The Charles Hotel, A Rocco Forte Hotel

In buttoned-up Munich, most hotels err on the side of old-school, but The Charles, a Rocco Forte Hotel, is an exception. Rooms are spacious and bright; the décor feels contemporary; and the common spaces, including a fabulous restaurant and bar, are buzzing with just the right kind of energy. Located in the leafy Lenbach Gärten, a high-end housing complex, the eight-story hotel has a residential vibe but is within walking distance of the historic center. Rooms—among the largest in the city—are comfortably chic, with some of Munich’s best bathrooms (think large limestone soaking tubs). Those on the top floors look across the city’s red rooftops, and on clear days, you can see the Alps. The hotel is certainly a favorite among business travelers, but leisure guests love the serene setting, as well as such design touches as the original artwork throughout (don’t miss the impressive work by 19th-century artist Franz von Lenbach in the lobby). In warmer months, Italian restaurant Sophia’s opens its al fresco terrace and, sitting across the street from the Old Botanical Garden, diners feel as if they truly have the best of town and country.

• The indoor pool, plus five-treatment-room spa and gym
• The sweeping views from the top-story rooms
• The proximity to Munich’s Kunstareal (the museum quarter), where you should not miss the Lenbachhaus

Munich’s City Center is not large, so on a map the Charles looks just a bit further removed than the Bayerischer Hof. But in reality, crossing the massive Karlsplatz (think a smaller sister to Paris Étoile) to get to the shopping and sightseeing streets is a chore and makes the hotel feel apart from the more centrally located five-stars. That said, some travelers may also view the quiet location of Rocco Forte-managed hotel, across from the Old Botanic Garden, as a plus.

Part of the ritzy Lenbach Gärten, a housing complex that is mixed residential and offices (Condé Nast Germany has its headquarters here), the Charles occupies an eight-story building, which allows for gorgeous views of Munich’s red rooftops and stretching all the way to the Alps on clear days. The 160 rooms, including 24 suites, are understated and chic, with cheery colorful accents, large window walls that allow for ample natural light and some of Munich’s best bathrooms, with large limestone soaking tubs and REN amenities. Overseen by Sir Rocco Forte’s sister Olga Polizzi, the rooms are among the largest in the city and, like the common spaces, they showcase original works of art (the lobby features an impressive work by 19th-century artist Franz von Lenbach).

The Charles has a nice wellness facility, with a 15-meter pool (hours for children are restricted), a spa with five treatment rooms and a small gym. During the warmer summer months, the al fresco terrace of Sophia's Restaurant is increasingly popular, also for the restaurant’s successful take on Italian cuisine. The neighborhood also has several hot spot restaurant/lounges, but most guests of the Charles will take a taxi to the City Center’s more acclaimed restaurants for dinner.

Families, couples or business travelers looking for a modern, boutique property with high-touch service and a discreet location