Munich Hotel for Christmas Markets

[Jesterscourt]

Steamboats and other MUENCHEN experts, are there hotels best situated for the Markets in Munich? Are you familiar with the hotel Louis near the Viktuallenmarkt? It is very expensive but would be a nice splurge for our anniversary. In prior trips, we have stayed at the Hilton or Holiday Inn Munich City Centre because the S bahn goes directly from the airport to right underneath both hotels so you don't have to go outside if the weather is bad. But then I feel you are sacrificing being at Marienplatz and all the action by being further afield even if the subway goes directly there. What do you think in terms of the Markets and wintertime? This would be a post-Danube River Cruise stay. Vielen danke! Steve

[Ask4Jay]

@Jesterscourt -

We just came back from Munich after a transatlantic from Miami to Barcelona. Within Germany we travel on a GermanRail Pass. That means we want to be as close as possible to the train station. Once we are checked in and are unencumbered by our suitcases, proximity to the train is no longer important. This was our third stay at the Hotel Amba. Rates for a double, incl. breakfast buffet, was a tad over 100€. It's just across the street from the side entrance to the station. I guess Amba means Am Bahnhof (at the station). Viktualienmarkt, Hofbräuhaus and Deutsches Museum would require a cab. Good luck. J.

 

 

via iPod touch and Tapatalk.

[Jesterscourt]

Jay, the Amba sounds like a great deal, but I am disenchanted by the Munich train station area, which is run down, and surrounded by traffic and porn shops, etc. It is totally lacking in atmosphere and is not the way I want to remember this magnificent city when I leave. Correct me if I am wrong about this. Thanks! S

[steamboats]

Steve,

 

The Louis is one of the latest top notch hotels in Munich. So you can´t do anything wrong with it.

 

It´s just a short walk from Marienplatz. Unfortunately I can´t predict the weather for you ;). In worst case you have snow on the streets. If you walk up at the "Rindermarkt" exit (which unfortunately doesn´t have escalators) you can walk partly covered under an arcade next to the Hugendubel book store.

 

Marienplatz station is a little bit messy right now as they do renovate the whole underground shopping area. So some of the staircases are closed temporarily.

 

As Munich has lots of Christmas markets I´d say it´s not important that you stay close to a certain one but more important to stay close to any kind of public transportation.

 

steamboats

[caviargal]

In 6 trips to Munich for the markets, we have chosen 5 times to stay near the central station. Transport links are great and we like to make day trips. And we have zero issue with the area as the value can be excellent.

 

We have "won" Le Meridien on Priceline for under 125 USD per night, have stayed at Sofitel 3x for under 180 USD per night by booking on their website with the advance purchase option.

 

For our next trip, we will do the same as value for the price is excellent.

 

<As Munich has lots of Christmas markets I´d say it´s not important that you stay close to a certain one but more important to stay close to any kind of public transportation.>

 

I agree.

 

Hotel Louis looks gorgeous but I can stay at a 5 star near the station for half the price. That buys drinks, dinner and much more.

 

We love the markets in Germany and Munich makes a great base for visiting the smaller towns which we really enjoy. Prien, Garmisch (we did the Zugspitze last December and it was stunning), Tegernsee and more are easy access and we go for part of the day and then spend the afternoon and evening enjoying Munich.

 

We are headed back to the market this year as we enjoy them very much!

[BPCruiser]

Caviargal, I know from many of your postings how much you love the Christmas Markets and traveling in the Fall Season as do we. We are contemplating another Fall cruise, maybe a Christmas Markets cruise specifically and I wanted your opinion of which rivers you think are better for port stops for the Christmas Markets and sites? The Rhine river cruises with more German ports or the Danube with the port stops between Prague and Budapest?

We did a Nov. cruise last Fall from Budapest to Prague and loved the Christmas Market in Prague which just opened the weekend our cruise ended. We missed the markets in Vienna by a few days as they we still setting up while we were there for our 1 port day.

