SD › Munich Boutique Hotels › CORTIINA Review
Updated: April 14, 2021
Essentials
• Location: Ledererstrasse.
• Hotel website: cortiina.com
• Hotel phone: +49 89 242 2490
• Check prices on Booking.com
The chic CORTIINA hotel features designer rooms with luxurious furnishings and mod-cons in a superb central location.
CORTIINA – Bright, classy, and comfortable digs right in the center of Munich.
CORTIINA is one of the best-located hotels in the city, in between Marienplatz/Viktualienmarkt and the Platzl. But that’s far from the only reason to recommend it: it’s also one of the city’s most stylish hotels, which is no surprise as it was conceived by Rudi Kull and Albert Weinzierl, the chef-architect team behind many of the city’s favorite spots (including the authentic Italian Bar Centrale, the impressive Brenner Grill, Buffet Kull, the LOUIS hotel and its renowned vegan buffet breakfast, and the two Riva bar-restaurants). As befits a member of Design Hotels, everything about the CORTIINA feels high quality and self-assured, from the bespoke furniture and sumptuous fabrics that lend the place its boutique feel to the extensive wine list at the GRAPES bar.
See Also
CORTIINA – Location
- Address: Ledererstrasse 8, Munich.
- Nearest Metro/Subway: Marienplatz S-Bahn and U-Bahn station is a 3-minute walk (0.2 mile).
- Area: Right in the heart of the Munich’s Altstadt, surrounded by all the major tourist sites (most within a 10-minute walk and nearly all within a 20-minute walk).
- How to Get There: From the airport, CORTIINA is around 40 minutes (24 miles) by car or public transport (S-Bahn to Marienplatz).
- Private Transfer: We use and recommend Welcome Pickups car service. Booking through a private car service will cost only a bit more than a taxi – about €70 from Munich International Airport – but can be worth it to avoid the long taxi queue and for the convenience of paying ahead.
- Handy to: Viktualienmarkt, Marienplatz, Residenz.
CORTIINA – The Basics
- Ages: The hotel welcomes people of all ages (and its team is very accommodating), but it is geared more toward adults.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools or jacuzzis.
- Laundry: The hotel offers a laundry service for a supplementary charge.
- Parking: Parking available at €22 per day. Free electric car charging.
- Extras: Pillow menu, fresh flowers in the room daily, free newspapers.
- When to Book: There is a major accommodation shortage in Munich, so book well ahead to get prime rooms, especially during Oktoberfest, which starts mid-September and goes on for a month.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: +49 89 242 2490
- Email: info@cortiina.com
- Website: cortiina.com
CORTIINA – Amenities
- Pool: No pool.
- Spa: No spa.
- Fitness Center: There is a brand new, very well-equipped fitness center.
- For Disabled Guests: The hotel is accessible by elevator. Write to the hotel directly to discuss in-room accessibility needs.
- For Families: Some of the suites can accommodate extra beds. Breakfast is free for kids under 6 and reduced for under-17s.
CORTIINA – Food and Drink
- Bar-Restaurant: GRAPES Weinbar – Serves delectable wine and food in a refined yet relaxed bar. Its abundant cellar is overseen by seriously good sommeliers who also organize events for oenophiles, such as tastings with local producers and workshops to learn more about the art and craft of winemaking. Open Monday-Saturday 6 pm-2 am. $$-$$$.
- Cafe-Bar: It may be just across the street from the CORTIINA, but stepping into Bar Centrale transports you to Italy, both with the shouts of “Ciao Bella” from staff, and the authentically simple daily menu of salads and pasta. They also do breakfast specializing in Italian bread (the whole bar is set in the shell of an old bakery). There is, of course, an aperitivo menu, as well as some of the best coffee in Munich. Open daily noon-11 pm (closes 10 pm on Sunday). $.
- Breakfast: Fantastic, leisurely buffet breakfast served in GRAPES Weinbar, with a focus on high-quality, gourmet ingredients, many from the Viktualienmarkt, and delectable bread and pastries. Served 6:30-11 am (until noon Saturday-Sunday). €27.50 (free for under-6s and reduced for under-17s). There’s a more budget-friendly brunch available across the street at Bar Centrale.
