SD › Munich Boutique Hotels › JAMS Review
Updated: April 14, 2021
Essentials
• Location: Stubenvollstrasse, behind Gasteig (concert hall).
• Hotel website: jams-hotel.com
• Hotel phone: +49 89 458 450
• Check prices on Booking.com
This trendy music-themed hotel features stylish and well-furnished rooms, each with a record player, and one of the city’s most popular bars.
JAMS – A stylish and very groovy addition to the city’s French Quarter.
From the huge murals of legendary musicians to the collection of classic records in the lobby and the name of its restaurant (33rpm), JAMS Music Hotel screams its love for music and, especially, vinyl. Rooms even come with record players; the staff says that one of the coolest things is sharing their love for analog with younger people new to the medium. But while JAMS definitely has a theme, its on-trend decor means it veers away from being niche, and it is not just for music aficionados. With a great bar-restaurant that has become a fast hit with locals and extras like a free minibar, this funky hotel in charming Haidhausen has quickly become a smash hit.
See Also
JAMS – Location
- Address: Stubenvollstrasse 2, Munich.
- Nearest Metro/Subway: The trams that stop almost right outside the hotel go into Altstadt via Isartor station. Alternatively, the Rosenheimer Platz S-Bahn station is a 5-minute walk (0.3 mile) and the Max-Weber-Platz U-Bahn is an 8-minute walk (0.4 mile).
- Area: Haidhausen is a wonderfully diverse neighborhood, sometimes known as the French Quarter, and the area has some of the best global food in the city. The hotel is just behind Munich’s premier concert hall, the Gasteig, and a stone’s throw from the eastern extension of the Englischer Garten.
- How to Get There: From the airport, JAMS is around 40 minutes (24 miles) by car or public transport (the S8 goes directly to Rosenheimer Platz).
- 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: Deutsches Museum, Gasteig, Englischer Garten.
JAMS – The Basics
- Ages: The hotel is geared more towards adults (there are no specific amenities for children), but children can be accommodated.
- View: Rooms on the top floor have views of Munich’s famous spires.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools or jacuzzis.
- Laundry: The hotel offers a laundry service (extra charge).
- Parking: Some parking spaces available in the hotel’s private garage (€20/day).
- Extras: Free minibar, bicycles and motorbikes to rent (extra charge), record players in the rooms, and free records to borrow.
- 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 89 458 450
- Email: info@jams-hotel.com
- Website: jams-hotel.com
JAMS – Amenities
- Pool: No pool, however, the iconic Müller’sches Volksbad, the oldest public pool in the city (it has a sauna too), is diagonally opposite the hotel through the park, a 5-minute walk (0.2 mile).
- Spa: No spa.
- Fitness Center: No fitness center, but the hotel describes the eastern extension of the Englischer Garten, the Maximiliansanlagen, as their “open-air fitness area”. It has beautiful riverside trails for walking or cycling, and in the summer, you can swim in the Isar.
- For Disabled Guests: There is one wheelchair-friendly room, and the whole hotel is accessible via elevator.
- For Families: The hotel can provide extra beds and baby cots in the suites on request.
- Activities: Public events are often held in the bar-restaurant. Guests can borrow the hotel’s records to play in their rooms, and bicycle, motorcycle, and car rentals can be arranged.
JAMS – Food and Drink
- Bar/Restaurant: JAMS’ bar, 33rpm (33 revolutions per minute is the speed an album plays on a record player), has become a destination bar for hip locals looking for glamor with a sprinkle of nostalgia. Its decor and playlist honor the 1970s, when the “Munich sound” was pioneered by local artists such as Giorgio Moroder. The food is modern European fusion that ticks all the boxes: seasonal, fresh, fairly sourced, and local. Open from early morning for breakfast until midnight/1 am. $-$$.
- Breakfast: A range of a la carte dishes, including classic breakfasts, open sandwiches, and trendy power bowls. Served Monday-Friday 7-11 and Saturday-Sunday 8 am-2 pm. Priced per item or €18.50 for 2 dishes with a drink.
