Historic hotel by legendary beer family just got a refresh

The hotel

Platzl Hotel, Munich

Check-in

Owned by the Inselkammer family, the hotel started in the 1950s, incorporating a historic cabaret theatre with additional accommodation. The entertainment has gone, but the hotel has grown; these days, 179 rooms occupy a series of linked historic and newer buildings that encompass an entire block. Fondly recalled by locals as one of Munich’s most traditional stays, a renovation in 2024 brought the hotel into the 21st century.

The look

After the recent makeover, the lobby is now an annex of the hotel’s Josefa Bar & Kaffee that’s open to the public. Separated from the check-in area by geometric timber shelving, this entire area doubles as a stylish meeting space, with curved sofas and chairs in neutral-hued fabrics. Plants add a pop of green. Elsewhere, in the dining room, where breakfast is served, female servers wear traditional dirndls. Apart from this, there are a few more subtle nods to Munich’s yesteryear in the rooms – including historical bread pans and enlarged images of the city’s landmarks, creating a feature wall.

The room

I’m upgraded from a standard double to one of two deluxe suites (of 15 suites). It comprises a spacious bedroom, a “dining room” (consumed by an enormous wooden table) and a large tiled bathroom, and dormer windows that I can open for fresh air. It’s delightfully quiet, perfect after a long-haul flight. The colour scheme – muted greys and creams – are offset by a stunning parquetry floor. Uniquely, bathroom toiletries have one essential ingredient: beer.

Food + drink

The Inselkammer family know a thing or two about cuisine and beverages; six generations have run the Ayinger Brewery. Part of the complex houses the Ayinger am Platzl, a beer hall that serves freshly tapped beer and hearty Bavarian cuisine. Back in the hotel, breakfasts are a highlight. Called the “MarktPlatzl” (a nod to the city’s wonderful food market, Viktualienmarkt), the seasonal fruits and local cheeses, meats, eggs and cereals are from different local producers. Josefa Bar & Kaffee has a strong Italian influence (locals claim that Munich is the “most northern city of Italy”). With outdoor seating in the pretty Pfisterstrasse, it’s becoming a popular local meeting place for its coffee and cocktails. The most historic part of the hotel, the 16th-century Pfistermühle, Munich’s only preserved city mill, not only has a glorious vine-covered exterior, but it’s a fine dining destination, serving upscale Bavarian cuisine (unfortunately, I don’t eat here).

Out + about

The hotel’s location, bang in the middle of the Altstadt, or “old town”, is ideal. It’s a short stroll from Marienplatz, the large central plaza with the famous Viktualienmarkt nearby, plus the highbrow shopping strip of Maximilianstrasse and Residenz Munchen, a former royal palace. Several S-Bahns and U-Bahns are within proximity.

The verdict

Nothing beats this locale, walking distance from the major sights. While you can probably get cheaper or more luxurious accommodation elsewhere, it ticks the boxes for friendly and efficient service, plus comfort and convenience, especially if you only have a couple of days in Munich.

The essentials

Double rooms from €220 ($393) a night. Breakfast is €22 ($39) if booked at the time of reservation; three accessible rooms; Sparkassenstrasse 10, Munich. See platzl.de/en

Our rating out of five

★★★★

Highlight

The welcoming lobby-cum-cafe where you can mingle with locals and the expansive breakfast comprising local goodies.

Lowlight

The double rooms are a tad tired (the exception is the bathrooms – all were renovated in 2024). That said, a makeover is anticipated to begin at the end of 2026.

The writer travelled at her own expense and was upgraded by the hotel.

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