Eden Hotel Wolff

The only really distinguishing feature of the seven-story corner block occupied by the Eden Hotel Wolff is its distinctive salmon-pink facade. Stepping through the revolving doors into the lobby area, however, there is a feeling of old-fashioned Bavarian glamor -- albeit slightly faded -- characterized by numerous chandeliers, a frescoed ceiling, green leather Chesterfield sofas, and black marble-clad columns. The entrance to the solitary glass elevator is also framed in black marble, while upper hallways are rather subdued in comparison with antique paintings as only distinguishing feature. Built in 1890, the Eden Hotel Wolff has always been privately owned -- by the third generation of the same family since 1919 -- and was a prominent part of Munich's social scene in the 1920s. Badly damaged during World War II (with its Art Nouveau dining room completely destroyed) the hotel was closed and rebuilt after the war -- re-opening in 1950 and expanding into the neighboring building in 1955. The atmosphere is traditional but friendly, attracting a mix of vacationing families and couples, as well as a good share of business travelers.

While its surrounding streets aren't exactly pretty, the Eden Hotel Wolff is situated directly opposite Munich's central station and has tram lines running in the middle of the (busy) road outside, making it ideal for catching public transport to anywhere in the city. Munich's famous Oktoberfest beer festival can be reached on foot in under 20 minutes (or by subway in less than 10) while the Old Town with its historic buildings, museums, shops, bars and restaurants is only five minutes away by S-Bahn (the city's electric rail system). The airport is a 35-minute drive by car or 45 minutes on the airport shuttle that departs just opposite the hotel.

In contrast to the public areas of the hotel, the 214 guest rooms are generally bright, contemporary, and minimally styled with knotted wood paneling, gray carpets, and modern furniture. "Alpine Style" rooms and suites have a more rustic, chalet-type aesthetic -- whitewashed wooden clad walls and hardwood floors, antlers on the walls, and an eclectic selection of patterned fabrics for drapes and cushions. All rooms are air conditioned with well-stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs (at least 25-inches), and free Wi-Fi (which can be slow). Some guests complain that rooms lack electric kettles and that hot water has to be ordered from the bar. Bathrooms are mostly marble-clad, with shower/tub combos, quality Algotherm toiletries, and robes and slippers. Suites add additional lounge areas and guest bathrooms, as well as spacious main bathrooms with double vanity units and bidets. Rooms at the front of the building can be noisy due to the busy road below, and views from all rooms are uninspiring -- either of the road and station from the front or fire-escape and buildings at the back.

Eden Hotel Wolff has a solid lineup of features that reflect its historic status. An excellent and extensive buffet breakfast is served in the Peter and Wolff restaurant, although it's not always included in rates and can be pricey. The dining room has a striking, traditional look with wood-paneled walls, chandeliers, and heavy drapes, and offering good-quality Bavarian-style cooking that includes locally sourced organic meat. The Kamin Bar has more of a moody, opulent feel, with red walls, low lighting and an open fire. On the top floor of the hotel is a bright, modern gym and spa, with sauna and steam room and a sundeck. Meeting facilities comprise a selection of eight rooms for rent -- the Rembrandt room is a private dining room with beautiful dark wooden-paneled walls and parquet flooring. (It's the only part of the original restaurant area which survived the War.) Hotel parking is available at a cost, but there is also public parking nearby.