During Christmastime, the first thing you see as you walk into the lobby at the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich is a gorgeous Christmas tree dripping with Swarovski crystals and framed from above by a stained glass window that glows like a halo.
Outside, in front of the hotel are ski gondolas that are set up as little fondue huts. Inside the hotel you find an energetic grand lobby that also functions as a tearoom open to the general public. It’s bustling with people coming and going all hours of the day and night.
Located on swanky Maximilian Street, just a couple of blocks from Munich’s city center, this five star hotel offers easy access to many of Munich’s major sights and is the most central luxury hotel experience in Munich.
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski (Four Seasons in English) is opulent and glamorous with décor inspired by the King Ludwig II era. Rooms are beautifully appointed with warm wood furniture, hues of burgundy and gold, and dramatically decorated with canvas copies of famous paintings from Munich’s Pinakothek art museum. Hallways are covered in artwork and even the glass elevator is beautiful.
The hotel is contemporary with a lavish atmosphere. I kept thinking of Death of Sardonapalus –do you know that painting, by Delacroix? If that painting took place in a hotel, it would be the Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski.
The Food
Breakfast is extensive, with a huge buffet served in a pretty dining room with painted wood panels and views of Maximilian Street. They have just about everything you can imagine for breakfast with a huge variety of breads and pastries, a full honey comb tray straight out of the hive, a variety of juices, savory hot dishes, cheeses and my personal favorite breakfast–coffee drinks.
Much more welcome than your standard wake-up call, this hotel offers guests the decadent and complimentary service of waking you up with coffee. How wonderful it is to see a smiling face with a hot cappuccino at your door as you wake up. Next to the coffee are two cookies. The Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski has a renowned pastry chef.
The Spa & Pool
There is a spa and pool on the top floor with a balcony overlooking the city. You can see the domed Munich towers, and on a clear day, the Alps. The glowing blue pool is most beautiful at night and while it looks like a meditative oasis, the pool is long enough to swim laps. Chaise lounges remain occupied as people lounge around as though they were outdoors at a resort. Spa treatments are modeled after the seasonal concept—a warming energizing massage for winter, detoxing massage for spring, balancing for summer, and relaxing for fall.
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Bottom Line
The Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski is a beautiful hotel in an ideal location in Munich, and is especially beautiful during Christmastime. If you want to stay in a luxury hotel within walking distance of many of the major sites, this is a good choice.
*I was a guest of the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski, opinions are my own.
