In just a few days, visitors from all over the globe will descend on Munich for the Bavarian celebration of beer, bratwurst, and music that is Oktoberfest. Running from September 21 to October 6, the annual festival attracts millions of guests; last year’s party brought just under 6.5 million attendees to the southern German city, consuming more than 14.5 million pints of beer.
While some of the beer tents can accommodate 10,000 people, the city’s hotels are on the smaller side, and often book up a year in advance; so securing your room ahead is key. Many offer special Oktoberfest packages, which make the celebrations look even more appealing, especially for those who aren’t as attracted to the rambunctious side of the festivities. From champagne and VIP seats in the beer tents to some carefully planned R&R for after the celebration, Munich’s high-end accommodations show the classier side of Oktoberfest. Here are our three picks:
An Oktoberfest favorite resort is the luxurious Hotel Bayerischer Hof, which opened in 1841 at the request of King Ludwig I. The hotel boasts five restaurants (including the lauded Atelier), six bars and a rooftop spa, all of which will keep you quite busy. But the Oktoberfest happenings are only a 10-minute cab ride away, and the hotel’s special package includes a champagne breakfast and a traditional German gingerbread cookie in your room on arrival. The hotel’s restaurant, Palais Keller, also features regional specialties and Franziskaner wheat beer.
For those who really want to experience the complete Oktoberfest party, a stay at The Charles Hotel, tucked inside the Old Botanical Gardens, is highly recommended. During the 16-day festival the reception staff will welcome guests in traditional Bavarian outfits, and as part of the hotel’s Oktoberfest package, ladies can have their own dirndl custom-made after a fitting. In addition, luxe items such as a bottle of champagne and limousine transportation are included. To complete your look before setting out to the beer tent revelry, a stylist appointment for hair and makeup at the Charles Spa is also arranged.
Additionally, the spa will offer the Hangover Treatment to help get Oktoberfest merrymakers back on their feet. The remedy includes a Bloody Mary cocktail; foot, neck, and head massage; and a facial.
This luxury hotel, located in the middle of Munich’s Old Town neighborhood, also provides a top-notch package for a stellar Oktoberfest experience. Enjoy the beer fest from one of the most sought after tents, the Hippodrom, where you’ll have two seats at an eight-person table inside. You’ll enjoy a three-course dinner, a shared bottle of champagne for the table, and a food and beverage voucher to use on additional refreshments during the festivities. The package also includes a guided carriage tour from Munich to the Oktoberfest tent, including drinks and Bavarian pretzels, Bavarian treats, and a beer mug in the room on arrival. It also entails breakfast for two at the hotel’s Asian and French-inspired Restaurant Mark’s. When you’re ready to relax, check out the hotel’s heated rooftop pool, which affords views of the nearby Bavarian Alps.
Photos Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, The Charles and Hotel Bayerischer Hof
