SD › Munich Boutique Hotels › The Flushing Meadows Review
Updated: April 14, 2021
Essentials
• Location: Fraunhoferstrasse.
• Hotel website: flushingmeadowshotel.com
• Hotel phone: +49 89 5527 9170
• Check prices on Booking.com
This boutique hotel features uniquely designed rooms, some really striking, with lots of luxuries and mod-cons, as well as a superb rooftop bar in an excellent location.
The Flushing Meadows – A real boutique hotel with unique rooms, a fabulous bar, and views of the Alps.
The fact that it is a member of Design Hotels notwithstanding, The Flushing Meadows is a seriously stylish place. Each of its rooms is different, and most of them were designed by local creatives, including DJs, mixologists, actors, and musicians. Whether you end up in the room with the thirteen-foot-high shower cubicle, the pink one, the one where all the furniture is suspended from the ceiling, or the one with the skeletons (yes, really), you’ll delight in learning about your room and its designer. But no matter how much there is to rave about inside the hotel, the location means you won’t spend much time indoors. Three minutes from the Isar and in the heart of the Glockenbach neighborhood, you have the best of Munich within a short walk.
See Also
The Flushing Meadows – Location
- Address: Fraunhoferstrasse 32, Munich.
- Nearest Metro/Subway: Fraunhoferstrasse U-Bahn (U2 line) is just 100m away.
- Area: The hotel is in Glockenbach (sometimes called Glockenbachviertel, or by the wider borough name of Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt), the trendiest part of Munich, packed with hip bars, stores, and restaurants. The lively Gärtnerplatz is a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, and it’s only a 10-minute walk (0.5 mile) to the Altstadt.
- How to Get There: From the airport, The Flushing Meadows is around 35 minutes (24 miles) by car or just under an hour by U/S-Bahn. It’s just 5 minutes (1 mile) from the Hauptbahnhof (central station) on the U-Bahn.
- 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: River Isar, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt.
The Flushing Meadows – The Basics
- Ages: While the hotel is geared more towards adults (there are no specific amenities for children), kids will be delighted by some of the quirkier rooms, and the hotel can provide extra beds and baby cots in the larger rooms. The Penthouse has an option for an interconnecting room.
- View: On clear days, you can just about see the Alps from the bar’s terrace and its adjacent south-facing rooms. Those on the other side of the building can see the spires and turrets of Altstadt.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools or jacuzzis.
- Laundry: The hotel offers a laundry service (extra charge).
- Parking: Parking spaces available in the hotel’s private garage for an additional charge (€30/night).
- Extras: Free branded canvas bag, free bicycle rental, free calls to German landlines, and priority seating in the bar.
- When to Book: There is a major accommodation shortage in Munich; 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 5527 9170
- Email: hello@flushingmeadowshotel.com
- Website: flushingmeadowshotel.com
The Flushing Meadows – Amenities
- Pool: No pool.
- Spa: No spa.
- Fitness Center: No fitness center.
- For Disabled Guests: There are 3 steps up to the hotel’s entrance (no ramp), but after that, the hotel is accessible by elevator, and there’s one wheelchair-friendly room.
- Activities: Free bicycle rental.
The Flushing Meadows – Food and Drink
- Restaurant: No restaurant, but there are numerous dining options nearby.
- Lounge/Bar: The Flushing Meadows Bar has become a destination for hip locals, especially at sunset, thanks to the fabulous terrace with views of the Alps and excellent cocktails. It’s open to guests all day, and to the public 5 pm-2 am. There is a small food offering, including a currywurst baguette and a cheese platter ($).
- Breakfast: A cold buffet breakfast with a focus on regional specialties is served in the bar between 8 am-noon. €15.
- Room Service: Food and drinks can be ordered from the bar (surcharge).
The Flushing Meadows – Rooms
- Room Types: Penthouse ● Loft ● Studio ● Double (bunk bed) ● Single • List of all Rooms
- Smoking: Smoking is only permitted on the bar terrace.