- Room Service: Available 24 hours. There is more choice in the evenings, when you can order from GRAPES and Bar Centrale.
CORTIINA – Rooms
- Room Types: Cosy ● Single ● Superior ● Double Deluxe ● Junior Suite ● Suite ● 2 Bedroom Suite ● Maisonette Suite • List of all Rooms
- Smoking Rooms: Cortiina is 100% smoke-free.
- Best Room: The spacious (753sqft) loft-style Maisonette Suite is spread over 2 floors and offers gorgeous views of Munich, 2 balconies, a living area, a fully-equipped kitchen with dining area, as well as the luxuries all the rooms share: air-conditioning, Bose SoundLink sound system, TV, and DVD player. It can accommodate up to 3 people.
- Family Rooms: No family rooms per se, but some of the suites can accommodate children.
CORTIINA – Local Transport
- Walking: Everywhere in the Altstadt is within a 15-minute walk of the CORTIINA.
- Tram/Bus: There are easy bus and tram connections throughout the city with excellent maps and apps available.
- Subway: Marienplatz S-Bahn and U-Bahn station is a 3-minute walk (0.2 mile) from the hotel.
- Taxis, Uber, Lyft: Uber is available in Munich, but its growth has been limited by local taxis which have rallied to compete. Taxi-München uses TaxiApp which is nationwide, has multilingual phone operators (+49 89 21 610 or +49 89 19 410), and accepts text and email bookings. Another reliable local company is IsarFunk (+49 89 450 540), which uses the taxi.eu app.
CORTIINA – What’s Nearby?
Things everyone should know about Munich:
- Cash is still king – never assume places will accept cards.
- Everything closes down for a holiday in August.
- September-October opening hours vary (especially for bars) because of Oktoberfest.
- Most places are closed on Sundays, even places that look touristy; it’s always worth checking.
Recommended Nearby Tours
- The Local Experience – For all things beer and Oktoberfest related, go to these guys with their range of fun, boozy options. Many of the tours start at Marienplatz (0.2 mile).
- Munich Walk Tours – As well as the normal range of city tours, this outfit offers a beer tour that takes you round a Paulaner brewery, a bike tour of the Englischer Garten, and a Bavarian food tasting tour. Tours start at Marienplatz (0.2 mile).
- Radius Tours – Huge range of tours in English, including many day trips to the surrounding areas (Salzburg, Neuschwanstein Castle, Nuremberg), as well as city tours of Third Reich, Dachau, Bavarian beer, and bike tours and rental. Tours start from the Hauptbahnhof (1 mile).
Best Nearby Taverns
You cannot leave Munich without experiencing a traditional tavern (Wirtshaus). Expect wood paneling, hearty food, and lots of beer. Many are centuries-old and related to the city’s oldest breweries. Look out for features such as lockers for patrons’ Steins (beer mugs) and Stammtischen (tables reserved for regulars). All serve reasonably-priced ($-$$) draught beer and traditional Bavarian food; some close on Sunday.
- Hofbräuhaus – Do not miss visiting the most famous tavern in the world. Complete with traditionally dressed waitstaff, oompah band, space for 3,000 people, a garden, and great food, it will fulfill your every Bavarian dream. (125m, interesting fact: Hitler loved this place.)
- Ayinger am Platzl – Owned by the same family that runs the Platzl Hotel and Restaurant Pfistermühle, this tavern serves the family brew with hearty food in a beer hall with modern quirky touches. (150m).
- Beim Sedlmayr – Hearty Bavarian food served in a bright dining room with staff in traditional dress. (0.2 mile).
- Bratwursthertzl – Tucked down a corner of the Viktualienmarkt in a little plaza, this place does great sausages and food from the Franconia region. (0.2 mile).
- Nürnberger Bratwurst Glöckl am Dom – This has to be one of the most renowned Bavarian restaurants in the world. It has welcomed luminaries as varied as Walt Disney, Ingrid Bergman, John Huston, Ted Kennedy, and Karl Lagerfeld to its dark-wood-paneled dining room right by the Cathedral for their homemade brats. (0.3 mile).
- Der Pschorr – A contemporary convivial beer hall with traditional food, belonging to the Hacker-Pschorr brewery, right in the middle of the Viktualienmarkt. (0.3 mile).
