Hotel Bayerischer Hof Munich Axel Vervoordt Room Review with Photos
Long beloved by celebrities, artists, and world leaders, Munich’s Hotel Bayerischer Hof has emerged from a $200 million, multi-year renovation—reaffirming its status not just as a luxury hotel, but as a self-contained universe of culture, dining, and design. Shaped by a bold collaboration with Axel Vervoordt, The Interior Review explores the luxury hotel that functions like a living organism.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Munich Axel Vervoordt Room Review with Photos
Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Highs: Remarkable attention to detail in the design and experience. Extraordinarily secure and discreet.
Lows: A huge variety of room styles makes predicting accommodations difficult. Exorbitantly expensive room service.
Verdict: Already of legendary status, Hotel Bayerischer Hof confidently makes sense of countless design eras by leaning into the traditions of a grand hotel.
The Room to Get: Deluxe Double Room.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof History and Architecture
Hotel Bayerischer Hof exterior detail. Image: Ben Schmidt.
In many senses, its difficult to determine exactly where Hotel Bayerischer Hof begins or ends. You can certainly find the main entrance: look to the northern side of the pleasant Promenadeplatz and find the giant wordmark— BAYERISCHER HOF — rendered in gold and blue. You can probably find the nightclub, that also has a smaller entryway a few steps away. But finding the edges and corners of the Bayerischer Hof’s history isn’t as straightforward. Like so much of old town Munich, Hotel Bayerischer Hof seems to fossilize before your very eyes, so historical, so enormous, and so complex you’d be convinced its been there since the city started.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Exterior. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Architecturally, Bayerischer Hof is selectively parasitic— at once it bends around older buildings or has metastasized and created new ones. Routine renovations jostle with preserved period facades. Breezeways and covered walkways tunnel around the ground floor.
When did Hotel Bayerischer Hof open?
The original Hotel Bayerischer Hof opened on October 15, 1841.
The principal building— mostly destroyed during World War II— was of Neo-Renaissance design. Incidental expansions and redevelopments in the 1960s have added a smoky lushness and midcentury flair in the most elevated reaches. A climate-controlled garage lurks below.
Palais Montgelas at night, built in 1811–1813 by Emanuel Graf Maximilian Herigoyen, now part of Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Image: Ben Schmidt.
One of the hotel’s most important enhancements came in 1969 with the acquisition of neighboring Palais Montgelas building, built in 1811–1813 by Emanuel Graf Maximilian Herigoyen for Maximilian von Montgelas. Of exquisite provenance, this palace also served as an annex of the Bavarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was the first official residence of the Bavarian State Chancellery.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Courtyard. Image: Ben Schmidt.
To this day, Bayerischer Hof continues to grow, with the most recent expansion taking place in 2018, and renovations have been taking place as recently as 2025. For now, the Bayerischer Hof has settled into a grand state— 340 rooms in different styles, along with 60 suites, 40 meeting rooms, five restaurants, a breakfast room, spa, and six bars.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Location
Hotel Bayerischer Hof View. Image: Ben Schmidt.
The Bayerischer Hof is located in a convenient place and, despite being hundreds of meters long and deep, is elegantly oriented on the leafy Promenadeplatz in Munich’s old town, generously granting access in all directions. In the immediate vicinity is the plaza and the Orlando di Lasso statue which has been adapted to become an ad hoc Michael Jackson memorial, a site chosen thanks to Michael’s loyalty to the Bayerischer Hof.
Michael Jackson Memorial near Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Further afoot you’ll find the Herzog & de Meuron-designed Fünf Höfe (Five Courtyards) shopping mall with interesting galleries and a healthy selection of boutiques, restaurants, and bars.
Go through a nearby passageway to the south and the austere yet unmistakable Frauenkirche is at odds before you, seemingly misaligned to the grid and startling in scale, like the farmhouse from The Wizard Of Oz when it landed in Oz.
Continue east and you’ll end up on the palatial Maximilianstraße, soon encountering the National Theatre, height-restricted historic buildings, and countless upscale shops.
Marienplatz (now somehow considered Munich’s Times Square) is just beyond shouting distance and serves as a gateway to the lively Kaufingerstraße.
The official Oktoberfest grounds are situated some 30 minutes away by foot, or less than 10 minutes by car. Simply put, the Bayerischer Hof is at once shielded and omnipotent.