- Room Service: No room service as there is a range of free drinks and snacks available in each room.
JAMS – Rooms
- Room Types: Cozy ● Comfy ● JAMS Suite • List of all Rooms
- Smoking Rooms: The entire hotel (including restaurant terrace) is smoke-free.
- Best Room: Ask for a suite on the top floor, which are loft-style with deep-set alcove windows offering great views of the city. You’ll get a king-sized bed, living area with sofa bed, workspace, open-plan bathroom with accessible rain showers, double vanity, underfloor heating, bathrobe, slippers, extra toiletries, and coffee/tea making facilities. All that in addition to the amenities that every room features: TV, sound system, record player, safe, free minibar, and phone (free local calls).
- Family Rooms: No family rooms per se.
JAMS – Local Transport
- Walking: Marienplatz is an 18-minute walk (1 mile) across the river. Most of the coolest places in Haidhausen and around Isartor are within a 10-minute walk.
- Tram/Bus: There are easy tram connections throughout the city and JAMS is right by a tram stop from where trams take you to Isartor (for Altstadt) within minutes; excellent tram maps available.
- Subway: The Rosenheimer Platz S-Bahn station is a 5-minute walk (0.3 mile), from where it takes 3 minutes to get to Marienplatz. Max-Weber-Platz U-Bahn station is an 8-minute walk (0.4 mile).
- 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.
JAMS – 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, who have a range of fun, boozy options. Many of the tours start at Marienplatz (1 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 (1 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. (2 miles by public transport.)
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.
- Zum Kuchlverzeichnis – This place is everything you could ask for from a Bavarian tavern: dark wood, frilly napkins, warm service, and, most importantly, hearty food. (0.1 mile).
- Hofbräukeller – This eastern outpost for the famous Hofbräu beer brand has an enormous hall and beer garden where thousands come on summer nights to drink and eat (byo is fine). Make sure to get to the main Hofbräuhaus in Altstadt too; it’s a real feast for the senses. (0.2 mile).
- Wirtshaus in der Au – It’s motto says it all: “Beer and dumplings since 1901”. You can even take classes to learn how to make the famous knödel, and there is often live Bavarian music to round off your traditional experience. (0.4 mile).
Best Nearby Restaurants
- Chopan am Gasteig – Rated as the best restaurant in Munich on a popular review website for its flavorful Afghan dishes and excellent service. $$-$$$. (0.1 mile).
- Chez Fritz – Excellent French brasserie fare in a classic dining room with an emphasis on seafood. Reservation essential. $$-$$$$. (0.2 mile).
- Sushi 38 – Decent local pan-Asian restaurant with a focus on sushi. Menu ranges from cheap curries to banquet-like sushi platters. $-$$$. (0.2 mile).
- Crêperie Bernard & Bernard – Gallettes and crêpes are the main event, but there are salads and other mains to choose from in this cozy restaurant. $-$$. (0.2 mile).
- Showroom – Don’t let the unlikely facade put you off. This Michelin-starred “culinary show” by Chef Dominik Käppeler features a mesmerizing 7-course menu that changes every 2 weeks. Reservation essential. $$$$. (0.3 mile).
- Vinaiolo – This Italian restaurant has a Michelin Plate for its high quality food and, as the name suggests, its wine. Reservation essential. $$$$. (0.3 mile).
- Rue des Halles – It feels like you’ve stepped into Paris as you enter this simple, relaxed brasserie. The fact that it’s been here since 1983 and has barely changed speaks volumes about its quality. $$-$$$. (0.3 mile).
- Blitz – Hip Mexican-inspired bar/restaurant/club on Museum Island that does riverside tacos and pitchers of Margaritas, with dancing in the evening. $-$$. (0.3 mile).
- Preysinggarten – Good food in a delightful, family-friendly setting with a varied, budget-friendly menu. $-$$. (0.4 mile).