- Best Room: All rooms feature a BOOM Bluetooth audio device, TV, Nespresso coffee machine with Dallmayr capsules, air-conditioning, safe, and organic toiletries. The Penthouse has a large TV and a private terrace; some of the Lofts have bathtubs.
The Flushing Meadows – Local Transport
- Walking: Everything in Altstadt is easily reached on foot. Viktualienmarkt (0.5 mile) and the Deutsches Museum (0.5 mile) are both close by.
- Tram/Bus: There are easy bus and tram connections throughout the city with excellent maps and apps available.
- Subway: Fraunhoferstrasse U-Bahn station is a minute’s walk (100m) 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.
The Flushing Meadows – 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. (0.7 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. (0.7 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 ($-$$) draught beer and traditional Bavarian food; some close on Sunday.
- Fraunhofer – A traditional pub-dining room with well-worn communal tables attached to an avant-garde theater; cash only. (0.2 mile).
- Burg Pappenheim – This cozy place gets rave reviews for its authentic food. Good for people watching in the Glockenbachviertel. (0.3 mile).
- Gaststätte Faun – Gorgeous art nouveau pub with decent food that’s got a local vibe. (0.3 mile).
- Wirtshaus zum Straubinger – Slightly more intimate than many of Munich’s taverns, and a bit off the beaten track for tourists, but this place features a lovely garden and cozy interior. (0.5 mile).
- Der Pschorr – A contemporary convivial beer hall with traditional food, belonging to the Hacker-Pschorr brewery, right in the middle of the Viktualienmarkt. (0.5 mile).
- Xaver’s – Describing itself as an “evolution of the traditional inn”, Xaver’s still ticks most of the traditional boxes and has pretty roadside tables surrounded by strings of lights. (0.5 mile).
- Bratwursthertzl – Tucked down a corner of the Viktualienmarkt in a little plaza, this place does great sausages and food from the Franconia region. (0.6 mile).
- Hofbräuhaus – Do not miss visiting the most famous tavern in the world. Complete with traditionally dressed waitstaff, oompah band, space for 3,000 people, a garden, and great food, it will fulfill your every Bavarian dream. Interesting fact: Hitler loved this place. (0.8 mile).
Best Nearby Restaurants
- Soul Kitchen – Excellent Neapolitan-style pizza with good-value lunch menu; $. (0.1 mile).
- Pescheria – Excellent restaurant specializing in fresh fish cooked on a lava-stone grill. $-$$. (0.1 mile).
- Cotidiano – The original branch of this Munich mini-chain serves a great selection of food any time of day, right on the Gärtnerplatz. $. (0.3 mile).
- Gärtnerplatz Alm – Cozy fondue restaurant open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner. Booking recommended. $$. (0.3 mile).
- Brasserie Colette – Celebrity Chef Tim Raue’s take on French brasserie classics like oysters and champagne, and steak frites. Dinner only; reservations advised. $$$. (0.4 mile).
- Hey Luigi – Great portions, great Italian-inspired food, great atmosphere, but tiny prices. All in a character-filled old pub. $. (0.4 mile).
- Kӧnigsquelle – The schnitzel here is beloved by locals and tourists alike. Great food and excellent whiskey selection. $$. (0.4 mile).
- Ménage Bar – Feel in-the-know by being one of the first to try the inventive small plates and drinks at this hip new joint. $$. (0.4 mile).
- Rice – Small hole-in-the-wall often given the title of the best Vietnamese restaurant in the city. Closed Sunday. $-$$. (0.4 mile).
- Ruff’s Burger – German mini-chain that evolved from a popular food truck whose epic burgers are not to be missed. $-$$. The Müllerstrasse restaurant is 0.5 mile away.
Best Nearby Cafes
- Tushita Teehaus – Charming Japan-inspired tearoom with delicate cakes and health-conscious food, including an excellent vegan breakfast. (0.1 mile).
- Bellevue di Monaco – Refugee community center with a cool cafe that does great vegan lunch menus. (0.4 mile).
- Aroma Kaffeebar – Wonderful socially conscious cafe serving the best coffee in the city, with freshly cooked snacks and light meals. (0.5 mile).