View on Kardinal-Faulhaber-Straße. Image: Ben Schmidt.
One more thing: we can recommend taking a walk on Kardinal-Faulhaber-Straße then turning around to nibble on one of Munich’s signature views— a delicious buffet of Neoclassical and Baroque buildings which artfully frame the billowing lids of the Frauenkirche.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Arrival and Check-in
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Arrival. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Well-earned, simply mentioning one is staying at Bayerischer Hof perks the ears and draws out an occasional “ouhh!” from those aware. Bayerischer Hof has secured its place as a rubbernecking hotspot for the foreseeable— it is the preferred hotel for most celebrities and dignitaries visiting Munich, proven with an impressive roster of past guests.
Accordingly, it’s hard to be discreet when arriving at the Bayerischer Hof. An army of bellhops and doormen gather in the breezeway and swarm onto the road any time a guest arrives. Early evenings are especially scenic with crowds of theatergoers and diners arriving in some of Europe’s most impressive automobiles.
Ferrari and Lamborghini at Hotel Bayerischer Hof Arrival and Check-In. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Once within the walls of this fortress, chaos is mitigated with an efficient check-in experience and a comforting view of the Promenadeplatz. You’re then led to the concierge whom guards a monumental wall of room keys which becomes a convenient checkpoint when coming and going.
As of the end of 2025, the main lobby is in its final stages of a complete reimagining by interior designer and art dealer Axel Vervoordt (famously collaborating with the Kardashians and embracing a wabi-sabi approach to design). This lobby renovation caps nearly two-hundred million dollars in improvements to the hotel over the past several decades.
Hallway at Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Given the hotel is composed of several buildings and expansions, hallways run in all directions and sometimes seemlingly run to infinity. Fortunately, the core of the hotel is served by a central elevator bank and a columnar staircase reaching all levels.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Munich Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room. Image: Ben Schmidt.
The bonanza of interior design styles at the Bayerischer Hof is one of the most unique aspects of this hotel. In addition to preserved and modernized public spaces, the opulent property features a selection of guest rooms in all sorts of styles, including the sumptuous designs by Pilati, the easy elegance of British Country, the refined modern comfort of Inés Gress, and more.
The Deluxe Double Room we stayed in is offered in Classic, Cosmopolitan, Colonial, Laura Ashley, Graf Pilati and Axel Vervoordt styles. We accepted Hotel Bayerischer Hof’s most progressive choice: a room by Axel Vervoordt, situated in a quiet corridor with views of an open courtyard. These rooms are in the north and south wings of the hotel.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Completed in the last decade, Vervoordt’s rooms are unique for their limited edition furnishings and understated character, prioritizing texture and reduced visual noise.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Penthouse Garden Suite by Axel Vervoordt
The largest suite at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof the extraordinary Penthouse Garden Suite, designed by Axel Vervoordt and constructed atop the newest part of the building. It features walls of windows, two bedrooms, kitchen, living room, dining room, and a continuous terrace with 270-degree views over Munich.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room. Image: Ben Schmidt.
The Axel Vervoordt rooms are subtle in design and may even seem sparse at first. While their organic nature is unexpected in a hotel of this size, these rooms are as relaxing as any other. The designer expertly toys with scale and texture, bringing unique ideas to the well-established requirements of a hotel room.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Unmotivated by function and more satisfied with form, a sculptural drum-shaped side table barely does its job, leaning precariously. A numbered paper lamp is built within a heavy iron superstructure.
A club chair, one of the few genuinely structured objects in the room, offers a hint of formality. Restraint is also found in the overall color palette which is composed of lots of tans and taupes; bones and vanillas, and hints of dusty blue. Fine lime-based plaster walls contrast with modern black light switches and double-glazed French windows.
Despite all these rustic ideas and rough-hewn textures, there is no lived-in sensation. This is thanks to ultra-precise lighting and frill-free details- no moldings; no baseboards. Minimal art on the walls.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room. Image: Ben Schmidt.
In terms of arrangment, Deluxe Double Rooms feature a foyer which doubles as a dressing room, a desk area, sitting area, a queen or two twin beds, and blackout window treatments throughout. The room features an open-concept closets in the entry area, outfit with hangers, lighting, a floor length mirror, a safe, and robes.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room. Image: Ben Schmidt.
