Roomers Munich, Autograph Collection

Illuminated with 6,000 lightbulbs, Roomers' short driveway has a bit of Vegas sparkle and hints at what awaits beyond its rather nondescript exterior. Inside, the atmosphere is sleek, and even a little provocative. Green velvet and amber shag rugs add plenty of texture to gorgeous midcentury-modern furnishings and fixtures. In the lobby, clusters of circular brass pendant lights feel like an art instillation, and jewel-tone sofas and chairs, gray marble end tables, and a shiny black herringbone floor complete the look. More metallic elements and dark woods add extra polish. It's a flashy, moody look that continues through public spaces, such as the trendy Izakaya restaurant and its adjacent bar, which draws a well-heeled crowd and plenty of locals. And that look continues up into the guest rooms.

Clientele tend to be more refined and adult -- even though Roomers is close to Oktoberfest’s Theresienwiese. But drunk college students in lederhosen and dirndls will be entirely out of place here. As the hotel is within walking distance of the offices of Apple and Google, tech industry businesspeople also find this a suitably stylish home base.

Don’t let the Roomers' neighborhood fool you -- while Landsberger Strasse is a heavily trafficked thoroughfare lined with industrial-feeling buildings, there are plenty of restaurants and bars just off the main drag. Also nearby are the corporate offices of Apple and Google, a five- and seven-minute drive from the hotel, respectively, or a 15- and 19-minute walk. Theresienwiese, the grounds of the famous Oktoberfest tents, is only a 13-minute walk from the hotel, too. And beer aficionados may appreciate that the Augustiner brewery is a five-minute walk away.

But for sightseers, the Roomers' location could represent its biggest drawback, as it's set apart from the heart of Munich’s Old Town, the Marienplatz. That said, it's only a 15-minute drive from the hotel, or an 18-minute tram ride -- and the tram stops right outside the hotel. (Worth noting: Munich’s public transportation system has an app that allows you to purchase tickets, get directions, and check wait times.) Other Old Town sights like the Viktualienmarkt, the Hofbräuhaus beer hall, and the Frauenkirche can also be reached within a 20-minute tram ride. The Englischer Garten is a bit closer by car (12 minutes), but farther by public transportation (22 minutes). Munich International Airport is a 26-minute drive from the hotel, while guests can reach the main train station in a five-minute drive, an 11-minute tram ride, or a 20-minute walk.

Style continues to be a high point for the Roomers' 281 rooms. Dark amber shag carpets, moody under-lighting, marble-topped tables, and brass wall units give a suitably chic midcentury backdrop. Fun details like ceramic figurines (a pig in boots, perhaps) and photography books showcasing nudes bring even more personality to the space. Bathrooms are just as stylish, with vessel sinks, back-lit mirrors, and black marble tiling -- but here the dramatic lighting becomes a bit of a liability, as it throws facial features into the shadows, which doesn't help when grooming.

Although room decor is uniform, their sizes range dramatically, starting at 269 square feet and going up to a whopping 1,668 square feet. That said, all rooms are double-occupancy, so families or groups should seek out the few adjoining rooms. All bathrooms have walk-in rainfall shower, while higher-category rooms add soaking tubs. Some of these upper room categories also include terraces.

Amenities across the board are stellar, especially when it comes to tech: Flat-screen TVs with channels in multiple languages, Apple TVs, Android Miracasts, Bang & Olufson sound systems, and in-room iPads are standard, as is free Wi-Fi. Minibars and Nespresso machines provide in-room refreshments. Other extras include safes, irons and ironing boards, bottled water, plus bathrobes and slippers. 

For a mid-size urban hotel, Roomers Munich has a number of impressive features. Its main draw is the Asian-inspired Izakaya restaurant and neighboring bar. While its dark, sexy decor is stunning, its the excellent food and drinks that draws a crowd. Three meals a day are served here. (Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner.) Unfortunately, the buffet breakfast costs a fee. There’s also the restaurant's Hidden Room, appropriately tucked behind a wall panel, speakeasy-style; this all-red private party space can be rented out for events. Guests can order room service 24/7 from the restaurant as well. 

The hotel's spa complex, opening in spring 2018, will feature private treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room, a hammam, and a massive whirlpool with a cinema screen. The hotel's fitness center will open around the same time and will have state-of-the-art cardio machines and free weights. Guests can book sessions with private trainers.

The hotel also has meeting rooms, helpful for any Apple or Google employees traveling here for business. Guests are also welcome to work in the Library, located just off the lobby. Other features include free valet parking, free Wi-Fi, and concierge service. Pets are allowed here, too.