In short… Munich’s grande dame hotel, but with a twist: Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt has reshaped parts of it into calm, soulful spaces that feel more like private sanctuaries than a bustling city hotel.
The surroundings… Right in the heart of Munich, a short stroll from Marienplatz and the opera, the hotel sits in the middle of the city’s cultural energy. Yet once inside the Vervoordt-designed rooms, you feel far removed from the crowds.
The backstory… Opened in 1841, the Bayerischer Hof has long been Munich’s grand hotel—rebuilt after the war and run by the same family since 1897. Today, it’s in the hands of Innegrit Volkhardt, the fourth generation of hoteliers, who has kept the heritage alive while carefully modernizing. Her decision to bring in Axel Vervoordt more than a decade ago gave the hotel a new chapter: a dialogue between history and contemporary calm, where grand tradition meets a quieter kind of luxury.
The vibe… Grounded and serene. Vervoordt’s design is all natural textures, earthy tones, worn woods, and simple, purposeful furniture. The pared-down subtle rooms feel quiet and almost symphonic—a little unexpected inside such a historic grand hotel.
The rooms… Vervoordt has designed 28 pared-back rooms and suites, each with familiar Vervoordt touches — linen-covered chairs, antique oak floors, muted plaster walls, and warm, considered lighting.
We stayed in one of his Double Room Deluxe spaces on the seventh floor. It felt like a small cocoon, with inward-facing views and a muted warmth throughout. It was quiet — not just in terms of sound, but in every other way too. The plaster walls, the linen, the lamps — nothing more than the essentials. With so little to distract you, the materials really came through. Simple, calm, and grounding in a way I didn’t expect from such an opulent city hotel.
For something more expansive, the Penthouse Garden Suite sits above the rooftops with its own private terrace — a hidden retreat overlooking Munich.
The food & drink… We had dinner in the Garden Restaurant, where Vervoordt’s understated design sets a calm backdrop. The food was fresh, seasonal, and nicely prepared—straightforward rather than showy—which made it an easy and enjoyable choice for dining with our daughter. Atelier, the Michelin two-starred restaurant, offers a more elevated experience, while Palais Keller leans into Bavarian tradition. We loved the Garden’s airy space, which feels like a secluded garden atrium—just right for casual yet elegant dinners.
The wellness… The Blue Spa, designed by Andrée Putman, comes with a rooftop pool where the glass roof can slide open on sunny days—turning it into an open-air swim spot with a terrace for sunbathing. It’s a popular place, especially in summer, but on warm afternoons the mix of fresh air and city views makes it an especially pleasant place to pause.
Is it kid-friendly? Families fit in easily here: the spacious rooms give everyone breathing space, and the rooftop pool is a treat for kids who want to swim after a day in the city. Parents will appreciate the Bonpoint boutique tucked inside the hotel—a sweet surprise when traveling with little ones. While the Vervoordt-designed rooms feel more like tranquil retreats, the hotel overall balances family comfort with grown-up calm.
Extra tip goes to… The kind waiter in the Garden Restaurant, who was wonderfully attentive and made our dinner feel effortless—keeping everything moving smoothly, but with just enough breathing room to enjoy it all at our own pace, even with our daughter happily alongside.
Be sure to… Visit the Officine Universelle Buly 1803 shop conveniently located within the hotel grounds, and pop across the street to the elegant Lodenfrey department store — don’t miss their traditional wear floor for a glimpse of dreamy dirndls. Little ones will adore the dedicated children’s floor, complete with a long slide down the staircase and a carousel. Bike and leisurewear enthusiasts should make time for the Pas Normal boutique, known for its technical apparel. And for a perfect coffee and pastry stop, head to Suuapinga.
Parting words… Grand on the outside, serene on the inside—Vervoordt’s rooms make Munich’s classic hotel feel unexpectedly peaceful.
Date of stay… June 2025
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