The Royal Bavarian Hotel Review: A 25Hours Hotel in the Heart of Munich

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Are you curious about Munich’s best hotel in the heart of the city? Well, in my humble opinion, that is the Royal Bavarian, a 25Hours Hotel nestled right in between the Hauptbahnhof and Munich’s beautiful Old Town. Highlights of a stay here include the charm of a local German-owned hotel with cultural experience blended with luxury and character… plus you’re right on the doorstep of many of the best sights in the city.

I’ve been a fan of the 25Hours Hotels, a German boutique hotel chain, since my first stay at one of their locations in Hamburg. There is something about their ability to bring out the personality of the host city in obsessive detail that makes each stay immersive and playful. When 25Hours decided to open its doors in my home city, Munich, I was curious how it would bring Bavarian culture to its guests.

Half expecting to be overwhelmed by lederhosen, beer culture, and pretzels, I was pleasantly surprised by the classy atmosphere telling the history of Bavarian Royalty. The 25Hours Hotel, The Royal Bavarian, is the best centrally located hotel in Munich for those seeking to combine old-world luxury with upscale, hipster vibes, allowing you to rest like royalty while exploring one of Europe’s most charming cities.

I would like to thank the 25hours Hotel, The Royal Bavarian, for inviting me to stay at their property for this review. As always, all views and opinions expressed are my own and cannot be influenced by external factors.

In this review, you will find both the pros and the cons. I am a local blogger in Munich, and my goal is to provide you with honest feedback to ensure you have the best time in my home city. You don’t have to book the 25Hours Hotel to enjoy Munich, but I highly recommend it; to do so, book using this link.

Getting to Know 25Hours Hotel, The Royal Bavarian

New to the concept of 25Hours Hotels? Everything you need to know is summed up in these three sentences.

“There are plenty of hotels that offer the security of a familiar environment. We do not. A 25Hours hotel is an idiosyncratic surprise bag with contemporary service.”

A surprise bag is what they are going for, and a surprise bag is what they deliver. Every 25Hours Hotel feels like a place for the playful adult, where they can meet like-minded travelers in a space of chaotic good. However, each 25Hours hotel is uniquely different from all the others.

The surprises that await at The Royal Bavarian are both hidden and boldly stated throughout the hotel. Housed in the old bones of the royal telegraph station, royalty literally runs through the wires at this stately hotel.

The hotel was clearly built around the old station, and this is evident in its quirky corners and unusual room shapes. From the moment you step into the elevator, you are greeted with art that tells the story of Bavaria.

Entering the lobby area, you’ll find elegant touches of royal blue and gold. Checking in is a pleasant experience with friendly staff who will give you the low-down on the hotel and all its features, including how to keep an open eye for all the hidden eccentricities you’ll find throughout.

Everywhere you look inside this hotel, blue, the color of Bavarian royalty, floods your senses as you glide across the dark blue carpet, and the cool lighting guides you home. The fresh scent of the crisp Bavarian Alps is inviting and relaxing.

The 25Hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian perfectly marries the luxurious culture of the old Bavarian bloodline and hip modern-day Munich so seamlessly, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a golden age of Munich.

Blue, Swans, and Post Boxes. What Gives?

What’s the deal with all the swans, shades of blue, and hidden post boxes you’ll find seamlessly woven throughout the hotel?

Blue is the color of the royal family in Bavaria. You’ll find rich royal blues boldly placed everywhere from the carpet to the lighting. This will have you feeling royal in no time.

Swans play a significant role in Bavarian royal history. Swans were considered so special that only a royal could eat these creatures. Don’t worry, you won’t be eating swans during your stay, but you can sit on a cool swan chair or go bananas in the swan suite.

Postboxes hang on the walls throughout the hotel. As I mentioned, the hotel has taken over the former royal telegram building. They keep a light postal theme throughout the property, and you can even sit down at any of their many typewriters and write a letter to home, drop it in a post box, and 25Hours will send it for you. I wrote a letter to my mom.

Location: A Great Hotel in Munich City Center

The Royal Bavarian is located in the heart of vibrant Munich. Just steps away from the central train station, you don’t have to go far to rest your feet after a long day of travel.

Once you’re ready to explore Munich, you will not have to go far to reach the old town, Marienplatz, and all the main sights of Munich. If the old town isn’t your destination, then hop on any of the trains, buses, bike trails, trams, or underground trains that are all right outside the front door.

Is the Munich Central Station Safe?

As a woman living in Munich, I feel safe walking around the entire city alone at night. However, as with many central European train stations, the area around the train station, extending toward the 25Hours, can be one of our grungier areas, bustling with life 24 hours a day.

I argue that the hotel’s location in the heart of Munich is what gives it some of its life and convenience, but others might prefer a quieter area outside the city center. However, as soon as you step inside the hotel, the vibe is nothing but relaxing luxury, and you leave all the hustle and bustle behind.

