Hotel Europa

Although the Hotel Europa isn't much to look at from the outside, the plain facade gives way to a quirky mash-up of a mid-century modern look (note the tiered-beam ceiling and wood paneling) with contemporary touches in the form of brightly colored minimalist couches, track lighting, and chrome-plated pillars. Light pours in through glass doors in the front as well as the back of the space, where there's a charming garden and covered terrace. The restaurant is equally sunny thanks to large windows and has a mix of contemporary open-booth seating and regular tables and chairs. Decor aside, the real lure here is the hotel's affordable rates and pleasant features, which attracts a mix of tourists and business travelers.

The hotel is located on a mixed residential/commercial street in Maxvortstadt, with train stops on both ends of the block and a few cafes in the area. There's not much in terms of nightlife or attractions in the immediate vicinity, but the Kunstreal (Art Quarter), is about a half-hour away on foot, or 25 minutes by public transit. Munich's Altstadt -- or Old Town --  and Marienplatz is a half-hour walk or a 16-minute train ride. The Chinese Tower inside the city's immense English Garden can be reached by train in 24 minutes, while the Olympic Park takes about the same amount of time on foot or by public transit. The Deutches Museum is a 23 minute train ride away, while Munich International Airport is a 45-minute drive from the hotel.

The Europa offers two room types, Standards and Superiors, the latter of which have more modern features and face out on the garden (Standard Rooms face either the garden or the road). All have cream-colored or off-white walls and simple, neutral decor, with dark-wood-finish furniture in Standard Rooms and sleeker off-white furniture in the more stylish Superior Rooms. All rooms have separate work areas, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, coffee- and tea-making facilities (Nespresso machines in Superior Rooms, and lots of closet and shelf space. Beds are reportedly comfortable and come with down comforters; rollaway beds are available for a fee, while cribs are free to borrow. Bathrooms are pretty similar in both room types and have walk-in rainfall showers, vessel sinks, heated towel racks, and hairdryers, but are cramped overall, with limited counter space.

Features at the Europa are limited for a hotel of this category, and while there's no gym or pool, there is an on-site restaurant with a free breakfast buffet and indoor and outdoor seating (weather permitting). The breakfast spread includes breads and pastries, fruits, cereals, and yogurts, as well as hot items like eggs and sausages. There's a limited daytime menu and a regularly changing, eclectic dinner menu with healthy fish and veg options alongside more decadent beef and potato dishes. The property also offers a meeting and conference room equipped with projector screens inset into slick white walls. There's also self-parking available for a daily fee in the hotel's underground garage (with in-and-out privileges), and airport transfers can be arranged for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and free newspapers are available every day. Pets are welcome for a fee.