If you’ve ever longed to sleep in a building that once sorted letters and whispered secrets, 25hours Royal Bavarian offers theatrical charm with historic roots. Located opposite Munich’s Hauptbahnhof railway station, the hotel inhabits a landmark commissioned by King Ludwig II in the late 1800s, which originally served as the Royal Telegraph Central Station and General Post Office. Designed in the Italianate Neo-Renaissance style by architect Georg von Dollmann, the building was once the hub of imperial communication.

The structure was damaged during World War II but it was reconstructed to match its original design and over the years it has been used as office spaces, a bank branch and even a supermarket before it was turned into a hotel in 2018. 

The history behind the hotel and the building’s layered past definitely drew me to book a stay here as the atmosphere merges the golden age of old Bavarian culture with a sprinkling of quirkiness to create this unique and curious hotel. 

As you step inside you are immersed in rich dark blue hues from the walls, carpets and even the furniture which is a nod to the colour of the Royal Family in Bavaria (which were said to have ‘blue blood’). Every corner encompasses the drama of old-world Bavaria, which translates across the different room types ranging from the more compact all the way up to luxury suites. I personally chose to stay in a Large Room, that really impressed me with its dark and moody interiors which offered a subtle Gothic edge, including: inky walls, Victorian-style floor tiles and a black marble bathroom steeped in shadow. There were also lots of delightful quirky touches too, such as the bed frame being fashioned from a stack of vintage books, artwork celebrating Old Bavaria and textures that evoked a quiet kind of dark academia. Another wonderful touch was that the mini bar is generously restocked daily at no extra cost! 

But what truly charmed me was that every room contains a pre-loved typewriter. Mine sat beside a window overlooking a historic façade adorned with intricate carvings, an ideal perch to note down reflections, whilst gazing at some of Munich’s gorgeous architecture. You will also find a host of typewriters near the lobby and post boxes scattered throughout the hotel inviting guests to write a letter home as an intended nod to the building’s roots in communication. 

You also might be thinking why Swans seem to make frequent appearances around the hotel and this is because in Bavarian royal history, swans were revered for their grace and symbolism, thought to embody nobility and mysticism.

On the top floor you will find a serene pinewood sauna, foot-soaking tubs and a small gym. Guests can also request jogging maps or rent a bike to explore the city at street level. 

Breakfast was another standout moment: loose-leaf teas, oven-fresh pretzels, and even a station to blend your own juice combinations. Then for dinner, the on-site NENI restaurant offers vibrant Middle Eastern fare and the Boilerman Bar channels a speakeasy energy with craft cocktails and occasional live music.

The hotel’s location is also perfect, just mere steps away from the central train station and a short walk to Marienplatz, the historic heart of the city. For travellers flying in via Munich Airport, the direct train brings you within minutes of the hotel and it also makes travel very accessible if you fancy a day trip out of the city too. 

With its confident blend of Bavarian grandeur, historic reverence and bohemian touches, this isn’t just your average hotel. It offers luxury whilst sparking imagination and in my view is a wonderful choice for anyone seeking an alternative journey through Munich. 

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