- Wirtshaus zum Straubinger – Slightly more intimate than many of Munich’s taverns, and a bit off the beaten track for tourists, but this place features a lovely garden and cozy interior. (0.4 mile).
- Hackerhaus – This tavern, built in the original 15th-century Hacker brewery, is still owned by what is now the Hacker-Pschorr brewery. (0.5 mile).
- Augustiner Stammhaus – Do not miss the Augustiner brewery’s flagship tavern on the pedestrianized Neuhauser Strasse. It has multiple salons, including one with a glass-domed roof, and an Italianate beer garden. (0.6 mile).
Best Nearby Restaurants
- Buffet Kull – Popular spot, inspired by New York/Parisian bistros, where the food is great and the service, swift. $-$$. (0.1 mile).
- Restaurant Pfistermühle – Set in a 16th-century mill covered in vines, this romantic place does Bavarian haute cuisine that looks pretty as a picture. $$$. (0.1 mile).
- Conviva im Blauen Haus – High-quality low-cost set menus aimed at theatergoers in an industrial-style canteen, run by a worthy non-profit that helps people with disabilities into the workplace. $. (0.2 mile).
- Brenner Operngrill – Huge restaurant in a spectacular old vaulted building, where the kitchen (an open grill and a pasta station) is set in the middle. $$-$$$. (0.2 mile).
- Vegelangelo – Vegan and vegetarian dishes from around the world, guaranteed non-GMO, and cooked from scratch. Cash only. $-$$. (0.3 mile).
- Tian – Michelin-starred vegetarian fine dining. Closed Sunday-Monday. Reservations essential. $$$-$$$$. (0.3 mile).
- Ruff’s Burger – German mini-chain that evolved from a popular food truck whose epic burgers are not to be missed. $-$$. (0.3 mile to the Rindermarkt restaurant.)
- Restaurant Jin – This place, just outside Altstadt, has a Michelin Plate for its inventive Chinese fine dining. Closed Monday. $$$$. (0.3 mile).
- Atelier – Jan Hartwig’s Michelin 3-starred wonder in the magnificent Bayerischer Hof Hotel. Dinner only; reservations essential. $$$$. (0.4 mile).
- Prinz Myshkin – Superb setting and wonderful vegan and vegetarian food with inspirations from India and Italy. Great value lunch. $-$$. (0.5 mile).
Best Nearby Cafes
- Schmalznudel Café Frischhut – Specializing in schmalznudels, a frisbee-shaped donut, this rustic old bakery offers a taste of Old Munich. (0.3 mile).
- Schumann’s Tagesbar – This daytime café-bar in the Fünf Höfe is a relaxed, classic meeting place and complements its sister establishment in the Hofgarten. (0.3 mile).
Best Nearby Bars
- Lump, Stein & Küchenmeister – Like a traditional beer hall or beer garden, except with wine. Dozens of wines on tap and by the bottle, along with great food that puts Bavaria front and center. (0.2 mile).
- Ned Kelly’s Australian Bar/Killians Irish Pub – Basically the same place with 2 names, these 2 bars share a cellar in the corner of the Frauenplatz. There’s live music and karaoke and a hub for English-speakers. (0.3 mile).
- Pfälzer Residenz Weinstube – A long-standing favorite in the beautiful buildings of the Residenz, focusing on wines from the Palatinate region (known as die Pfalz in German). (0.4 mile).
- The High – Achingly hip cocktail bar on the border of Altstadt/Glockenbach. (0.5 mile).
Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops
Munich Altstadt has it all in terms of stores: quirky independents, international mega-chains, luxury brands, and historic local artisans. Good places to hit include Kaufingertorstrasse and Kaufingertor Passage, Orlandostrasse, Maximilianstrasse, Brienner Strasse, Residenzstrasse, Fünf Höfe, and, of course, the Viktualienmarkt.
- servus.heimat – Sick of the usual tourist tat? Head here for unique and quirky Bavarian souvenirs. (0.1 mile to the shop on Tal.)
- Hofbräuhaus Kunstmühle – This is the only active flour mill in the city, selling ancestral grains and flours from its historic building. (0.1 mile).