A custom plaster table lamp brings a degree of heft while linen textures enhance soft surfaces. A cooler and cupboard in the entry is packed with provisions like beer, champagne and soda, so you’ll need to request an ice bucket to keep personal items cold. Snacks include truffle chips, gummy bears, and mixed nuts.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room. Image: Ben Schmidt.
The stock of glassware is of good quality with some universal glasses by Schott Zwiesel. Tableware is bespoke to the hotel.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Materials are of excellent quality and the room feels extremely fresh with very few signs of age. If you’re seeking classical Bavarian aesthetics, this room will not satisfy you. You stay in this room to experience living inside Vervoordt’s distinctive design philosophy.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room. Image: Ben Schmidt.
The bed features high-quality cotton linens, including a wool coverlet and huge pillows. In the German tradition, there is no top sheet on the bed. But you’ll be cozy with two oversized, individual duvets. The room features reading lamps as well as electronically-controlled overhead lighting. One television pivots to serve the sitting area and bed.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room. Image: Ben Schmidt.
The technology suite in the room is very refined but presented in a primitive way. The air conditioning is controlled by a simple and small touchscreen. The light switches are mercifully uncomplicated. The room features an easy-to-use Bluetooth speaker by DOCKIN. Complementary WiFi is available. The room is pin-drop quiet; not even hallway noise travels. Content on devices can be streamed to the television via Airplay.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room Bathroom
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room Bathroom. Image: Ben Schmidt.
The bathroom in the Axel Vervoordt room is a story of monolithic relaxation. Radiant heat flooring and softly demi-bullnosed basins, countertops, and bathtubs contrast with a hard-edged mix of gray plaster, chrome, and black details. Lighting is precise and satisfying, even though we couldn’t figure out how to turn on the full-beam backlit mirror.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room. Image: Ben Schmidt.
The bathroom features a unique built-in radio, continuing the room’s commitment to (or fascination with) sound. We set the station of choice to Klassik 107.2 and enjoyed elegant chamber music while getting ready to go out for the day or while settling in for the night.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Room. Image: Ben Schmidt.
The single vanity is accompanied by countless towels in all shapes and sizes. A live succulent brought a tranquility to the space. Storage comes in the form of low shelving and some hooks. Accessories in the bathroom are by Decor Walther. Fixures are by Grohe and Villeroy & Boch. The amenities are provided by LATHER.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double shower. Image: Ben Schmidt.
The standing shower area sports two water features: a handheld device and a fixed rainfall shower head. The shower does not have any seating but large enough for at least two people.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Axel Vervoordt Deluxe Double Bathroom toilet. Image: Ben Schmidt.
A separate toilet room features a two-speed toilet but no bidet or hygiene attachments. There were plenty of branded elements throughout the room, especially in the bathroom, which included shaving kits, rugs, and even the towels featuring Bayerischer Hof embellishments.
Branded details at Bayerischer Hof. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Branded details at Bayerischer Hof. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Service and Staff
Bayerischer Hof welcome gifts. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Schedule of events at Bayerischer Hof. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Bayerischer Hof has an extremely understated approach to service, they simply assume you know how to stay in a five-star hotel. That means the service is not hand and foot but rather request-based, and almost everything is available to you. Bayerischer Hof arms guests with a heavy book full of information, along with a classic welcome letter and a thoughtful list of events and activities taking place during your stay. In the tradition of grand hotels of Europe, the front desk serves as an all-knowing operator, connecting you to room service, the garage, housekeeping, restaurants and so on.
Evidence of service came in subtle ways: daily room cleanings, prompt execution of requests (a pair scissors arrived silently within minutes), turndown service, but we rarely encountered maintenance or cleaning staff.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof turndown service. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Safety and Security at Hotel Bayerischer Hof
Safety and security is an underrated aspect of luxury hotel experience, but it’s at the forefront of Bayerischer Hof’s philosophy of service. This is a gift of hotel owner and General Manager Innegrit Volkhardt, who has successfully maintained the momentum of history and celebrity at the hotel while respecting the immediate safety of guests. While hidden entrances, plain-clothed security staff, and advanced protocols are designed satisfy the requirements of heads of state and high profile individuals, general guests benefit as well. There is a reason the hotel has hosted the influential Munich Security Conference since 1963.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Breakfast, Dinner, and Late Night
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Breakfast on the Roof. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Paris-based design studio Jouin Manku successfully created an ultra-modern morning room on the sixth level, featuring a sunny pair of dining rooms, an outdoor terrace and a buffet area rendered in resin, chrome, light green, dense fabric, and blond wood. Breakfast is served until 11:00 AM to hotel guests, and a limited number of reservations are available for visitors.