The Royal Rooms

The rooms at the Royal Bavarian are categorized into three types, each with two options.

In each room, regardless of the type, you’ll always find high-speed WiFi and a Bluetooth speaker for those late-night or early-morning jam sessions, charming decorations, a Freitag bag, a safe, and a little area to get some work done.

The 25Hours Hotel beds are always soft and luxurious with ample pillow-to-bed ratio supply, so you’ll get a good night’s sleep no matter what room you’re in.

Box Rooms

The cheapest category, the Box Room, starts at around 135 Euros in the offseason and is perfect for anyone trying to stick to a budget or the solo traveler. The rooms are the brightest in the group, with light wood paneling that resembles a sauna.

The rooms are efficiently packed, meaning they are quite small but well designed. The sink area may be located in the same space as the bed, with a private toilet. Make sure to look for some really cool lighting features. These rooms come in single or queen options

Chamber Rooms

The chamber rooms are where you cross from simple elegance to near royalty. With dark walls and a grand wooden headboard, this room is perfect for those who appreciate a touch of class and luxury without going overboard with the suite.

The bathrooms are large and beautifully tiled, with brassy golden touches. The small chamber rooms are a bit tight for two people, but manageable if you’re both organized and efficient.

The Grand Chamber is the ideal choice for couples who want a bit of space to spread out and enjoy the room’s comforts.

The Suites

Perfect for the traveling executive who needs to host a business meeting in their room, the honeymooning couple, or just anyone who wants to #treatthemselves. The suites are spacious 2-room sleeping quarters fit for true royalty. There are two suites, themed for peacock or swan lovers.

The details are a bit over the top, but that is what makes 25Hours so great. Each suite comes with a complimentary bike, allowing you to travel to and from your business meetings in style. These accommodations are not ideal for families or groups, as they still only have one bed, but they do offer ample living and meeting space.

Are the rooms right for you?

The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed; however, most rooms within a reasonable budget are quite small. I suggest planning to spend most of your time in the hotel’s common areas or exploring Munich.

The suites are only practical for the traveling businessperson or luxury couple. This is not a family-friendly hotel. Munich is an expensive city, and you should expect to pay well over 100 euros for a nice hotel room, and the 25Hours Hotel is no exception. The price tag may weed out anyone on a budget, but for those who can afford it, a room of luxury and comfort awaits.

Amenities and Extras

It is perhaps all the details, amenities, and shared spaces in 25Hours Hotels that make them such an exciting place to lay your head, and The Royal Bavarian really goes all out.

I could have spent hours hanging out in the coffee shop designed to feel like a royal atrium, the spa, or the lounge area with a Wolpertinger to keep me company. (That is something very Bavarian; you will want to Google it). Alas, I only had a night. Fortunately, I live in Munich and will be returning to work at the cafe, where I can enjoy their fantastic coffee!

Spa/Fitness Center

The spa and relaxation room is a calming escape to recharge for your adventures in Munich. With foot tubs to give your tired feet a makeover after a walking tour, a sauna, and a reading corner, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a remote alpine lodge.

The fitness options aren’t much more than a treadmill and a weight rack, so if you’re after a workout, I’d recommend hopping on one of their bikes and exploring the city instead.

The Lost Weekend Café

The Lost Weekend is known as one of the best coffee shops in Munich, so when they opened a new location in the belly of The Royal Bavarian, I was thrilled.

This new location sheds the hipster college student vibe and serves up coffee in a spacious, green-filled space with plants. This was one of my favorite spaces in the hotel, and it is a great location to meet friends, get some work done, or enjoy an excellent cup of joe. On select nights, you can enjoy live entertainment.

Meeting Room

Hidden in a little corner of the hotel is a space for hosting meetings or work gatherings. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a hunting lodge with rustic wood paneling and charming wooden chairs. Make sure you plan your meeting to include beer, as this room has a self-filling ice machine that will keep your beers at the perfect drinking temperature.

Bike/Car Rentals

Whether you like to power a 2-wheeled bike or drive a zippy 4-wheeled car, The Royal Bavarian has you covered. Ask the front desk about their motorcycle and car rentals, as well as the perfect route to explore the city.

I found it a bit of a bummer that the bike rentals were not free. While 10 euros isn’t a bad deal, I think they should be more accessible to guests. One of the best ways to explore Munich is by bike, and I hope to see them offer a deposit system for the bikes in the future.

Freitag Bag

Each room comes with a Freitag bag. These bags are complimentary to use during your stay, and you can purchase them at check-out. Freitag is a hip Swiss brand of bags and purses made from recycled rubber.

These sustainable and fashionable bags are all the rage in Europe. Feel free to try the bag out and buy it as you check out. I couldn’t resist the bag that was in my room, and I happily took it home. It matched my dress and was fate!

Service

German service can be known to be lackluster, but the service at The Royal Bavarian was great! The staff were always on hand to answer any questions I had. You can also get some great local tips on things to do and places to go, though I didn’t see any maps on hand or the option to book anything from their front desk.

