The hotel

The Charles Hotel in Munich is one of Munich’s finest and most exclusive hotels. With its opening in 2007, this newly built hotel is a great addition to the Munich hotel scene. Overlooking the Old Botanical Garden, this 5-star hotel is centrally located between the Karls- and Königsplatz. The Main Station with suburban train and underground connections is only 300 metres away and the International Airport is only 40 minutes away. The building is located on the site of the natural science university facility and part of ‘Lenbachgärten’, a newly developed Munich quarter with also residential and office buildings. Olga Polozzi, Director of Design and sister of owner Sir Rocco Forte, interprets the theme ‘botany’ as well as the book theme in the interior design throughout the hotel. Sir Rocco Forte dedicated ‘The Charles Hotel’ Munich to his father Lord Charles Forte, a famous hotelier.

The Rocco Forte Hotel chain was established by Sir Rocco Forte and sister, Olga Polizzi in 1996. It is a collection of 11 individual and beautiful designed hotels and resorts. All of the hotels are landmarks occupying magnificent buildings in exceptional locations.

Rooms & Suites

The 160 rooms at the hotel are exquisitely styled and designed with high-quality materials. Guests have the choice between 136 luxurious and spacious guest rooms, 23 suites and the Royal Suite Monforte. The natural colours are combined with cotton and silk, natural stones of Bavarian origin and noble wood. The design meets regionality and Munich themes as well as the art objects being selected at artists working in Munich. With the floor-to-ceiling windows, the large rooms are very light and offer a spectacular city view. All rooms have a large bathroom with separate toilet, bidet, a walk-in shower and bathtub. Most rooms have a French balcony.

Hotel assets

One of the assets of hotel is the 800 square metre The Charles Spa that accommodates Munich’s longest hotel indoor pool. The spa also has several relaxation rooms, a sauna, steam bath, wellness showers, heated relax loungers and a modern gymnasium. A range of beauty treatments can be booked here. With natural, nutrient-rich ingredients grown at the Verdura Resort in Sicily, the exclusive Irene Forte Skincare products are used in the spa, alongside the Swiss skincare line, Cellcosmet and Cellmen, and the natural, organic spray tan, BeauBronz.

The conference area with a separate entrance includes 700 square metre of facilities divided over two floors. The conference rooms with daylight are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. The 300 square metre ballroom with large foyer is divisible and can be used for different high-class events.

Gastronomy

The new botanical bistronomy concept Sophia’s restaurant & bar is all about gastronomic excellence in a comfortable and relaxed setting. Refined specialities with regional and seasonal products are served by executive chef Michael Hüsken. Hüsken, a former Michelin starred chef, has experience in some of Germany’s top restaurants likeAcquarello, Schloss Elmau, Geisels Werneckhof and Reisers am Stein.

Fresh and seasonable vegetables, herbs and spices are essential in his kitchen. His style is a spontaneous one that focuses on the taste of the products. Regional produce is selected from local producers. Meat and fish, from high-quality game to local trout, are sourced from heritage producer, Gutshof-Polting. Succulent Bavarian shrimp from Crusta Nova. And handcrafted cheese, as selected by Tölzer Kasladen, is brought in from dairies, alpine farms, and monasteries. As a starter, the trout from Königsee with pumpkin cream, grilled pumpkin, marinated Brussels sprouts and sunflower cress is a great recommendation. For main course, you can’t go wrong with the delicious duck breast from the Polting estate with a lentil cream, turnip, musterd cress and sauce from boudin noir.

Sophia’s also introduces a newly created cocktail bar. The bar area features a striking and contemporary eight-meter bar and the Moroccan-inspired interior design creates a more intimate and private feeling.

Special in Sophia’s restaurant & bar is the IF Skincare menu with a number of healthy and active ingredients. Irene Forte Skincare is founded by Irene Forte and after three years of development, she launched a special formula, using the finest Mediterranean and organic products. The own organic farm in Sicily provides the restaurants with the very best ingredients from the 2000 olive trees, 3000 orange trees, 250 almond trees, 150 pear cacti, 120 pomegranate trees, 50 lemon trees and a vegetable garden that spans over 2600 square metres.

Why go?

The Rocco Forte Hotel ‘The Charles Munich’ is a beautiful landmark with modern design. Located in a unique position between the Old Botanical Garden, the Karlsplatz and the Königsplatz, this hotel is the ideal starting point for both business and private travellers. The combination with the luxury Spa & Wellness facilities and the high level bistronomy restaurant make The Charles a must visit in Munich.

Written by Sven & Frank