cooking wizardry. In summer, diners eat on the small rooftop terrace overlooking the church. Breakfast is great too, with vegan options, and eaten with a view of the market below.

drinking

Louis' bar is as cool as you'd expect and continues the Asian theme, with plum wine, sake, and lemongrass all in the mix.