- Elly-Seidl – 100-year-old Munich-based confectioner specializing in pralines with various outlets in the city. (0.1 mile to shop on Tal.)
- Dallmayr Delikatessenhaus – Head to this temple of gastronomy for gifts, fine foods, a bite to eat at the cafe, or fine dining at the Michelin 2-starred Alois restaurant. (0.2 mile).
- Hofpfisterei – What more do you need to know other than the fact that this bakery has been here for around 700 years? Just go. (0.2 mile).
- Manufactum – Quality German-made goods. (0.2 mile).
- Kustermann – Historic kitchen and cookery department store that’s over 200 years old. (0.2 mile).
- Globetrotter – Enormous travel superstore featuring specialist gear for just about any outdoor pursuit, as well as guidebooks, cafe, and pool for trying out kayaks and SUPs. (0.2 mile).
- Galeria Kaufhof – Five-story department store on Marienplatz where you’ll find pretty much anything you need. (0.3 mile).
- Lodenfrey – Luxury department store featuring all the international megabrands, but specializing in fine traditional clothing. (0.4 mile).
- Kräuterhaus Lindig – Experts in herbal remedies since 1887. (0.5 mile).
- Radspieler – The founder, Josef Radspieler, was a master guilder, and his business (founded in 1841) has flourished into an emporium for fine goods, from fashion to interiors. (0.6 mile).
Nearby Attractions
Most attractions are within walking distance, but some of Munich’s must-sees are worth a trip outside the center on public transport.
- Marienplatz – Munich’s showstopping main square, named after the Virgin Mary, houses the distinctive Altes Rathaus and Neues Rathaus (old and new townhalls). The Neues Rathaus is the one with the wonderful Glockenspiel that chimes at 11 am, noon, and 5 pm daily (a must-see). One street south is the church known as Alter Peter (Old Peter, St. Peter, or Peterskirche). You are rewarded by marvelous views of Munich by scaling its 300+ steps (alternatively, take the elevator to the Neues Rathaus viewing tower). (0.2 mile).
- Residenz – Just off Odeonsplatz is a cluster of buildings known collectively as the Residenz: the largest palace in any German city center and home to the rulers of Bavaria from 1508-1918. Open to visitors are its many courtyards, a museum, the former treasury, and the Cuvilliés Theatre where Mozart premiered one of his operas. Expect Renaissance treasures and Baroque-style rooms. (0.3 mile).
- Frauenkirche – The full name of Munich’s cathedral is Dom Zu Unserer Lieben Frau (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady), but it generally goes by its colloquial name. The 15th-century cathedral sits in a pleasant plaza and has distinctive Arabic-inspired towers. (0.4 mile).
- Sankt-Jakobs-Platz – This pleasant urban plaza hosts two of the city’s best specialist museums: the Stadtmuseum, where you can get your questions answered about Bavaria’s curious traditions at the “Typically Munich!” permanent exhibition and the Jüdisches Zentrum (Jewish Center), which includes the Ohel Jakob Synagogue and the Jewish Museum. (0.4 mile).
- Hofgarten – The elegant old garden of the Residenz (just off the Odeonsplatz) is now a lovely city park, well used by citizens and tourists alike. There are often concerts in the Diana Temple – the bandstand in the center. Make sure to factor in an aperitivo at the beloved city bar Schumann’s on the park’s northwestern corner. (0.4 mile).
- Odeonsplatz – Magnificent Italiante plaza with regal and Nazi history. Hitler attempted his infamous putsch at the Feldherrnhalle – the central structure with columns and lions – in 1923. (0.5 mile).
- Deutsches Museum – One of Germany’s best museums with wonderful interactive exhibitions that will delight kids and adults alike. For transportation aficionados, the museum has a fabulous outpost, the Verkeshrszentrum, just north of Bavariapark. The main museum is on an island in the Isar. (0.5 mile).
- Englisher Garten & Maximiliansanlagen – Munich’s “English Garden” is the largest inner-city park in the world, spanning the Isar. There’s a lot to explore, including a fabulous contemporary art gallery in an imposing fascist building (Haus der Kunst), a Chinese pavilion, woodland areas, hiking trails, taverns and beer gardens, fields for nudism, a boating lake, and an area for surfing (it has to be seen to be believed), to name a few features. The leafy riverside extension, the Maximiliansanlagen, starts opposite the Deutsches Museum, a 15-minute walk (0.7 mile) from the hotel, while the main park starts in the northeastern corner of the Hofgarten, a 13-minute walk (0.6 mile).
