Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
Munich's modern hotel in a historic setting
Built between 1896 and 1900, there is a wonderful grandness to Sofitel Munich Bayerpost. It was not, however, built as a hotel; rather, it was purposely designed as the impressive Royal Bavarian Main Post Office.
Around 90 years later, in 1993, it ceased to be a post office of any kind and its future usage was an open question. Such an impressive structure would always have its uses, which was apparent after major renovation work and Accor Hotels opened it as a new addition to its luxury hotel chain in 2004.
Its exterior is covered by a preservation order, which provides a fascinating contrast to the modernized and transformed interior. The result is an elegant, modern hotel in a historic setting, featuring 339 rooms and 57 suites, and within a minute of Munich’s main station.
Around 90 years later, in 1993, it ceased to be a post office of any kind and its future usage was an open question. Such an impressive structure would always have its uses, which was apparent after major renovation work and Accor Hotels opened it as a new addition to its luxury hotel chain in 2004.
Its exterior is covered by a preservation order, which provides a fascinating contrast to the modernized and transformed interior. The result is an elegant, modern hotel in a historic setting, featuring 339 rooms and 57 suites, and within a minute of Munich’s main station.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- The original façade continues to be an impressive reminder of Italian High Renaissance style from a late 19th-century perspective, in this case clad with sandstone.
- While architects retained the west, east and south façades, the northern structure is a completely new and modern multi-story addition. The interior features glass and chromes, striking colors and shades that all provide this traditional building a stylish, contemporary interior.
- This modern ethos is mirrored throughout the Munich hotel, in the rooms and suites, the large spa area, lobby, bar, restaurant and numerous event and meeting rooms.
- Look out for the art dotted around the hotel, and particularly for the regularly changing art exhibitions in the lobby area.
Things to Know
- The original post office was strategically positioned right next to the main station to take advantage of efficient transportation services and today this translates into a hotel that is incomparably accessible. It’s about 40 to 50 minutes on the S-Bahn from the Munich Airport.
- The immediate vicinity of many city main stations is not always the most salubrious of locations. However, while it is not a touristy area, there is a cultural and ethnic diversity here that adds so much to the appeal and feel of the place.
- The grotto-like swimming pool in the spa is a beauty as it twists and turns around dark walls covered in mosaic tiles.
The Rooms
- All rooms are stylishly designed with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and Bose Wave sound devices for music streaming from smartphones and tablets. Nespresso coffee machines are par for the course throughout.
- Designs vary, and rooms and suites have been renovated since the hotel opened in 2004. Sophisticated leather, chromes and woods are the décor features here.
- Accommodations all feature bathrooms with natural stone, modern showers and/or baths and Hermès body products.
- The most impressive of the 57 suites is the Magnificent Apartment, which covers more than 1,880 square feet, the largest the luxury hotel offers. It comes with a kitchenette, dressing room, a media wall, two balconies, and Jacuzzi and steam bath.
The Restaurant
- Délice La Brasserie serves haute cuisine by executive chef Andreas Donnerbauer, who cites French influence behind his creations. Whether delicate new dishes or reinterpretations of classics, everything here reflects extreme attention to detail.
- Two acclaimed cocktail makers light up the Isarbar (Isar, the name of Munich’s river), and their creations are particularly enjoyable in warmer months when taken on the outdoor terrace.
- At Délice, choose between à la carte menu and two- to five-course menus. Typical choices are white fish, pork knuckle, pointed cabbage and mustard or creamy organic egg with truffles and pearl barley. More substantial — though still refined — meals include beef bourguignon with chives, potatoes and carrot, and a choice of steaks.
- A good option for a smaller meal is the restaurant’s Délice classic of moules et frites, delicious mussels and French fries.
Getting There
Bayerstraße 12, 80335 Munich, Germany
TEL49-89-599480
TEL49-89-599480
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
MUC (30-40 min)
