SD › Munich Boutique Hotels › LOUIS Review
Updated: April 14, 2021
Essentials
• Location: Viktualienmarkt, half a block south of St. Peter’s Church.
• Hotel website: louis-hotel.com
• Hotel phone: +49 89 4111 9080
• Check prices on Booking.com
LOUIS is a stylish hotel next to Viktualienmarkt with elegant and modern rooms and an excellent restaurant specializing in grilled steaks, seafood, and vegan dishes.
LOUIS – A chic and sleek foodie heaven overlooking the Viktualienmarkt.
LOUIS is probably the best-located hotel in the city, wedged right between Marienplatz and the Viktualienmarkt (where it sources the majority of its food). Luckily, it’s also one of the most stylish. No surprise really, as it was conceived by Rudi Kull and Albert Weinzierl, the chef-architect team behind many of the city’s most polished hospitality offerings (including the authentically Italian Bar Centrale, impressive Brenner Grill, CORTIINA hotel and its well-stocked winebar GRAPES, and the two Riva bar-restaurants). As befits a member of Design Hotels, everything about the LOUIS feels high quality and self-assured, from the bespoke furniture that lends the place its boutique feel to the menus which handle steaks as easily as vegan food.
See Also
LOUIS – Location
- Address: Viktualienmarkt 6 (via car: Rindermarkt 2), Munich.
- Nearest Metro/Subway: Marienplatz S-Bahn and U-Bahn station is a 2-minute walk (0.1 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, LOUIS 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.
LOUIS – The Basics
- Ages: The hotel welcomes people of all ages (its team is very accommodating), but it is geared more toward adults. There are no specific amenities for children.
- View: Some rooms overlook the Viktualienmarkt. Top-floor rooms have views of the spires of the Frauenkirche.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools or jacuzzis.
- Laundry: The hotel offers a laundry service (surcharge).
- Parking: Parking available at €22/day. Free electric car charging.
- Extras: Roof terrace, private dining room, bicycles, free newspapers.
- 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 4111 9080
- Email: contact@louis-hotel.com
- Website: louis-hotel.com
LOUIS – Amenities
- Pool: No pool.
- Spa: No spa.
- Fitness Center: There is a small fitness center.
- For Disabled Guests: The hotel is accessible by elevator. Write to the hotel directly to discuss in-room accessibility needs.
- For Families: There are interconnecting rooms and the largest room can fit up to 4 people.
LOUIS – Food and Drink
- Restaurant: The LOUIS Grillroom focuses on the highest quality steaks sourced from farms that provide the highest standards of animal welfare. There are mouth-watering grilled vegan and fish options too, all served simply with seasonal vegetables from the Viktualienmarkt. Served in the stylish dining room, whose warm tones and cozy quilted furniture give it a clubroom feel. Open daily 5:30-11 pm. $$-$$$$.
- Bar: The LOUIS Sparkling Bar, in the lobby, does classic and original cocktails and, as the name suggests, lots of sparkling wines. During restaurant hours, the Grillroom’s appetizers are available at the bar, and out of hours, there is a small 24-hour food selection.
- Breakfast: One of the hotel’s USPs is its vegan buffet breakfast, (with some non-vegan options a la carte). 7-10:30 am. €17.50.
- Room Service: Available 24 hours.
LOUIS – Rooms
- Room Types: Courtyard Single ● Courtyard Superior ● Courtyard Deluxe ● Market View Deluxe ● LOUIS Room • List of all Rooms
- Smoking Rooms: LOUIS is 100% smoke-free.
- Best Room: The LOUIS Room can sleep up to 4 people comfortably, with 2 small double beds that can be joined together to make a super king. It has air conditioning, natural mattresses and bedding, underfloor heating in the bathroom, double vanity with heated mirrors, an ionic hairdryer, a safe, TV with CD/DVD player, 2 balconies with views over St. Peter’s church and other historic buildings, spacious bathroom with bathtub and shower, separate WC, as well as a living area with armchairs and a chaise longue.
LOUIS – Local Transport
- Walking: Everything in the Altstadt is within a 15-minute walk of the LOUIS.
- 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 2-minute walk (0.1 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.
LOUIS – 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.
- Bratwursthertzl – Tucked down a corner of the Viktualienmarkt in a little plaza, this place does great sausages and food from the Franconia region. (125m).
- Der Pschorr – A contemporary convivial beer hall with traditional food, belonging to the Hacker-Pschorr brewery, right in the middle of the Viktualienmarkt. (150m).
- Beim Sedlmayr – Hearty Bavarian food served in a bright dining room with staff in traditional dress. (0.2 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. (0.2 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. (0.3 mile).
- 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. (0.3 mle).
- Hackerhaus – This tavern, built in the original 15th-century Hacker brewery, is still owned by what is now the Hacker-Pschorr brewery. (0.3 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).
- 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. (0.5 mile).
Best Nearby Restaurants
- Tian – Michelin-starred vegetarian fine dining. Closed Sunday-Monday. Reservations essential. $$$-$$$$. (0.1 mile).
- Ruff’s Burger – German mini-chain that evolved from a popular food truck whose epic burgers are not to be missed. $-$$. (0.1 mile to the Rindermarkt restaurant.)
- Restaurant Pfistermühle – Set in a 16th-century mill covered in vines, this romantic place does Bavarian haute cuisine that looks pretty as a picture. $$$. (0.3 mile).
- Buffet Kull – Popular spot, inspired by New York/Parisian bistros, where the food is great and the service, swift. $-$$. (0.3 mile).