- Maxvorstadt/Kunstareal (the Art Quarter/Museum Quarter) – To have these many museums, galleries, and architectural gems crammed into a few city blocks is a marvel and a must-see. For classical art, don’t miss the Alte Pinakothek. Contemporary and modern art lovers are spoiled for choice: there’s the Pinakothek der Moderne, Brandhorst, Lenbachhaus, and Neue Pinakothek (closed for renovation until 2025). Then there’s the Königsplatz, whose remarkable and grand Grecian-style architecture was the backdrop to many a Nazi rally. There you’ll find the Glyptothek art gallery, Staatliche Antikensammlungen (state antiquity collection), and the NS-Dokumentationszentrum (Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism). (0.8 mile).
- Olympiapark – There’s tons to see and do at the park built for the 1972 Olympic Games, including ascending the tallest structure in the city, the Olympiaturm (go on a clear day for spectacular views of the mountains); exploring the fabulous park and it’s landscaped hills; activities like zorbing, rowboats, pedalos, climbing, abseiling, and ziplining; a Seaworld aquarium; and the nearby BMW World for car-lovers. There are several routes into the park depending on where you want to go, and it takes around 30 minutes (3 miles) on public transport.
- Allianz Arena – Soccer fans will not want to miss the home of one of the world’s most famous teams, Bayern Munich. There are guided tours and souvenirs galore. It’s an easy 35 minutes (7 miles) by the U-Bahn.
- Schloss Nymphenburg – Nymphenburg Palace’s beautifully preserved buildings, which date as far back as 1664, and manicured grounds, make a splendid day trip. (4 miles via public transport.)
- Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site – This notorious ex-concentration camp, where over 40,000 people were killed under the Nazi regime, makes for a gruesome but educational experience. Entry is free and no reservations are needed. It takes around 50-minutes (12 miles) via public transport.
Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores
- Rewe City – Convenient and modern mini-supermarket chain. Open Monday-Saturday 7 am-8 pm. (0.1 mile to store on Tal.)
- Viktualienmarkt – The unmissable Munich marketplace with dozens of stalls selling some of the best food in the country is just a short stroll away. (0.3 mile).
CORTIINA – The Hotel
The outside of the CORTIINA is as calming and classy as its interiors. It occupies a swathe of the Ledererstrasse, which manages to stay quiet despite being just a few minutes from Marienplatz one way and the Platzl the other.
The ground floor is taken up by a small lobby and GRAPES wine bar. In warm weather, the large doors in the front and back are thrown open, giving the place a wonderful al fresco feel.
GRAPES fills up in the evenings with locals. The sommeliers are extremely knowledgeable and there are tapas-style bites to pair.
The furniture and color palette lend the bar a chic 1950s feel.
The breakfast buffet is expensive but exquisite, with the highest quality ingredients, freshly baked goods, and good coffee.
There is a small courtyard at the back of the hotel with tables for the bar and access to the newly refurbished and very-well-kitted-out gym.
The Single makes great use of the space available. All the rooms have sneaky views into the bathroom via doors, screens, or curtains.
Some rooms, like this Superior, are in the older part of the building and have parquet flooring and period features.
The Deluxe Doubles are bright and colorful and have plush sofas.
Some Deluxe Doubles in the new wing have kitchenettes.
The Suites have dramatic stone bathrooms with freestanding tubs.
The largest room is the Maisonette Suite which spans 2 floors. Upstairs is a sleeping and living area.
The suite has a large living space with a desk.
Downstairs there is a fully equipped kitchen and dining area.
You won’t have to spend long in the Italian Bar Centrale before you start saying Grazie instead of Danke…it’s so authentic.
Munich’s main square is the Marienplatz. The white building with the red roof at the far end of the square is the Old Town Hall, while the imposing building on the left is the New Town Hall with its marvelous glockenspiel clock that comes to life 3 times a day.
