Making a splash
Our verdict:
The Charles is the new kid on Munich’s "five-star superior" block and it’s trying its damndest to be the best. It’s hard not to be impressed by this hotel. We especially like how Munich’s artistic heritage has been incorporated into the design – original works by the city's famous artist Franz von Lenbach grace the walls and bathrooms have handsome Nymphemburg porcelain tile art. Rooms on the east side have superb views over the Old Botanic Garden and Munich’s classical skyline. They’re all simply lavish and feature exquisite furniture and trimmings. Adjacent floor-heated bathrooms are done in Bavarian limestone. Rooms on the east side have superb views over the Old Botanic Garden and Munich’s classical skyline. The presidential suite covers an impressive 200 square meters and even has its own Turkish bath. On request it can consume three extra suites to make a 455-square-metre mini-palace. The Charles' staff are faultless, eager to please and very professional. This hotel has the largest hotel swimming pool in Munich (15m long) as well as a high-tech gym with personal trainer (Forte himself does triathlons in his spare time). A sauna and steam room there for pampering. There’s a cozy bar and Italian restaurant with terrace and private dining room. Seven meeting rooms and a 250-person ballroom cater for business travellers. The Charles opened in October 2007 and is owned by British hotel baron Sir Rocco Forte.