Etched forever in my mind is a stay at the Mandarin Oriental Munich. Luxury so sublime. Just before relocating from Melbourne, Australia to the United Kingdom, a colleague suggested that whilst I was going to be living so close to Europe, a trip to the German Christmas markets should definitely be on my travel bucket list. I arrived in September 2012 and dutifully booked my first Christmas market adventure. Munich was the chosen city and I began thoroughly researching hotel options in the city centre. As I was travelling alone, I wanted to stay in a reputable four or five star hotel close to the old town quarter, and within easy walking distance to the city’s major landmarks, attractions, shopping and Christmas markets. After weighing up the the various hotel options, the Mandarin Oriental Munich fulfilled all my criteria. The pictures on its website looked amazing and the online reviews were outstanding. Decision made, I booked a two night stay in a Superior Room, which at the time, included a tour of the Christmas markets with a local guide. The perfect way to ‘orient’ myself on my first visit to Munich.
Having a slight aversion to using taxis when travelling alone, I arranged with the hotel concierge for a pick up service from the airport to the hotel. After making my way through the tiny international arrivals hall and locating my well-dressed driver, I was promptly whisked away in a sleek, black luxury Mercedes. Feeling like royalty, I relaxed into the leather seat staring at the countryside flashing by as we hurtled down the motorway, wondering what my Munich adventure would bring. After a relatively short 35 to 40 minute journey, the Mercedes pulled up outside the ornate grander of the Mandarin Oriental Munich hotel. I was promptly greeted at the front entrance by the check-in concierge who guided me straight into the small hotel elevator, bypassing the check-in desk altogether. “Good morning Miss Peat, I trust you had a pleasant journey. I would like to welcome you to the Mandarin Oriental Munich and let you know we have an upgrade surprise for you. Let me show you to your room”. Or something along those lines. The elevator rose to the sixth floor of the hotel. Standing in the hallway waiting for the hotel room door to open, I noticed the plaque read ‘Oriental Suite.’ Once inside, I was led down a short hallway which opened up into the most magnificent hotel room I had ever seen. The feeling of royalty was just amplified one hundred and ten percent.
Oriental Suite
The Oriental Suite was absolutely stunning. Rich rosewood panelling, oriental artefacts, orchids, luxury brand appliances, plush interior decor, furniture and drapes. The main living room had a beautiful golden velvety couch, coffee table with a welcome fruit basket, Bang & Olufsen television, creating the essence of a luxury hotel feeling. During the day, the living room and bedroom area merged into an elegant open plan space, and at night time a sliding screen separated the two areas for privacy. After exploring the city sights and numerous Christmas markets, the king size bed and goose down bedding provided a cozy, comfortable cocoon from the wintery conditions outside. As I am a light sleeper, the separating screen and heavy drapes ensured the bedroom was dark, midnight black once all the lights were turned out. The room magically transformed in the evening by an impeccable turn-down service.
The stylish marble bathroom was the size of a small apartment with double vanity basins, large deep bathtub, separate walk-in shower, heated floors and towel rails, and luxurious bath robes. When I first walked in I felt like whirling around on the shiny marble floors. Certainly ample room to move about in the bathroom if there was occupancy of two.
Situated behind the bedroom area, a long, spacious walk-in wardrobe provided plenty of space to unpack my weekend-away winter wardrobe and more. A modern dressing table with large oval lighted mirror provided the perfect spot for applying all things beauty and makeup. Other fabulous amenities included a Nespresso machine, butler service on request, luxurious toiletries, twice daily turndown service. Remote controls were built into the bedside table draw, convenient for operating the television, drapes, lighting etc., from the comfort of my king size bed.
Walk in wardrobe
From the living room, sliding glass doors led out onto a small, wrap around balcony. The November winter chill meant it was too cold to fully utilise the balcony except for quick photo opportunities of the glorious city rooftops views including the Marienplatz Townhall tower, Frauenkirche cathedral twin towers and the famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall. In the mornings, I soaked in the amazing city views from the comfort of the king side bed or living room couch, sipping my Nespresso coffee and listening to the chime of church bells ringing. A very special European city experience for someone who hails from Australia, and one which I didn’t want to end.
Verdict
Even after a short two night stay, I fell in love with Munich and Mandarin Oriental hotels. If you want to experience an extravagant, unforgettable stay in a beautiful German city, I would highly recommend the Oriental Suite at the Mandarin Oriental Munich. Luxury, quality and style of the highest standards. Throughout my stay the service from the hotel staff was impeccable and personalised, giving the impression you were the only person staying in the hotel. The experience was faultless and definitely matched the hotel value proposition on their website of a “luxury retreat with timeless appeal…enticing blend of luxury, comfort and style.” The surprise upgrade provided a truly memorable experience and I cannot thank the Mandarin Oriental Munich enough for this very unexpected treat. With Christmas fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to book a luxury Christmas getaway treat at the Mandarin Oriental Munich.
Details
- Room reviewed: Oriental Suite – cheapest rooms start at €575
- Website: www.mandarinoriental.com/munich
- Address: Neuturmstrasse 1, Munich, 80331 Germany
- Phone: +49 89 290980
