LOCATION Although tucked away on Neuturmstraße, this property is extremely central, being minutes from Munich’s most famous shopping boulevard Maximilienstraße. The underground train from the airport to the nearby Marienplatz costs €9.20 and takes around 40 minutes.

AMBIENCE The hotel is an immaculate renovation of what the Germans call an Altbau. Built in 1875 by Johann Stützel, the hotel boasts the lofty-ceilinged ambience and grandeur of the 19th century but the fitments of the 21st century, right down to Bang & Olufsen TV and audio systems.

GUESTROOMS 48 single and double rooms, 17 junior suites and eight executive suites. In a word: classy. Californian designer Chhada Siembieda Remedios has retained the feeling of Germanic solidity and refinement while bringing in yoga mats, minimalist parquet flooring and light-filled space. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and Bose iPod docks can be requested. Bathrooms are big and marble and also have flat-screen TVs.

SERVICE 115 staff for 48 rooms? Th is is one of those hotels where the staff call you by name and the senior managemernt team meet to discuss who’s coming that night and what their preferences are.

CAN I WORK HERE? It is pretty hard not to. Rooms have dual-line telephones, suites have fax machines and there is free high-speed internet everywhere. Meeting rooms cater for up to a maximum of 70 persons, however, so don’t think of it as a convention centre.

CAN I LIVE HERE? Michelin-starred Restaurant Mark’s, live piano music after 6pm and one of the cosiest bars in town. There is a also a new cigar bar with private cigar lockers. However, the gym is tiny and there is no spa, although guests can use the facilities of a nearby establishment.

WORTH NOTING The rooftop pool offers possibly the best 360°panorama shots of Munich, as well as being amazingly cool — and you can visit the bar there without being a guest.