Rosewood Munich is quiet luxury in the heart of the city

MUNICH - If it were not for an impeccably dressed man standing outside the imposing arched door, I would have walked right past my destination: Rosewood Munich.

- Kissa Castaneda

Upon closer inspection, there is a small plaque with the hotel's name, but it is easily missed as the facade bears "Bayerische Staatsbank" carved in gold, the name of the bank that once occupied this 18th-century building.

That tasteful restraint defines much of Rosewood Munich, which opened in October 2023. Housed in two historic buildings, the former headquarters of the State Bank of Bavaria and the adjacent Palais Neuhaus-Preysing aristocratic residence, the hotel merges Baroque and Rococo styles with a fresh perspective.

The pedigree of the 200-year-old building is evident, and the latest chapter imbues this historic space with a softer, more residential character, headed by London-based designer Tara Bernerd & Partners.

This reveals itself in the lobby lounge with soaring ceilings and large windows that flood the space with natural light.

The same warm opulence in the lobby radiates in the hotel's 73 rooms and 59 suites, which feature a sumptuous palette of light greys, loden greens and rich caramels.