The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel

"A striking change from the Baroque grandeur of central Munich, the Charles looks like a sculpted white seashell set on the edge of the Old Botanical Gardens. Although it has 160 rooms and a sleek contemporary design, it’s a friendly place that channels the cozy inn-keeping style of Central Europe while at the same time providing au courant amenities such as a small but excellent spa and gym. There’s also Davvero, a very good Italian restaurant. Large, plush rooms are done up with thick camel-colored carpeting, cream walls, moss-green cut-velvet armchairs and tweed sofas, and sixties-style geometric-motif throw pillows. French doors open onto a balcony with wrought iron railings and superb views of the city, lighting is intelligently controlled by bedside switches, and bathrooms have deep tubs and walk-in showers, as well as heated floors and towel racks. Though it’s clearly aiming at an upmarket business clientele, the Charles pulls off the signature Rocco Forte Hotels feat of being equally appealing to leisure travelers."

"The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel is a beloved contemporary white sculptural outpost on the edge of the Botanical Garden."

"This 160-room hotel attracted a lot of buzz when it opened in 2007. A brand-new building next to Munich’s former botanical gardens, it was part of a major effort to revitalize a struggling neighborhood. Though its Art Deco flourishes pay homage to bygone days, the Charles is thoroughly modern from the ground up. Rooms here are much larger than at your typical European hotel, and even the most basic have floor-to-ceiling windows, views of the city or park, heated limestone floors, and large marble bathrooms with walk-in showers and separate deep baths. The 24 suites also include a range of luxurious amenities, from in-bathroom televisions to private terraces with views of the Alps. In addition to massage and facial treatments, the stylish spa boasts the longest indoor pool in the city, as well as a Finnish sauna, steam room, and hot-and-cold foot baths. Plan on eating lunch or dinner at least once at Sophia’s, the airy, light-filled restaurant that spills out onto a terrace. Also be sure to visit the cozy lobby bar for excellent bites and craft cocktails."

"This 160-room hotel attracted a lot of buzz when it opened in 2007. A brand-new building next to Munich’s former botanical gardens, it was part of a major effort to revitalize a struggling neighborhood. Though its Art Deco flourishes pay homage to bygone days, the Charles is thoroughly modern from the ground up. Rooms here are much larger than at your typical European hotel, and even the most basic have floor-to-ceiling windows, views of the city or park, heated limestone floors, and large marble bathrooms with walk-in showers and separate deep baths. The 24 suites also include a range of luxurious amenities, from in-bathroom televisions to private terraces with views of the Alps. In addition to massage and facial treatments, the stylish spa boasts the longest indoor pool in the city, as well as a Finnish sauna, steam room, and hot-and-cold foot baths. Plan on eating lunch or dinner at least once at Sophia’s, the airy, light-filled restaurant that spills out onto a terrace. Also be sure to visit the cozy lobby bar for excellent bites and craft cocktails."

"Overlooking the Old Botanical Garden just outside Munich’s Old Town, the Charles Hotel sits between the main train station and the Kunstareal museum quarter, each of which is just a five- to ten-minute walk away. Though it was built in 2007, the 160-room hotel takes cues from the Côte d’Azur’s Belle Epoch–style architecture, giving a sense of classicism to the modern space. Don’t miss the beautiful spa, which features Munich’s longest indoor lap pool, a steam room, and a Finnish sauna." - Stefanie Waldek