As a travel writer, I see a lot of hotels aim to recreate the illusive feeling of “home.” That’s a worthy goal, of course, but sometimes, you just want a capital-v Vacation. So, while a good hotel can make you feel as comfortable as you would at home, a great hotel can offer you something even better — a feeling of belonging in a brand-new, upgraded, and wholly unique space. The new Rosewood Munich does exactly that.

“Munich hasn’t seen this before — a hotel with a vibe,” Radha Arora, president of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, told me over cocktails at the hotel’s opening fête in October. The hotel, he added, “speaks to the community, with all the artists we showcase, it speaks to place. We have great confidence in this location.”  

The Rosewood Munich, as it stands now, is the culmination of a project 10 years in the making. And it’s just as spectacular as you’d expect a decade’s worth of work to be. 

Every space, including the lobby, 132 guest rooms, restaurant Brasserie Cuvilliés, and Asaya Spa, is decked out in muted earth tones, light woods, and pops of royal blues and decadent, emerald green velvet furnishings you simply cannot stop running your hands over. This includes the hotel’s signature Maximillian Suite, named after a royal Bavarian family, that sports more than 2,500 square feet of living space, including a full kitchen and soaking tubs in each bathroom, which starts at around $25,000 a night. All these glamorous decor touches are thanks to Tara Bernerd & Partners, who worked alongside the Munich-based architectural firm Hilmer Sattler to ensure the space honored its location while creating the most welcoming (and decadent) space possible. 

“Rosewood Munich is our first project in Germany with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and is a key moment for us,” Bernerd shared in a statement. “We have sought to bring a refined residential style with a contemporary take on Baroque architecture. This elevated sense of sophistication will provide a place for locals and distinguished travelers to come together in this vibrant and eclectic city.”

While the Rosewood Munich still has that brand-new hotel smell, it somehow feels lived in. It’s massive, yet cozy. Walking through the common spaces, you’re bound to find friends, old and new, gathering for tasty chocolates set out on the table, guests reading books while lounging on the plush chairs next to the picture windows, and perhaps even a four-legged companion or two laying out as if they owned the place. 

However, there is one spot you may or may not get to see while you’re at the hotel — its ultra-exclusive and downright secretive speakeasy, known as 100B. I don’t want to give away too many details here, as half the fun is finding it for yourself. However, I did get a sneak peek at 100B, which is well hidden somewhere near the bar. It’s as sexy a place as they come, with rich, red leather furnishings, dim lighting, and some fantastically rare spirits behind the bar, including a few bottles of Pappy Van Winkle that will send any whiskey lover into full-on fanfare. Want to get in? Try to make friends with a hotel bartender. He or she might reveal the secret code and the location. Just don’t be surprised if they look at you in total bewilderment when you ask about 100B, as it truly is meant to stay exclusive.

Here’s what else you need to know about the hotel and my full review of the new Rosewood Munich.

The Rooms

The hotel has 73 spacious guest rooms and 59 suites, including five exclusive houses, which are massive, apartment-style accommodations ideal for big groups or extended-stay guests. Entry-level rooms range from €700 – €2,750 (about $740 – $2,904); while suites range from €1,200 – €4,650 (about $1,267 – $4,910); and houses range from €4,300 – €35,000 (about $4,540 – $36,954). Every room has a fantastic view of either the Munich city skyline or its interior courtyard. Expect bespoke furnishings, minibars filled with local treats, and marble bathrooms with not-to-miss rosemary-infused shampoos that will leave your hair smelling better than ever. 

The Spa

The hotel’s Asaya Spa draws much of its decor and treatment inspiration from its alpine surroundings. Here, guests can indulge in holistic treatments using products by Dr. Barbara Sturm, OTO, Ground Wellbeing, and EviDenS de Beauté. The 1,300-square-foot spa includes an indoor pool, dual saunas, steam rooms, and six treatment rooms. I recommend springing for The Aufguss Journey, a 120-minute treatment that uses aromatherapy and happens over three phases — a body scrub, a wrap, and a massage. I loved that the treatment uses a native pine and spruce blend for that all-important “sense of place” the Rosewood is known for. 

Food and Drinks

Rosewood Munich is bringing more fine dining to the city thanks to Cuvilliés. The brasserie is open to both guests and locals who wish to come enjoy meals built around ingredients sourced from the region, including Helmut Schlader Alpine caviar, Wagyu beef from Tegernsee, and lamb from a breeder in Jochberg, located just two hours away. The menu highlights includes bites of steckerlfisch (grilled fish) alongside spinach dumplings, and, of course, wiener schnitzel. But please don’t overlook the Celeriac Cream Soup as an appetizer. Made with truffle, spices, and white balsamic, it’s the perfect start to a hearty meal. 

Following your last bite, make your way to Bar Montez, where you can not only get a craft cocktail, wine, or local beer, but you can also take in live music by jazz musicians strumming in the corner. 

Activities and Experiences

There is a dedicated concierge team at the hotel to assist guests in planning a bespoke itinerary. The team can help book exclusive guided tours through local museums like the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art (MUCA), as well as visits to historic destinations like the Nymphenburg Palace or more adrenaline-filled activities like BMW Driving Tours. 

Family-friendly Offerings

Kids are also more than welcome at the hotel. The concierge team is happy to create experiences just for them, including local cooking classes and arts and crafts sessions. The hotel is also happy to assist in babysitting services so parents can head out for a night on the town sans kids.

Accessibility and Sustainability 

The Rosewood Munich is ADA compliant, offering three ADA-compliant rooms, and has a ground-floor elevator to allow easy access in and out of the building. As for sustainability, during the hotel’s construction, the team recycled 96 percent of the materials from the demolition to use in the new space, including 1,500 tons of metal, cables, copper pipes, reinforced concrete, and glass. This hotel, like other Rosewood properties, is in line with Rosewood’s principle of “Relationship Hospitality,” meaning it has a close relationship with local suppliers to reduce environmental demands on the supply chain. And, perhaps most impressive of all, the brasserie kitchen has bins to convert waste to energy, which powers part of the restaurant.

How to Get the Most Value

There are a few ways to maximize your value at the Rosewood. Book one of the Rosewood Escapes, which includes complimentary breakfast for two, complimentary access to Asaya Spa, and complimentary access to the fitness suite. There is also the More Rosewood Offer, which offers a complimentary third night for every two consecutive paid nights and includes complimentary access to Asaya Spa. Finally, there’s the Suite Sojourn, which provides a 20 percent discount on the hotel’s best available rate and includes access to the spa and fitness center.