Contemporary 5-star luxury near Munich's old botanical garden. Stylish rooms with state-of-the-art design, rooftop terrace restaurant, Rocco Forte spa, and art collection create sophisticated urban retreat steps from main attractions.
The Charles Hotel is the flagship Munich property of the Rocco Forte Hotels group and one of the city's leading five-star addresses. Located on Sophienstraße adjacent to the Alter Botanischer Garten (Old Botanical Garden) in Munich's Maxvorstadt cultural district, the hotel is five minutes' walk from the Antikensammlungen and Glyptothek museums at Königsplatz, and ten minutes on foot from the Altstadt's Marienplatz. München Hauptbahnhof, the city's main railway hub, is a seven-minute walk, making the hotel exceptionally well-connected for arrivals by national rail or the airport S-Bahn.
Opened in 2007 and designed under the creative direction of Olga Polizzi, The Charles Hotel commissions original art throughout its public spaces and guest rooms, with works by contemporary German artists forming an integrated collection rather than a decorative afterthought. The palette of warm amber tones, handwoven fabrics, and locally sourced timber gives the hotel a distinctly Bavarian sensibility within its contemporary framework.
All 160 rooms and suites are among the largest in the Munich five-star category at their respective price points. Superior rooms begin at a generous 30 square metres; Charles Suites on upper floors extend to over 100 square metres with separate living rooms and views over the Old Botanical Garden. Bedding, robes, and bath products reflect the premium sourcing standard consistent across Rocco Forte properties.
Sophia's Restaurant and Bar is the hotel's principal dining venue, offering a menu bridging Bavarian culinary tradition and contemporary European cuisine. A rooftop terrace restaurant opens in the warmer months, providing city views with seasonal dishes. The Rocco Forte Spa encompasses an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and a full selection of body and facial treatments. The fitness centre operates 24 hours and personal training sessions are available on request.
The concierge team maintains established relationships with Munich's Staatsoper and the major Pinakothek museums, facilitating access to sold-out performances. The hotel attracts a predominantly international clientele — luxury leisure travellers, senior executives, and cultural visitors — with high-season rates typically ranging from approximately EUR 550–1,000 per night.
Amenities
- rooftop restaurant
- spa and wellness
- indoor pool
- fitness center
- art collection
- bar
- meeting spaces
Location
Sophienstraße 28, 80333 München
48.1454, 11.5644 View on map
Highlights
- Bespoke contemporary art collection integrated throughout rooms and public spaces
- Rocco Forte Spa with indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and professional treatments
- Adjacent to Munich's Old Botanical Garden, five minutes from Königsplatz museum cluster
- Sophia's Restaurant serving refined Bavarian-influenced cuisine and a seasonal rooftop terrace
- Generously proportioned five-star rooms among the largest in Munich at their price tier
Tips for visiting
- Request a garden-facing room for a quieter stay; city-facing rooms on lower floors receive some traffic noise from Sophienstraße
- The rooftop restaurant is only open seasonally — check availability before booking if outdoor dining is a priority
- Spa treatments book out quickly on weekends; arrange bookings at arrival or in advance through the concierge
- Hauptbahnhof is a 7-minute walk, making the property convenient for rail arrivals even with heavy luggage
- Oktoberfest rates (late September to early October) are substantially higher; book well in advance if visiting during the festival
Accessibility
The hotel is fully accessible for guests with mobility limitations. Step-free access is provided throughout the property, lifts serve all guest floors, and accessible rooms with roll-in showers and wider doorways are available. Guests with specific requirements are encouraged to advise the hotel at the time of booking.
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Frequently asked questions
Does The Charles Hotel have an indoor pool?
Yes. The Rocco Forte Spa includes an indoor pool in addition to sauna, steam room, and treatment facilities. Pool access is included for hotel guests during standard spa operating hours.
What is the hotel's closest U-Bahn connection?
Königsplatz station (U2) is approximately a five-minute walk from the hotel, providing direct access to Munich Hauptbahnhof in one stop and the extended U-Bahn network. Tram line 27 also stops on nearby Karlstraße.
How close is the hotel to the Pinakothek museums?
The three Pinakothek museums — Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, and Pinakothek der Moderne — are all located in the Maxvorstadt cultural district within 10–15 minutes' walk from the hotel.
Is The Charles Hotel part of a loyalty programme?
Yes. The hotel participates in the RF Hotels loyalty programme operated by Rocco Forte Hotels. Points can be earned and redeemed across the Rocco Forte portfolio of European properties.