25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian

Nobody has done more to showcase the fun side of German hospitality than the 25hours hotel group. And it’s only natural that Munich, that most relaxed of German cities, should feature 25hours in a particularly playful mood. 25hours Hotel the Royal Bavarian, to give it its full name, is located at the literal heart of the city, in what were once the Imperial Post and Telegraph offices, attached to Munich’s central rail station.

It should go without saying, then, that it’s easy to get to. And while there’s just a touch of Imperial pomp, it’s thoroughly ironic, and it’s only one ingredient among many in 25hours’ postmodern blend: from vaguely Alpine knotty wood to retro subway tile to ornate wallpaper, and everywhere a riot of bold color. Rooms start out small indeed — the single-box-rooms and the box-rooms are more or less what they say they are, while the chambers, grand-chambers, and suites edge closer and closer to the luxury-hotel end of things.

Ultimately 25hours is about accessible, fun comforts, not exclusive luxury. The restaurant serves a type of “soul food” that’s inspired by Arab, Moroccan, Israeli and Turkish flavors, the Boilerman Bar mixes guests and locals well into the night, and NENI Deli serves coffee, drinks, and light fare. Munich was already fun, but here you’ll see it in a whole new light.