Munich - Mandarin Oriental

We are barely three days into September and the temperature is not much above freezing in Munich. Had I been awoken from a coma, I’d have sworn it was close to Christmas. Everyone is wearing winter woolies and scarves. So much for global warming.

The Mandarin is located on a side street, a moment’s walk from Maximilianstrabe which is literally wall to wall designer stores, leading to the Opera House. Following a light lunch, the ladies can spend the afternoon with Prada, the evening with Puccini, then gently stroll back to Mandarin luxury, to recover from a particularly strenuous day.

I called American Express to book a hotel in Munich. They told me that 3 star establishments were all in the 300 euros per night bracket. I was offered a Mandarin junior suite at 510 euros. The difference between a mediocre hotel and the Mandarin set up is much greater than the 200 euros price difference. In reality, the difference is less than 200 euros as the Mandarin deal includes breakfast and a complimentary lunch for two.

The hotel is everything one would expect. It does seem to have been refurbished fairly recently, and I was particularly impressed with the wooden floor in my junior suite which was much more pleasant than carpet.

I was taken up to my suite for the check in process, which is always more desirable than filling in forms at reception. As charming as my host was, she quickly skipped over a few features of the room, omitting to explain the lighting controls and also how to operate the very flashy looking Bang & Olufsen entertainment system. I departed, the next morning, still not having worked that one out. There were no instructions in the room. It did strike me as bizarre that this was probably the most expensive television I have ever had in a hotel room, but the picture was terrible.

The bathroom was large with a large bath, walk in shower and separate wc. The floor became very slippery and I nearly went flying whilst walking across it in my complimentary Mandarin slippers.

The desk had a slick “flip up” arrangement with two mains sockets and an internet point, complete with cable. I was appalled that the hotel charged 25 euros for 24 hours internet access.

The mini bar had complimentary water and soft drinks which was a pleasant touch.

Unusually, the complimentary breakfast included cooked items, which were freshly prepared to order. Normally, a complimentary breakfast is simply a continental option, or a hot buffet. I had to check out early, so sadly, could not take advantage of the lunch invitation.

The standard of Mandarin Oriental hotels around the world does vary, from disappointing to exceptional. The Mandarin Munich is very definitely exceptional.

Mandarin Oriental
Neuturmstrabe 1
80331
Munich

+49 89 290 980

http://www.mandarinoriental.com/munich