[Jesterscourt]

Thank you all for great advice! I guess I stand corrected about the Central Station area. I will definitely check out those hotels. Steamboats, is the Rindermarkt exit at Marienplatz the one for the Louis or for the main square?

[steamboats]

Steve,

 

If I remember it correctly there are 6 exits from the lower levels up to the "air". The Rindermarkt exit is on the Southeast side of Marienplatz where the street is passing by the pedestrain area. This street is called Rindermarkt (going South, going North it´s Dienerstrasse). There is another exit with escalators to Viktualienmarkt (a little further on). I´m not quite sure where the access to the Louis Hotel is. The address is Rindermarkt 2 but obviously the hotel complex is going through the whole block and facing Viktualienmarkt.

 

For Rindermarkt 2 you should be able to walk under the arcade until you have to cross the street. For Viktualienmarkt it´s easier to use the Viktualienmarkt exit walk some meter straight ahead and then right at the street.

 

Check google maps and you can see the exits I´m talking about.

 

steamboats

[caviargal]

Caviargal, I know from many of your postings how much you love the Christmas Markets and traveling in the Fall Season as do we. We are contemplating another Fall cruise, maybe a Christmas Markets cruise specifically and I wanted your opinion of which rivers you think are better for port stops for the Christmas Markets and sites? The Rhine river cruises with more German ports or the Danube with the port stops between Prague and Budapest?

We did a Nov. cruise last Fall from Budapest to Prague and loved the Christmas Market in Prague which just opened the weekend our cruise ended. We missed the markets in Vienna by a few days as they we still setting up while we were there for our 1 port day.

 

We enjoyed the route that includes Wurzburg, Regensburg, Bamberg the most. We had full days in all of these and when in Wurzburg with Avalon, they also took us to Rothenburg. While it is a bit touristy, it is lovely at Christmas.

 

We did not enjoy the route that includes Vienna as much because of the short stops and extended sailing times. The Abbey at Melk was worth seeing but the short stop in Passau was too short to enjoy this lovely city and we did not care for Linz. It is too cold to sit outside so this itinerary really was just too much time stuck indoors on the boat when we wanted to be out enjoying the markets.

 

We LOVED the markets in Prague last year.

[fred111]

We are taking the cruise from Nuremburg to Frankfurt this year. It should be good.

 

When in Munich for the Christmas markets we stay at the Kings Hotel First Class. It is near the train station and easy walk or tram ride to Marienplatz.

[BPCruiser]

We enjoyed the route that includes Wurzburg, Regensburg, Bamberg the most. We had full days in all of these and when in Wurzburg with Avalon, they also took us to Rothenburg. While it is a bit touristy, it is lovely at Christmas.

 

We did not enjoy the route that includes Vienna as much because of the short stops and extended sailing times. The Abbey at Melk was worth seeing but the short stop in Passau was too short to enjoy this lovely city and we did not care for Linz. It is too cold to sit outside so this itinerary really was just too much time stuck indoors on the boat when we wanted to be out enjoying the markets.

 

We LOVED the markets in Prague last year.

 

Thanks for your recommendation. We too loved the Prague Christmas Markets. We have been to Regensburg but not for the markets and hope to visit some of the ports west of Nuremburg in the future. Seems like a fall cruise from Nuremburg to Basel would be a good choice if I can find one. Would highlight some good ports. What ports and Christmas Markets will you be visiting on your upcoming AMA cruise? Most of the Fall (November cruises) on Avalon are already booked. We are looking at AMA as well.

[caviargal]

Thanks for your recommendation. We too loved the Prague Christmas Markets. We have been to Regensburg but not for the markets and hope to visit some of the ports west of Nuremburg in the future. Seems like a fall cruise from Nuremburg to Basel would be a good choice if I can find one. Would highlight some good ports. What ports and Christmas Markets will you be visiting on your upcoming AMA cruise? Most of the Fall (November cruises) on Avalon are already booked. We are looking at AMA as well.