Head north from Marienplatz, winding slightly to the east, and you’ll come to the Platzl, one of Munich’s prettiest public squares. The vast white building in this photo with the letters HB on it is the world famous Hofbräuhaus, a must-see.
The Hofbräuhaus is so cavernous that no one minds visitors wandering through to see the many halls and the lush courtyard filled with chestnut trees.
Around the corner is Restaurant Pfistermühle; the vine-drenched building makes for a memorable eating spot.
If you keep heading north from the Platzl, you’ll get to the Residenz, the palace of the old rulers of Bavaria. It’s a series of beautiful old buildings and courtyards. Beyond the Residenz lie the Hofgarten and the Englischer Garten.
The Resisenz and the Hofgarten both border the magnificent Odeonsplatz with its Italianate architecture. The Feldherrnhalle (or Field Marshal’s Hall) was a significant building during Nazi times.
From Odeonsplatz, a quick walk west on Brienner Strasse will bring you to the neighborhood of Maxvorstadt, also known as Kunstreal for its abundance of art galleries. Pictured is the Alte Pinakothek and the Pinakothek der Moderne.
North of Maxvorstadt is the Olympiapark, full of attractions and things to do. It takes about 30 minutes to get here on the subway, but it’s well worth the trip.
The view from the Olympiaturm (Olympic Tower) should not be missed. It’s the highest vantage point in the city.
The Alps are much more visible on clearer days.
East of Marienplatz (via the Altes Rathaus) is the wide boulevard known simply as Tal, which leads down to Isartor and eventually the River Isar. One of the first shops you’ll reach on Tal is Rewe mini-mart.
Munich chocolatiers Elly Seidl have several stores dotted around the Altstadt. Utterly delectable.
Just off Tal is servus.heimat which does irreverent, witty, and unique Bavarian souvenirs.
The Altstadt was once surrounded by a wall and there are several gateways (tors) left as reminders. Isartorplatz, on the other side of Isartor, is a great place for transport, as it connects to many underground lines and lots of trams.
On Isartorplatz, there is one store you should not miss: Globetrotters, a multi-story temple of outdoor gear and travel.
On the other side of Isartorplatz, Zweibrückenstrasse leads down to the city’s stunning river, the Isar. In the summer, it’s a sight to behold as it fills with bathers.
From the river, cross over to Museum Island to visit the Deutsches Museum, one of the country’s best museums. It specializes in science and tech with really cool exhibits.
South from Marienplatz is the church commonly known as Old Peter, whose tower offers wonderful views if you can do the 300+ steps.
The glorious Viktualienmarkt overflows with the best of Bavarian produce, food stalls, and a beer garden. It’s just around the corner from the hotel.
Make sure to explore the alleyways winding off the market. You might find hidden gems like the Bratwursthertzl, where they grill their brats on beechwood fires.
Just west of Alter Peter church is Sankt-Jakobs-Platz which features wonderful old and modern architecture. Here you’ll find the city museum and the Jewish museum; both are excellent.
Within a couple of minutes’ walk of Sankt-Jakobs-Platz, you’ll get to the edge of Altstadt and the beginning of the hip Glockenbach neighborhood. There are tons of great places to eat and drink near here, including the Bellevue di Monaco cafe.
One street away is The High, a chic cocktail bar.
West of Marienplatz is the mighty Frauenkirche, Munich’s cathedral. If you’re ever lost, look for her double spires and you’ll find your way back to Altstadt. The cathedral square is notable for its modernist fountain and the famous Nürnberger Bratwurst Glöckl tavern, as well as other great drinking spots.
Just north of the Frauenkirche are some of the most exclusive shopping streets. You’ll find the Fünf Höfe complex as well as the luxury department store Lodenfrey, known for its high-end Bavarian clothes.
A great place to dine near here is Prinz Mishkin; there is so much variety that meat eaters will truly enjoy.
Head west from the hotel along the pedestrianized Kaufingerstrasse to experience another of the city’s most historic taverns, Zum Augustiner. Make sure to explore its various halls and extraordinary Italianate garden.
A quick walk west from Zum Augustiner brings you to the main station, the Hauptbahnhof. Some guided tours start from here.
And much further west is Nymphenburg Palace that makes for a wonderful day trip.
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