Since its 1858 debut, the icon known today as the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich, has been a beacon of elegance and sophistication, designed to host both royalty and distinguished guests. Since King Maximilian II of Bavaria first commissioned the gothic building, this magnificent “guest palace” has evolved into a Five Star property that continues to attract VIPs, offering guests unparalleled luxury and privacy on Munich’s renowned Maximilianstrasse. Here it resides in excellent company with the Bavarian State Opera House, the State Ballet, and a bevy of luxury boutiques like Louis Vuitton and Chanel.
Today’s Vier Jahreszeiten (“Four Seasons” in German) is managed by Kempinski Hotel & Resorts brand, itself a bastion of luxury European hospitality since 1897, carrying the spirit of European luxury as it grew over the decades, embellishing each of its hotels with the soul of its home destination. The hotel is Munich’s premier urban retreat, offering guests a unique blend of contemporary luxury and royal heritage with its 245 luxurious rooms and 60 majestic suites. The atmospheric lobby, with its glass ceiling symbolizing the four seasons, has been dubbed Munich’s “most beautiful living room.” Beneath the golden light filtering through the cupola, guests and visitors can relax or revive in a setting that befits the timeless grandeur preserved throughout this hotel.
Royal Heritage Meets Modern Opulence
Its royal legacy infuses the property and includes the use of furniture from royal palaces and exclusive wallpapers that echo the masterpieces within the city’s Alte Pinakothek which houses a significant collection of Old Master paintings. Though the Vier Jahreszeiten is steeped in history, its luxurious rooms and suites are each individually crafted to combine contemporary design with traditional elegance and equipped with the most modern amenities, including mounted flat-screen TVs, Bose stereos and Wi-Fi. For those seeking the utmost in privacy and luxury, the Royal Wing offers an exclusive retreat within the hotel, including multiple suites and expansive terraces. The Wing’s crown jewel, the 188 m² (2,045 ft²) Maximilian Suite, masterfully combines classic and modern décor to offer an intimate, unparalleled guest experience complemented by 24-hour butler service. Featuring a ceiling-high hand-worked tapestry that evokes the lobby’s glass cupola, a private terrace with panoramic views over the Munich skyline, a Finnish sauna, original curated furniture, and bespoke furnishings and fine art, the Maximilian Suite invites its residents on a journey of discovery both inside and outside the hotel.
Culinary Traditions with a Twist
Vier Jahreszeiten’s culinary offerings are equally impressive, with the united culinary team of Schwarzreiter Restaurant and Tagesbar setting new standards in Munich’s fine dining scene. Their inspired efforts have earned the Schwarzreiter a well-deserved recognition by MICHELIN. Renowned for its “Young Bavarian Cuisine,” the menu features modern, light twists on traditionally heavy Bavarian dishes, prepared with the freshest seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. On our second night we indulged in artfully prepared seven-course tasting menus paired with fine wines, starting with poached Tarbouriech oyster and beetroot adorned by a tangy medley of ginger, yogurt and granny smith apples, followed by the medallion of lobster nestled upon local tomatoes and sauce Américaine. The main course of sea bream, with Albufera sauce and imaginatively paired with seaweed and parsley, masterfully paired with a 2021 Les Héritiers du Comte Viré-Clessé, was both inspired and memorable.
More relaxed, yet equally splendid, is Tagesbar, which offers a bistro-style setting perfect for a leisurely lunch or evening cocktail. Just off the lobby, the Jahreszeiten Bar provides an indulgent nod to the classic American bar, blending intimate corners with a royal flair. Here, guests can savor signature cocktails like the Jahreszeiten Martini, featuring an inspired blend of gin, vodka, and vermouth. The bar’s menu also includes an array of delectable canapés which, in our case, made for an excellent first night meal. We enjoyed and were revived by a selection of starters, including Beef Tartar, Lobster with Micro Herbs, and Camembert de Normandie and Truffle. The menu and service were as exceptional as the Schwarzreiter’s, offering the perfect accompaniment to a curated collection of spirits and champagnes.
Photos: Kempinski Media, München Tourismus,Felix Löchner, A. Müller, München Tourismus Redline Enterprises, Jörg Lutz | Words: Janine Devine