Best Nearby Bars
- Frau Bartels – Hip bar with good vibes. (0.1 mile).
- Zephyr Bar – Nearly a decade on, Zephyr is still king of Munich’s cocktail scene. Their unique concoctions are really special. (0.1 mile).
- The High – Very hip cocktail bar on the border of Altstadt/Glockenbach. (0.4 mile).
- Niederlassung – Bar with cheap drinks, soft furnishings, and a disco ball. Perfect for a laid-back evening with an injection of funk. Open Tuesday-Saturday. (0.4 mile).
- München 72 – Funky retro bar celebrating the year Munich hosted the Olympics. (0.5 mile).
- Bar Buena Vista – Fun Latin American bar-restaurant that can get crowded as evenings heat up with DJs. Closed Monday. (0.5 mile).
Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops
Almost every street in Glockenbach has a great mix of stores, bars, cafes, and restaurants. It’s especially great for vintage, independent, handmade, or unique pieces; you won’t need to go anywhere else to get your retail therapy.
- Comic Company – A heaven for comic and graphic-novel enthusiasts. (0.1 mile).
- abgefüllt & unverpackt – Petit store with a choice range of design-focused ethical products (the name means bottled and unpacked). (0.1 mile).
- Auryn – Ethical products for moms and kids, as well as a great selection of sustainable and fair trade toys. (0.2 mile).
- Antonetty – Funky handcrafted leather products. (0.3 mile).
- Bergwein – Delightful vintners specializing in wine and other goodies from the South Tyrol region. (0.3 mile).
- GötterSpeise – Quaint chocolatier with gift store and delightful cafe. (0.3 mile).
- Wortwahl – Book and gift store with possibly the best selection of greetings cards in the world. (0.3 mile).
- eisenblaetter triska – Milliner duo who craft their wonderful and wearable hats in-store. (0.4 mile).
Nearby Attractions
- 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).
- 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. (0.5 mile).
- 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). (0.7 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. (1 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. (1 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. (1 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. (1 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 17-minute walk (0.8 mile) from the hotel, while the main park starts in the northeastern corner of the Hofgarten (1.5 miles).
- 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). (2 miles).
- 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 25 minutes (3 miles) on public transport.
- 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).
- 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 40 minutes (7 miles) by the U-Bahn.
- 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 1 hour (12 miles) via public transport.
Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores
- Reichenbach Kiosk – A handy 24-hour kiosk on the Isar. (0.1 mile).
- Edeka – There are several mini-marts around here, but the one on Ickstattstrasse is the largest. (0.3 mile).
- Viktualienmarkt – The unmissable Munich marketplace with dozens of stalls selling some of the best food in the country is a short stroll from the hotel. (0.5 mile).
The Flushing Meadows – The Hotel
The unassuming Fraunhoferstrasse has several great stores and restaurants, especially in this block. The Flushing Meadows is on the right in this view, looking east toward the Isar.
The Flushing Meadows occupies 2 of the top floors of this old office building. Its refurbishment blends its slightly shabby exterior with luxurious and cozy fabrics inside.
Take the elevator up…
…to the theatrical reception desk.
The bar, a real favorite with locals, feels like a chic hideaway, complete with a roaring fire.
The terrace gets packed in the evenings.
But make sure to go out on the terrace in the daytime – if it’s clear, you’ll be rewarded with a view of the Alps.
On the other side of the building, the views look over to the Old Town – the spires of the Frauenkirche, Alte Peter, and the Neues Rathaus are all visible in this picture.
There are 3 main types of rooms, with the Studios being the smallest. They have amazing 13-feet-high ceilings which make them feel much more spacious. This one was designed by composer Marc Streitenfeld.
Even the Studios have comfortable living areas with little luxuries like Nespresso machines.
One of the most flamboyant rooms is this one, designed by Christophe de la Fontaine of Dante Goods and Bads. The pink “Fumoir”, as he named it, has a bedside table in the shape of an elephant leg and a 4-poster bed.
Studios have small but functional bathrooms with hairdryers and organic toiletries.
