Fodor's Expert Review The Charles Hotel

This smooth, stylish hotel on the edge of the Botanical Gardens has a cool, modern feel, helped by the giant picture of George Clooney and Tommy Lee Jones in reception as well as its new trendy bar and restaurant, Sophia's, which focuses on fruits, herbs and vegetables (making a welcome change from heavy Bavarian fare!). But the coolness factor is only part of the top-end offer, which also encompasses a spa, great breakfast and the largest standard rooms in the city.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The hotel can feel a little business-focused, which is unsurprising considering Munich's strength as a business center and the locaton of The Charles.

room

Standard rooms are a massive 40sqm, and do feel wonderfully roomy and light. The style is classic and muted, which can seem a touch bland, but the views over the treetops make up for that. The suites are in the building's towers.

bathroom

Bathrooms have baths and showers, and come in Bavarian sandstone. Tiles, some with slightly racy classical patterns, are made from the same manufacturer as the porcelain in the Nymphenburg Palace, which gives you an idea of the swankiness level this hotel is aiming at (and reaching).

lobby

The lobby brings together high ceilings, modern design touches and a cool skylight, as well as green, purple and turquoise striped chairs, to have a bit more personality than most. Staff are competent and welcoming.

pool

The 15m by 8m indoor pool is softly lit in blue tones, and surrounded by heated chairs.

spa

The Charles Spa in the basement has five treatment rooms, a beauty salon, relaxation suite, Finnish sauna, steam rooms and foot baths. It too feels spacious and refined, with the same elegant, muted vibe as the rest of the hotel.

gym

There's also a fitness suite.

dining

Sophia's was renovated in 2016 and now aims to draw in clientele with a diverse offer - healthy food, fresh-tasting drinks, and a summer BBQ that is populated about half and half by hotel guests and locals. Its decor reflects the natural tones of the Botanical Gardens outside, with real trees and trees in the upholstery patterns too. Breakfast is generous and delicious, with a special late opening time (until 2 pm) at weekends.

drinking

Sophia's doubles as the bar, with a nice outdoor terrace and inventive drinks. There is a lobby lounge/bar and library area too, but it was closed on our visit.

Try the signature drink, Sophia's, which includes gin, champagne, lemon sorbet and thyme. Very refreshing.