The thing to remember about service in Munich is that staff will engage as much or as little as you want, but you often need to approach them and let them know what you might need.

So, if you need extra help planning your day or with your room, ask and you shall receive!

Sustainable Culture

I wouldn’t stay in a hotel if they weren’t making efforts to be sustainable. While all the 25Hours Hotels do an amazing job at this, I was quite impressed with the Munich location. In your bathroom, you’ll find reminders to shut off your water and reuse your towel, while disposable shampoo and conditioner are nowhere to be found.

At the bar, you won’t find plastic straws; in fact, I can’t recall seeing any single-use plastic in the hotel. The hotel’s design utilizes refurbished furniture, and they do a great job of upcycling. The gift store stocks only local goodies, so you won’t find any cheap “Bavarian” trinkets from China.

NENI Restaurant

One of my favorite parts of my stay was dining at NENI, which is becoming a name synonymous with 25Hours. NENI is an Israeli fusion restaurant. I loved the open space of the NENI in Munich. Neon signs and an open kitchen create a hip and urban atmosphere, but the shared tables and platters make you feel right at home.

They also offer intimate seating for those who prefer a private table experience.

I ordered the taste of NENI, or Balagan, for a little bit of everything. The meal began with a fantastic hummus, continued with a filling sabich, and concluded with a variety of desserts.

This is ideal for a group of maybe four or more. My two-person party had to take home leftovers, but it was well worth it. If a set menu isn’t right for you, you can try any of their other single dishes, like spicy eggplant and rice. They’re vegetarian and vegan-friendly!

I loved everything I tried, from the wine to the last bite of dessert. The service was great and the atmosphere was very different from everyday Munich, which was a breath of fresh air for a local. I was thrilled to see the Royal Bavarian branch offering something different from traditional German food.

Don’t worry though, you can still get your German beer on tap!

This restaurant is popular with the locals too, so if you want to eat here, book a table when you check in or you might miss out!

Boilerman Bar

The Boilerman Bar has quickly become a popular spot in Munich’s vibrant nightlife scene—a favorite among locals and hotel guests alike. During the day, the bar is shrouded behind thick velvet curtains, and you can sit in the lounge area among bookshelves, teeming with oddities, to get some work done. At 5 pm, the curtains are drawn to reveal a sultry bar.

Please remember to put your laptops away; this is a laptop-free zone after hours.

The bar is lavish and posh with a hint of prohibition thrown into the mix. The room is decorated with gold pineapple lights, red velvet chairs, and teal pops of color to the otherwise dark ambiance.

I hope you enjoy highball cocktails, because that is what the bar specializes in, and they do it well. The highball cocktail is a remnant of the early 1900s and the great railroad. Named for the highballing that occurred in steam locomotives, this cocktail is timeless. Try a classic like a Cuba Libre or get wild with the Highball of the Day.

If you don’t like Highballs… well, you might be out of luck.

Breakfast

Nurse your hangover with The Royal Bavarian breakfast. Drink copious amounts of coffee before digging into cold meats, cheeses, yogurts, müsli, hot eggs, and much more.

The breakfast is an additional cost and is a bit expensive, around 29 Euros, but there is something in there for everyone. Considering breakfast in Munich is often either a sugary pastry or a heavy sausage and beer meal, it’s actually a good option to start your day.

Overall Thoughts

Considering my general lack of faith in Munich hotels – they’re either too lavish and costly or tacky and cheap – The Royal Bavarian perfectly combines luxury with a hip, edgy vibe, ideal for the young-at-heart couple or traveling businesspeople.

This means that it is not ideal for a family or anyone on a tight budget, but if you’re as vibrant as the city of Munich, you’ll feel right at home. The beds are comfortable, and they efficiently utilize the space to make this a home away from home.

The restaurant and bar offer a unique experience not often found in Munich. You’ll have a blast learning about Bavarian history, and this is the perfect way to sleep like royalty so you have the energy to take on Munich!

If this sounds right up your alley, make sure you book your stay. It is a popular hotel.

Looking to plan the perfect trip to Munich?

Check out my comprehensive guides for Munich and the surrounding area. 

• Sustainable City Guide to Munich
• Alternative Things to do in Munich
• Head to Zugspitze for the day
• Visit Andechs Monastery
• Check out Munich’s Christmas Markets

Comment and Share Munich’s Best Hotel

I had a wonderful stay at the Royal Bavarian 25Hours Hotel and I hope this review has also shown you why it’s a great choice for visitors to Munich looking for a bit of extra fun and luxury.

Make sure you pin and share this review so you can come back if you are planning a trip to Munich, or just to show someone else who you think would love to stay here. Whether you want to be right in the heart of the city to explore or want to spend your time relaxing and enjoying all the hotel amenities, you will have an awesome time!

Have you ever stayed at a 25Hours Hotel before? Let me know in the comments which one, or if there are any other locations that you have on your travel bucket list.