On the south side of the building, the Lofts offer the same high ceilings with tons of space. This one has a bed and a sofa that appear to be suspended from the ceiling.
This Loft, designed by Helmut Geier, aka DJ Hell, features 3 painted medical skeletons peering over the bed and its own record player. A real love or hate kind of room.
Some of the Lofts have bathtubs as well as showers.
The 5 Penthouses are on the top floor, next to the bar, in an architect-designed extension on the roof. They feature their own private terraces.
There is variation between the Penthouse rooms, but they are not designed by individual personalities like the Lofts and Studios are.
The hotel is well-connected by public transport. There are trams going east and the subway station is just steps away.
This neighborhood is well-served by supermarkets – there are 2 Edekas, a Rossmann, and a Netto within a 5-minute walk. This one on Ickstattstrasse is the biggest.
Fraunhoferstrasse itself has lots of great places to explore. Soul Kitchen is opposite the hotel and good any time of day.
Also on this block is Comic Company – a heaven for booklovers.
Just off Fraunhoferstrasse is the charming Tushita Teehaus, filled with all manner of tea paraphernalia.
Although the temptation will be to head north to Altstadt, keep heading southwest; the streets are delightful. You’ll find tons of treasures like Cordo Bar, a fun tapas joint.
Also in this area is GötterSpeise, one of the cutest stores in the city, filled with handmade chocolates, quirky gifts, and a little cafe.
Opposite GötterSpeise is Faun, a relaxed traditional pub with sublime decoration inside.
In this area you’ll also find the great restaurant Hey Luigi. The food is fabulous – lots of homemade pasta and gnocchi with inventive toppings.
The Glockenbach neighborhood centers around the Gärtnerplatz, an elegant circus with roads coming off like spokes. You could easily pass a whole day wandering the shops and come back at night to bar hop.
On the plaza, you’ll find an Edeka mini-mart as well as the cafe Cotidiano.
Head up Reichenbachstrasse and you’ll find the treasure trove Wort Wahl, with thousands of greeting cards and postcards.
At night, make sure to re-tread these streets to salsa at Buena Vista Bar, where there are regular Latin Music nights with DJs.
Around the corner is chic cocktail bar The High. It’s on Blumenstrasse which separates Glockenbach from Altstadt.
Bellevue di Monaco, a project to support refugees integrate, does great vegan lunches and is just off Blumenstrasse.
Head into Old Town from here and you’ll soon come to the Viktualienmarkt where some of the finest food in Germany can be found at the dozens of stalls.
The Viktualienmarkt leads right to Munich’s main square, 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.
Wedged in an alleyway between the Viktualienmarkt and Marienplatz is the church commonly known as Alter Peter (Old Peter). You can climb its 300+ steps or get a similar view from the top of the New Townhall, which has an elevator.
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.
North of Marienplatz is the palace of the old rulers of Bavaria, the Residenz. It’s a series of beautiful old buildings and courtyards added at the whims of whoever was in power. Beyond the Residenz lie the Hofgarten, Odeonsplatz, and the large expanse of green, the Englischer Garten.
Walk directly west from the Residenz and you’ll arrive in Maxvorstadt (from the hotel, it’s easier to take the subway), known for its wonderful art galleries.
Between Marienplatz and the Residenz is the Platzl, a square featuring some of the city’s most beloved and famous taverns, including the famous Hofbräuhaus. It’s so cavernous that no one minds visitors wandering through to see the many halls and the lush courtyard filled with chestnut trees.
If you walk east from Marienplatz along the street simply known as Tal, you’ll come to one of the Old Town’s fortified gates, Isartor. Cross Frauenstrasse and you’ll find another charming tavern, Xaver’s.
Alternatively, carry on east from Isatorplatz and you’ll come to the River Isar. Cross over the bridge onto Museum Insel (island), where you’ll find Germany’s premier science and technology museum, the Deutsches Museum, a true wonder of the city.
No visit to Munich is complete without a stroll along the banks of the Isar or, in the summer, a swim in its icy waters.
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