Best Nearby Cafes
- True & 12 – Arguably the best ice cream in the city. Exquisite flavors, handmade using the highest quality milk. (0.1 mile).
- Fortuna – Retro cafe-bar, open all day until 10 pm, for paninis, soups, salads, and aperitivi. (0.4 mile).
- Café Noel – Pretty cafe, good for any time of day near Rosenheimer Platz. Closed Monday. (0.4 mile).
Best Nearby Bars
- Rosi – This bar-cafe might look hip, with mis-matched furniture, painted brick walls, and bare lightbulbs, but its menu and atmosphere are unpretentious. Good any time of day. (0.2 mile).
- Juliet Rose – Sumptuous, inventive cocktail bar at the Hilton whose USP is “from root to fruit”. (0.2 mile).
- Domaines Kilger Weinhäusl – Set in a tiny old cottage on the Wiener Platz, it could easily claim the title of “The cutest wine bar in the world”. (0.3 mile).
- Negroni American Bar – Munich’s take on a classic “American style” cocktail bar with Italian food and great atmosphere. (0.3 mile).
Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops
- Buch Pertherl – Cozy and crammed bookstore with a decent selection in English. (0.1 mile).
- Hier – A chic shop for local, minimalist designs. (0.2 mile).
- Blaugold – Friendly boutique with a great selection of high-quality used designer clothes for women. (0.4 mile).
Nearby Attractions
- Gasteig – Check out Munich’s main cultural center that has a varied program of art, music, film, and more. There are also several food and drink options inside. (75m).
- Müller’sches Volksbad – Munich’s first public bathhouse is an Art Nouveau gem right on the Isar that’s worth seeing even if you don’t want a dip. (0.2 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. (0.3 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). (1 mile).
- Englischer Garten & Maximiliansanlagen – Munich’s “English Garden”, spanning the Isar, is the largest inner-city park in the world. 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 hotel (125m), while the closest corner of the main park is a 20-minute walk (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 by public transport.)
- 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 by public transport.)
- 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 via public transport.)
- 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 35-45 minutes (4 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. (5 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 1 hour (13 miles) via public transport.
Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores
- ALDI – Discount supermarket selling the basics on Rosenheimer Strasse, before the station. (0.2 mile).
- Wiener Platz – Charming plaza with small food stalls during the day (don’t miss the fresh fish at the Fischhäusl), an entrance to the Hofbräukeller’s garden, and ancient little houses and tree lined paths leading into the Maximiliansanlagen. (0.3 mile).
- Viktualienmarkt – The unmissable Munich marketplace with dozens of stalls selling some of the best food in the country is just a short stroll away. (0.8 mile).
JAMS – The Hotel
The hotel is set on a quiet spot between 2 of Haidhausen’s main streets: Am Gasteig (Innere Wiener Strasse) and Rosenheimer Strasse.
The building was fully renovated in 2019, giving Jams a super-modern feel.
The garage is right next to the reception.
The lobby, with its tropical retro vibe, is perfect for chilling with an LP.
The “Cozy” is undoubtedly on the smaller side, but its funky styling makes the most of the space.
The “Comfort” offers more space as well as the option to have twin beds.
The open-plan bathrooms are modern and stylish.
The Suites are furnished with luxe fabrics, giving them a plush VIP vibe.
Open-plan storage and rock-n-roll murals give the rooms a funky urban vibe.
For anyone who has never listened to a classic album on a record player, make sure to take advantage of the opportunity here.
The hotel’s bar-restaurant, 33rpm, is named for the speed (revolutions per minute) most records play at. It can be reached through the lobby or via its own entrance on the side of the hotel.
Inside, the spectacular decor is a perfectly pitched modern-day take on 1970s chic. The house cocktails are named after songs by artists who have loved or lived in Munich: “Call Me!”, “Changes”, “Love to Love You”, “A Kinda Magic”.
A minute’s walk from the hotel is the leafy Maximiliansanlagen, on the banks of the Isar. The hotel calls it their “open-air fitness area”.
