Hotel Mariandl

Hotel Mariandl occupies a listed Belle Époque building from around 1900 on Goethestraße, on a tree-lined stretch near Beethovenplatz in the Ludwigsvorstadt, south of the main station. It is an unusual, characterful hotel that feels more like a private house than a modern hotel, and it is a good choice for travellers who value atmosphere over facilities.

There is no traditional lobby. Instead, guests check in at the Mahagoni Bar of the Café am Beethovenplatz on the ground floor, which is part of the hotel. The café has a historic interior with coffered ceilings and crystal chandeliers, serves cocktails and champagne at the bar, and has musicians playing every day, which gives the house a lively, old-fashioned charm. The breakfast buffet is served in the café, and on Sundays there is a special breakfast.

The rooms follow the character of the building. Most have their own bathroom and toilet, some have freestanding bathtubs, and a few share facilities and are offered at a lower rate, which makes the Mariandl one of the more affordable characterful options in the centre. There is no lift, so guests with heavy luggage or limited mobility should bear that in mind and ask for a lower floor when booking.

The hotel suits couples, solo travellers and anyone who enjoys historic buildings and live music, and it is particularly convenient during the Oktoberfest, as the Theresienwiese is only about 500 metres away; bookings for the Oktoberfest period are taken online only. It is less suited to travellers who want modern amenities such as a gym or spa.

The main station is about ten minutes' walk to the north, with direct trains to the airport, and the Goetheplatz U-Bahn station on the U3 and U6 is close by, giving a quick ride to Marienplatz. The Sendlinger Tor and the old town are around 15 minutes on foot. Restaurants and cafés in the surrounding streets, as well as the Theresienwiese and the Bavaria statue, are within an easy walk. Even if you stay elsewhere, the café is worth a visit for its interior and daily live music. From the airport, the S-Bahn runs directly to the main station.