Amber Restaurant at Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Image: Ben Schmidt.
The breakfast absolutely has a rush hour, but the staff is very generous and allows you to linger after the buffet has closed. The selection here is extensive, ranging from typical breakfast buffet options like sausage and eggs to more exotic items such as beets and feta. Champagne comes from Nicolas Feuillatte.
Amber Restaurant at Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Confirming this is a German situation, the fresh baked goods are presented beautifully with an entire banquette dedicated pastries, baguettes, and buns along with a variety of grains and oatmeals. Nearby, an à la carte menu is offered and features bespoke omelettes, waffles, and other preparations.
Bayerischer Hof room service. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Room service is offered twenty-four hours a day and is served promptly. While the menu shifts at regular intervals and it features somewhat elaborated dishes, the kitchen is quite obliging. For example, we ordered an off-menu grilled cheese with tomato soup and it came out beautifully. Be aware that the prices for room service are quite steep— some of the highest we’ve seen anywhere.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Facilities, Gym, Amenities, and Blue Spa
Atelier at Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Beyond guests rooms and suites, Bayerischer Hof’s selection of on-site bars, lounges, and restaurants is practically unrivaled in not only Munich, but all of Europe. Each of these spaces are completely bespoke and unique. The hotel is also home to several theaters, event spaces, and clubs.
Among the most jaw-dropping public areas in the hotel is the newly redesigned Atrium lounge, situated between the arrival area and Falk’s Bar. Arguably, this is Axel Vervoordt at his most progressive: scholarly in scale, impressionistic in palette, and opulent in finish. Plush chairs invite conversation while a singular sculptural sofa in the center of the room taps on the shoulder of post-modernism.
The Atrium at Hotel Bayerischer Hof, designed by Axel Vervoordt. Image: Ben Schmidt.
With visual curation taking place in the lower third of the architectural frame, the room reaches clarity only a third of the way up. Watercolor panels and columns in the Tuscan style invite visual repose until the eye is drawn to the monumental glass dome towering above.
The Atrium at Hotel Bayerischer Hof, designed by Axel Vervoordt. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Some low shelves laden with newspapers and a tantalizing pastry display invites lingering here, which is exactly what I did almost every day. I came to the Atrium after breakfast and returned to a wholly different energy in the evening.
Blue Spa. Image: Leading Hotels of the World.
Unlike many hotel spas which are buried underground, Bayerischer Hof’s spa, Blue Spa, is a true escape far above Munich, measuring nearly 13,000 square feet across its four levels.
View from Blue Spa at Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Gendered locker rooms and lounges give way to a playground of saunas, soaks, personal treatments, massages, and more. The spectacle here is the monumental swimming pool with a full glass enclosure, ensuring year-round relaxation along with commanding views of the city.
Fitness area and gym at the Bayerischer Hof. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Nearby, a twenty-four hour gym is designed by fitness and training guru Ralf Möller features machines by Technogym along with weights, yoga mats, balance balls, and other fitness essentials with an invigorating view over the Munich skyline. Personal training is available by appointment.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Conclusion
Night view toward Frauenkirche from Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Image: Ben Schmidt.
The Interior Review can confidently recommend Hotel Bayerischer Hof for stays in Munich. This is a fun house of luxurious ideas— a sumptuous, self-contained escape where no two experiences will be the same.
Bayerischer Hof is a living monument of history and hospitality— it is a complex machine lovingly maintained by discreet service and continued enhancement, celebrating its shifting nature rather than masking it. Its very existence validates Axel Vervoordt’s hypothesis: wabi sabi— the idea of beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity— can also be deeply luxurious.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Elevator. Image: Ben Schmidt.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof is located at Promenadeplatz 2-6 80333 München, Germany. More information and booking can be made here.
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