Also worth mentioning as part of the hotel’s appeal is the spectacular Art Nouveau public pool and sauna, the Müller’sches Volksbad.
Almost directly opposite the hotel is the eastern extension of the Englischer Garten, the Maximiliansanlagen. A short walk north brings you to the wonderful Maximilianeum, home to the Bavarian State Parliament.
This tram stop is the nearest transport to the hotel, just 30 seconds away. Trams take you right into Altstadt in under 10 minutes. The greenery to the right of this stop is the Maximiliansanlagen.
The tram stop is named after the Gasteig, Munich’s major arts center, and is just steps from the hotel.
Walk uphill from Jams along the main road and you’ll find lots to do and see. One of the first stores you pass, Hier, is worth a visit for its locally made designer gear. On this same stretch of road is Creperie Bernard & Bernard, Sushi 38, and the Hofbräukeller.
Within a few minutes, you’ll get to the Wiener Platz (Vienna Plaza). During the day, there are a few food stalls and trails leading into the park. The Fischhäusl (pictured) is by far the most popular place to eat.
This adorable house is the site of some serious wines. The Weinhäusl serves Austrian wines from the Domaines Kilger brand.
On sunny days, eschew the Hofbräukeller’s main door and skirt round to the beer garden, just off the Wiener Platz. It seats thousands among the graceful chestnut trees.
Just north of the Wiener Platz is Max-Weber-Platz where there’s an underground station. In the streets leading away from the Isar between the two are a clutch of excellent French restaurants, including the Rue des Halles and Chez Fritz.
Vinaiolo is considered one of the best Italian restaurants in this part of the city.
The streets around Weissenburger Platz are wonderful for exploring. There are lots of independent shops, bars, and cafes.
Just south of here is Rosenheimer Platz, with a subway entrance near Jams. It’s a bustling area with lots of stores.
Walk downhill along Rosenheimer Strasse back towards the river and you’ll come to the best ice cream parlor in the city, True & 12. Try the lavender and blackberry flavor named “Haidhausen” after the neighborhood.
Even though Rosenheimer Strasse is a big main road, do spend some time here as there are some gems to be found, like this bookstore.
A short walk towards the river is the unassuming Chopan restaurant which serves cuisine from Afghanistan. It’s rated as one of the best restaurants in the city.
As you walk towards the river, opposite the Müller’sches Volksbad and just before you get to the bridge, Lilienstrasse leads south towards the neighborhood of Au. Just on the right is Showroom, whose wild culinary presentations have won them fans from Michelin and beyond.
Further south along the same road is the Wirtshaus in der Au which is famous for its dumplings.
Back on the bridge, you’ll cross museum island in the corner before you come to the Deutsches Museum, one of the coolest museums anywhere.
On summer days, the banks of the Isar around here become filled with locals enjoying the water and the sand.
You may love East Munich too much by now to want to cross the river, but in case you still would like to see some of the main sights, simply walk across the bridge and keep heading west until you hit Isartor, one of the old fortified gateways to the Altstadt. From there, go further west and you’ll hit the Viktualienmarkt and then the main square, the Marienplatz.
This photo is taken from the southwestern corner of 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.
North of Marienplatz is the Residenz, the palace of the old rulers of Bavaria. Beyond the Residenz lie the Hofgarten and the Englischer Garten.
South of Marienplatz is the Viktualienmarkt (Bavarian produce and craft market) as well as the church known as Alter Peter (Old Peter). You can climb its 300+ stairs for great city views.
West of Marienplatz is the cathedral, lovingly known as the Frauenkirche (Our Lady’s Church). The plaza around the cathedral is a pleasant place to have a drink or a meal.
Northwest from Marienplatz will bring you to one of Munich’s best loved neighborhoods, Maxvorstadt. It’s where all the biggest and best art galleries are located. Pictured are the Alte Pinakothek and the Pinakothek der Moderne, but there are many more.
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