 

 

We start with a few days on our own in Budapest, where the markets open early. The we are on the Blue Danube Discovery: http://www.amawaterways.com/europe-river-cruises/blue-danube-discovery-2012

 

and a few nights in Prague on our own.

 

The markets in Regensburg are a step up in terms of quality than many of the others we visited.

[Jesterscourt]

We have finally decided to stay at HOTEL TORBRAU because I like the Isartor Gate area and it appears to be steps from the S-bahn. It also has complimentary wifi and breakfast. The LOUIS was much more expensive and as a matter of principle, it bothers me (and many others) that their exorbitant rate does not include breakfast. Orchestrapal, my fellow music lover, I read your review on trip advisor so if you or anyone else has anything to add, that would be nice. Steamboats, what do you think of that location?

[steamboats]

Steve,

 

The hotel is right behind the Isartor gate. It´s two minutes from the S-Bahn exit (walking). I haven´t been to Isartor for quite a while (my DD used to go to school in that area). The station didn´t have elevators. They did a lot of renovation and I think I saw an elevator when I passed by last week (sitting in an S-Bahn).

 

You´re within walking distance to Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt. There are also two trams at Isartor (lines 16 and 18).

 

steamboats

[orchestrapal]

We have finally decided to stay at HOTEL TORBRAU because I like the Isartor Gate area and it appears to be steps from the S-bahn. It also has complimentary wifi and breakfast. The LOUIS was much more expensive and as a matter of principle, it bothers me (and many others) that their exorbitant rate does not include breakfast. Orchestrapal, my fellow music lover, I read your review on trip advisor so if you or anyone else has anything to add, that would be nice. Steamboats, what do you think of that location?

 

We did love the location and walked everywhere. The new concert hall is a short walk as is the opera house. If your going in the winter there's lots of music. Enjoy your trip.:)

[Jesterscourt]

Thank you Steamboats and Orchestra! By the way, there is also an interesting discussion on this hotel in Fodors.com Munich forum. Orchestra, do you have any insight as to weather it is worth the extra money for a deluxe double or suite at the TORBRAU? I believe the upgraded rooms have a French balcony, sitting area, and coffee/tea maker. We are so spoiled on our cruises with free meals and walking down the hall to our cappuccino machines!

[orchestrapal]

Thank you Steamboats and Orchestra! By the way, there is also an interesting discussion on this hotel in Fodors.com Munich forum. Orchestra, do you have any insight as to weather it is worth the extra money for a deluxe double or suite at the TORBRAU? I believe the upgraded rooms have a French balcony, sitting area, and coffee/tea maker. We are so spoiled on our cruises with free meals and walking down the hall to our cappuccino machines!

Suite is SMALL and has no view.(courtyard) I only saw very small rooms across the hall from ours. If size matters this might not be the hotel for you.:)

[Jesterscourt]

Steamboats, I found out that for The Louis Hotel we exit Marienplatz at the Viktualienmarkt (did I finally spell it correctly?) and then it is 200 meters on the right. Oh, to be located 5 minutes from the Dallmayr Delicatessen, where, if you are lucky, you can get free samples! Please let us know if we can treat you to a beer or cappuccino for all the help you have given visitors over the years!

Steve

[steamboats]

Thanks, Steve,

 

A cappuccino would be nice (as I don´t like beer at all :eek:) :D!

 

And you spelled it absolutely correct!! Yes, I´d say it´s about 200 m and maybe 20 m from the top of the exit to the corner where you have to turn right.

 

It´s also only minutes away from Weisses Bräuhaus where you get the best wheat beer. Although I don´t like beer I´ve been to their brewery last December (being on a river cruise, it´s located in Kelheim) and had a beer tasting there. They also have some nice Bavarian food. Click on the British flag for a English menu plus the history of the brewery (it´s a pdf file).

 

steamboats

[Jesterscourt]

Checked out the menu for Weisses Brauhaus. Absolutely incredible. Much less touristy than Hofbrauhaus! Danke!

[steamboats]

You´re welcome!

 

steamboats