New Kid - DO&CO Hotel München
I couldn’t help myself but screaming out of joy when I received an email including the invitation to test Munich’s latest luxury hotel two weeks ago. Ever since I am writing this blog, it’s been a dream to be the first guest of a newly opened hotel. A dream came true when I actually arrived at what can be described as Germany’s hottest hotel opening 2021! DO&CO is an Austrian-based company that mainly works in the catering business but started a luxury design hotel in the very heart of Vienna (probably one of the world’s best hotel locations) a few years ago. Having lived and worked in the Austrian capital back in 2018, I was a regular at the posh DO&CO Restaurant – thanks to late-night dining and outdoor seating with stunning vistas. So DO&CO can be referred to as one of my favourite brands when it comes to restaurants and airline food: I always prefer flying Austrian Airlines for their on-board chefs and their amazing food which is catered by DO&CO.
First things first, the location is STELLAR! For years, Beyond was the only luxury hotel with a prime location, but DO&CO wins this one now: One side of the building is located opposite of the Town Hall (Marienplatz) while the other one is facing the famous Frauenkirche. This is probably as central as you can get in Munich. There aren’t many other hotels with such a 10/10 setting. There might be some hesitations, such as arriving by car – however, the hotel arranges a pick-up and valet service at a nearby parking garage which eliminates all hassles. Once you finally arrive at the hotel, you will realize that this hotel has got something special: the DO&CO Hotel München is connected with the FC Bayern world. Based in Munich, the new store of the soccer club Bayern is a famous go-to for soccer fans. I am not the biggest soccer fan and don’t follow games regularly, so I was hoping for a more hospitable approach rather than a sporty hotel experience - and I was pleasantly surprised!
When I arrived at the hotel, I was warmly welcomed by the front desk attendant Sebastian who took care of the check-in. Everything was already in the system (thanks to a perfect online check-in which I did on the way to the hotel) and the tablet didn’t need any more details but a signature. I love how hotels are reacting to new trends and minimalize the personal interaction (eg. Pen and paper exchange) due to the current situation. Within seconds I was finding myself on the second floor being accompanied to what seems like the most amazing Junior Suite in the property. Sebastian gave me a complete tour of the room and gave a quick instruction on the in-room controls, tv and Sonos sound system. All of the technology was state-of-the-art and I have to admit I fell in love with Sonos so much that I had ordered my first one yesterday. Let’s get back to the Junior Suite which is located on the corner of the back building. I mean those views were just incredible, overlooking the Frauenkirche – Munich’s most famous sight. It just got better the later it was.
Did I ever mention, there is nothing better than sumptuous welcome amenities? Well, DO&CO knows how to play this game too and offered me a bottle of Ruinart champagne along with delicious Austrian sweets, pralines and a fruit bowl. Of course, they didn’t forget about the handwritten welcome note and added a super stylish hand sanitiser in form of a pen. So what shall I add to this 10/10 welcome? I mean we have to bear in mind that I was actually staying here for a test stay and the hotel hasn’t actually opened (rather they are in a soft opening phase). Honestly, I was blown away by this amazing hotel suite. There was more to come! Next to the writing desk with chairs, there was a cosy corner sofa for the evening and then the main highlight: a heavenly double bed by Italian leather manufacturer Poltrona Frau. I couldn’t stop myself but fall into the brand new blankets and pillows which were of the highest quality. Hands down DO&CO – this is one of the best hotel beds I have ever slept in.
Normally I wouldn’t mention the bathroom in a city hotel in a special paragraph but again, here I found the next highlight. A vast walk-in shower (1,50 x 2 meters) with two glass walls and plenty of Etro Musk toiletries for a colourful touch when looking onto Munich’s Frauenkirche while enjoying a strong water pressure underneath the heavenly rain shower head. A double vanity desk in elegant black tones next to a huge window was the counterpart to the amazing shower. The towels were of course brand new and felt incredibly soft – perhaps the best hotel towels we have experienced so far (never having stayed in a hotel that was so new). Next to the bathroom, there was the toilet behind a mirror that was invisible from the outside but visible from the inside.
As I wanted to experience all the different departments at the hotel, I was kindly invited for dinner at the new “Gastwirtschaft” on the ground floor. Being their casual dining outlet, I went for the classic escalope Viennese style, also known as “Wiener Schnitzel”. Next to Austrian classics, they also have Bavarian dishes paired with a wonderful version of fish & chips. Service was very attentive and as good as in the fine dining restaurant in Vienna and the location was simply stunning. I was seated on the best table on their terrace having the Dom in best sight. Before going to bed, the team of the “Gastwirtschaft” brought us a freshly made Kaiserschmarrn which was enjoyed together with the bottle of Ruinart (an amazing welcome gift by the team).
The morning after wasn’t less spectacular when I found myself as one of the first guests in the fine dining restaurant. While the first floor is officially still closed for the public, hotel guests already get the chance to enjoy Munich’s best breakfast. Basically, you get an a la carte menu from which you can choose as many dishes as you want. Of course, I couldn’t resist and ordered the classic Eggs Benedict which were mouth-watering. After that, I wanted to try the superfood smoothie which was one of the best drinks I have had at a hotel! The choice is simply stunning and a la carte breakfast always wins the game for the relaxed atmosphere and upgraded quality of the breakfast. Last but not least I went to explore the gym offer at DO&CO Hotel München. They partnered up with Fitness First and guests enjoy free access to one of Munich’s most impressive gyms – overlooking the two most important sights in the city: the Frauenkirche and the Marienplatz.
Overall I was very impressed by the DO&CO Hotel München and despite being so new and having been in soft opening, they are doing an amazing job! I felt like I was staying in a hotel that operated business for years already. Having stayed at some of the more remarkable hotels in town, I can gladly say that DO&CO Hotel München is the best hotel in Munich so far.