- Prinz Myshkin – Superb setting and wonderful vegan and vegetarian food with inspirations from India and Italy. Great value lunch. $-$$. (0.3 mile).
- Conviva im Blauen Haus – High-quality low-cost set menus aimed at theatergoers in an industrial-style canteen, run by a worthy non-profit that helps people with disabilities into the workplace. $. (0.4 mile).
- Brenner Operngrill – Huge restaurant in a spectacular old vaulted building, where the kitchen (an open grill and a pasta station) is set in the middle. $$-$$$. (0.4 mile).
- Vegelangelo – Vegan and vegetarian dishes dishes from around the world, guaranteed non-GMO, and cooked from scratch. Cash only. $-$$. (0.4 mile).
- Restaurant Jin – This place, just outside Altstadt, has a Michelin Plate for its inventive Chinese fine dining. Closed Monday. $$$$. (0.5 mile).
- Atelier – Jan Hartwig’s Michelin 3-starred wonder in the magnificent Bayerischer Hof Hotel. Dinner only; reservations essential. $$$$. (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. (150m).
- Bar Centrale – Owned by the same team as the LOUIS, this place transports you to Italy with its daily menu, great breakfasts, aperitivos, as well as some of the best coffee in Munich. (0.2 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. (0.4 mile).
Best Nearby Bars
- GRAPES Weinbar – Serves delectable wine and food in a refined yet relaxed bar. Its huge cellar is overseen by seriously good sommeliers who also organize events for oenophiles. (0.2 mile).
- 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).
- The High – Achingly hip cocktail bar on the border of Altstadt/Glockenbach. (0.3 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). (0.5 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.
- Kustermann – Historic kitchen and cookery department store that’s over 200 years old. (25m).
- Hofpfisterei – What more do you need to know other than the fact that this bakery has been here for around 700 years? Just go. (125m).
- servus.heimat – Sick of the usual tourist tat? Head here for unique and quirky Bavarian souvenirs. (0.2 mile to the shop on Tal.)
- Galeria Kaufhof – Five-story department store on Marienplatz where you’ll find pretty much anything you need. (0.2 mile).
- Elly-Seidl – 100-year-old Munich-based confectioner specializing in pralines with various outlets in the city. (0.3 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. (0.3 mile).
- Kräuterhaus Lindig – Experts in herbal remedies since 1887. (0.3 mile).
- Manufactum – Quality German-made goods. (0.3 mile).
- Hofbräuhaus Kunstmühle – This is the only active flour mill in the city, selling ancestral grains and flours from its historic building. (0.3 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. (0.4 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. (0.4 mile).
- Lodenfrey – Luxury department store featuring all the international megabrands, but specializing in fine traditional clothing. (0.5 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).
- 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. (0.2 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).
- 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. (0.4 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. (0.6 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. (0.6 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. (0.6 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, also a 17-minute walk (0.8 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). (1 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.
- 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 35 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 50 minutes (12 miles) via public transport.
Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores
- Viktualienmarkt – The unmissable Munich marketplace with dozens of stalls selling some of the best food in the country is right outside your door. (150m).
- Rewe City – Convenient and modern mini-supermarket chain. Open Monday-Saturday 7 am-8 pm. (0.2 mile to store on Tal.)
LOUIS – The Hotel
The actual entrance to the hotel is tucked down a passageway that connects the Viktualienmarkt with the Rindermarkt. This is the Viktualienmarkt entrance.
This is the Rindermarkt passageway entrance.
And this is the way into the hotel.
The lobby is spacious and welcoming, with plenty of seating and the entrance to the LOUIS Grill.
The LOUIS Grill is open to the public. The chefs give huge importance to the quality of the produce and treat the meat and vegan grills with the same care.
Whether the rooms face the courtyard or the Viktualienmarkt, they are flooded with light thanks to the big windows and light color palette. The handles on the wall are part of a bespoke pull-out wardrobe that every room has.
This Courtyard Deluxe room comes with a comfy sitting area.
Bathrooms are kept pristine white and all have screens that can be opened into the main rooms. The larger rooms have tubs.
This Market View Deluxe has a French balcony overlooking the Viktualienmarkt and a large desk for working.
But the view might distract.
The loft-style LOUIS Suite is spacious. The hotel’s furniture is custom-designed and super-stylish.
The Suite has 2 copper-paneled balconies that look over to the Frauenkirche.
And a bathroom with bath, shower, and double vanity.
The hotel’s roof terrace is open to guests in warm weather. Enclosed by other buildings, it makes a pleasant place to escape from the bustling city below.
Munich’s main square, the Marienplatz, is a stone’s throw from the hotel. 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 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 Italy-inspired architecture. The Feldherrnhalle (or Field Marshal’s Hall, left) was a significant building during Nazi times.
From Odeonsplatz, a 10-minute walk west on Brienner Strasse will bring you to the neighborhood of Maxvorstadt, also known as Kunstreal for its abundance of art galleries. Pictured are the Alte Pinakothek and the Pinakothek der Moderne.
North of Maxvorstadt is the Olympiapark, full of attractions and things to do. It takes about half an hour 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.
Cross the river 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.
Your room at the hotel might overlook the glorious Viktualienmarkt, right outside one of the doors to the hotel. It overflows with the best of Bavarian produce, food stalls, and a beer garden.
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 has 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 off Sankt-Jakobs-Platz, you’ll get to the edge of Altstadt and the beginnings 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 the 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 on 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 short 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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