Review: Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski, Munich
Background
Bavarian King Maximilian II created the well-known Maximilianstraße, Munich’s grandest street, a feat for the king. But then his sights turned to creating a grand luxury hotel for the region, hence Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. This hotel has housed famous people from actors, academics and those in technology. Opening in 1858 it’s has been a part of the Kempinski Hotel Group since 1970, a group that’s Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group.
What’s It Like?
There is a grandiose air about the hotel. The dark wood interior in the lobby gives a feeling of yesteryear, prominence, and royalty. Throughout the day guests are in the lobby meeting, having afternoon tea, and relaxing.
Where is it?
It’s in the heart of Munich, a city with everything in the centre. This makes the hotel reachable to almost any part of the centre of Munich. Located on famous Maximilian Street, it’s reachable by the underground train or the tram. And, it’s 45 minutes from the Munich Airport.
Rooms
The superior room encompasses a lot of light and elegance with a wall length of windows and curtains, while the colours of the room are warm and include a relaxing environment. The Deluxe Room includes a desk for those on business, as well a comfy seating area with a sofa. Rooms come with a flat-screen TV, safe, choice of pillows, climate control, daily newspaper, free wi-fi, street views, a king bed (or twin), and bathroom. There are also suites like the Junior Suite, Superior Suite, Theresien Suite, Maximillian Suite, and the Ludwig Suite. The latter suite is ultimate luxury by designer Colin Finnegan. It’s 175 square metres and shows views of the city, which can be seen from its 40 square metre roof top terrace that comes with its own 24-hour butler and full kitchen.
Food and Drink
There are five gastronomy options at the hotel plus room service. Schwarzreiter Restaurant is a fine dining option with one Michelin Star. Named for the Schwarzreiter fish, King Ludwig II’s favourite food. It was his father that inaugurated the hotel in 1858. Today it is under Chef Hannes Reckziegel and includes Bavarian dishes. The Schwarzreiter Tagesbar is casual and offers dining options. Room service is swift and offers a variety. When in Munich, try the Wiener Schnitzel offered on the room service menu. There are salad options, as well as a burger, but when you’re in Bavarian you must try the Schnitzel, which is native to the region. Jahreszzeiten Bar creates delectable virgin cocktails, as well as the hotel’s signature Royal Club Sandwich. If you’re into pastries then Jahreszeiten Lobby offers cute sweet treats under Patissier Ian Baker like éclairs, petit gateaux, and tartes. As you walk into the lobby you see the treats on display. And Berthold Delikatessen, which opened in 1872 serves coffee, homemade cakes, tartlets, and break by Patissier Ian Baker. For those into cigars there is the Kempinski Cigar Lounge by Zechbauer. A breakfast buffet is served every morning, with hot and cold items. The spread is impressive and all encompassing.
Leisure
There is a fitness area in the spa to help increase fitness and wellbeing. With cardio-vascular machines and weights by Technogym, you can watch movies or be entertained with your favourite film or radio station. There is also an indoor pool for exercise and relaxation.
Verdict
Stay here. If you are needing to be in the centre of Munich, the hotel will get you to almost anywhere by walking distance that’s in the center. It’s clean, the staff are friendly, the food is great, and the ambience in the lobby is historic yet inviting. You won’t go wrong by staying in this hotel.
Best For the pastries.
Don’t Miss the Berthold Delikatessen.
Price rooms start at $400 and go to $21,621.
Contact Maximilianstraße 17, 80539 München
