Archive for August, 2009

Daytrip to Eagle´s Nest, close to Munich

Saturday, August 29th, 2009

My wife and I visited The Eagle’s Nest (Hitler’s alpine headquarters near the Austrian border), which has been preserved as a museum and tourist attraction.  We purchased tickets the evening before at a tourist information office next to the central Hauptbahnhof train station.  We assembled in front of the Karstadt shopping emporium at 8:30 this morning, just a short walk from our Hotel Monaco.  The large, comfortable bus provided a pleasant and detailed description of the journey and destination by our guide, who spoke generally exellent English.  We were fortunate that the entire load of tourists (about 30 in all) spoke English, and so we did not require multiple translations.  The excursion features a ride up some narrow mountain roads with spectacular scenery, and takes about 3 hrs. to get there and somewhat less time to return to Munich.  For those interested in World War II and, especially, 20th century German history, this visit is a must.  The Eagle’s Nest itself (Kehlstein) is mostly a bland restaurant atop a mountain peak, and there are separate fees for the bus from Munich, the ride in a smaller bus up the narrow road to the base of the mountain, a short walk through a cool and damp tunnel and then an elevator ride from the base to the top.  The elevator is quite large and lined in mirrored brass.  The mediocre food at Kehlstein contrasts quite sharply with the delightful and fresh variety of fruits, meats, cheeses, cereals and baked goods we were served at our hotel’s breakfast bouffet.  The most interesting part of this visit, besides the incredible views, is the history display of the Nazis’ rise to power and how that power was used to inflict untold terror and misery, and surviving bunker system of Kehlstein at the Documentary center where the tour buses park.  The pictorial displays, featuring photos, letters, official (and often signed) documents by various Nazi officials, and some original artifacts from the 1930′s and early 1940′s are all described only in German (a deficiency that really demands correction), but a recorded translation, item by numbered item, can be rented for only €2.  These give a remarkably chilling narrative on one of the bleakest chapters in human history.

Robert Apfelzweig
Foster City, California

Parking is close to the Munich Hotel Monaco

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

Our stay at the Hotel Monaco was great! We parked a bit away not realizing that they have closer parking available near the hotel. The street around the hotel had so many different food/entertainment areas but it was only a short walk from many of the main attractions of the city. We were able to easily walk down the street to the Hofbrauhaus and enjoy the local color (I`’m still amazed at how strong the waitstaff would need to be just to carry a few of those beers but they were managed 10-15 with what seemed like ease and grace.) Later upon our return, the beds were soooo comfortable and the room set up just perfect for our needs. In the morning again the hotel staff were very helpful and made our early wake up easier than expected. We really enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Monaco and what made it especially nice was the hotel staff. Everyone was very pleasant and very accomodating. I recommend it for stays in Munich!

Thanks for a lovely Munich stay!

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

This is my second stay at Hotel Monaco. Last October, I stayed here when my sister and brother-in-law came to visit. This time, I brought my family, my sister-in-law and her friend here to tour Munich. Hotel Monaco is an ideal mix of price and location – it´s around the corner from the Hauptbahnhof and just a short walk away from the Marienplatz. The staff is so friendly!  They had our name on the welcome board and were so nice even with  a late check in.  We came with two four-year old girls and she gave them coloring books and crayons.   Which makes this the girls favorite hotel so far!  We  love the adorable, spacious rooms WITH it’s own big bathroom. Our beds are comfortable and the girls fell right asleep.  We enjoy staying at the Hotel Monaco and have reccommended it to our friends. Some of which are coming tomorrow night and bringing their family.

Thank you for a lovely stay!

Engstrom Family
Phoenix, Arizona via Heidelberg, Germany

Two times at the Munich Hotel Monaco

Friday, August 21st, 2009

We arrived in Munich on a rainy evening from Los Angeles on July 23rd. On the way to Hotel Monaco, our cab driver was so friendly and so enthusiastic about telling us the places we pssed by and places we should visit.  Being our first time here, we were excited and quite impressed with what we have seen and we couldn’t wait to explore!  After being dropped off where the Hotel Monaco sign is on Schillerstrasse, we couldn’t find the hotel entrance. It was actually on Adolf Kipler St.. My son & I were tired and jetlagged and coming up to the reception desk we were greeted with a warm, friendly smile by the hotel staff. We felt so welcome!  The rooms are quite charming and cozy with angel decorations.  My favorite one is the angel hanging on the chandelier.  The rooms are very clean and very comfortable bed. My son & I felt so comfortable.  The breakfast was sumptuos and delicious and typical Bavarian. We only stayed for one night but we liked it here so much that I reserved a room again for August on our way back to Los Angeles.  We are back in Munich at Hotel Monaco. The staff are so friendly.They really make your stay as comforatble as possible.  Their customer service is great and personal.  Christine and her staff are always smiling, just like all the angels hanging on the walls and ceilings.  We highly recommend this hotel because of the cleanliness, the service and the ever friendly Christine and her staff!

Thanks,

Cecille and Nikki
Culver City, CA

Three days and three nights in Munich

Monday, August 17th, 2009

Three days and three nights in this city, and I agree that it must be one of the most livable cities in Germany, if not Europe! I loved walking around the Marienplatz…watching people shop and eat and sell fruit stop and listen to street music…it is so vibrant and alive! Of course, one must visit the Hofbräuhaus… I drank my first and last liter of beer there in the picturesque Bier Garten. Perhaps the best place in Munich to spend an afternoon is in the English Garten (Munich’s Central Park.) I walked by surfers and marvelled at the fact that they surf in such freezing water in the downtown of a major city.
Another must in the English Garten is a stop at the Chinese Tower. My friends and I sat in this large 6,000 seat picnic area/ bier garten— complete with huge beers and lots of laugther and music and people speaking all kinds of languages. This city is so pedestrian and bicycle friendly that exploring it is a treat! I know I will be back someday… Tchüss, München!

Come on, it´s Bladenight in Munich!

Monday, August 10th, 2009

“Where are you rolling?” asked surprised tourists. Summertime in Munich is Blading time!

Every Monday evening you can roller-skate from 9 PM in the city of Munich. Around 8000 people are skating every week around Munich.

Blade night is a great highlight in the city and it is impossible to imagine a summer without a Skate night.

The routes go through the whole city centre. This night is suitable for enthusiastic, sporty people of all ages. You can enjoy “your city” smog-free for two hours!

Since 1999 this event takes place and counts to one of the biggest events in this vein in Europe. Road-blockings, numerous assistants and the police taking care for a smooth activity. We recommend our “sporty guests” of Hotel Monaco to join in the Blade night!

You have a lot of possibilities to hire roller-skates in the city. Use this chance to be part of this fabulous night until 14. September 2009!

For more information use the follow link: http://www.muenchner-bladenight.de

Munich is very different to Frankfurt

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

I am the first time here in munich….its wonderful visiting this bavarian city…nice people..nice climate….i have arrived from nurenberg by the ice train..as soon as i reached the train station i was assisted with directions by some officers at the train station … i reached the monaco hotel and it was a real surprise for me to see the grand big size rooms for the small money….he receptionist was so friendly with a warm welcome…the rooms are really so grandios.

The city of munich is lot more different than what i expected….different from the regular frankfurt types where i am on buinsess most of the times…i think frankfurt is for business whereas munich is for fun, enjoyment, seeing the lovely places around….and not to forget the beeeeeeeeer in munich…..the best thing is also to rent a bike…its fun to rent one and go across the town on your own seeing places flying like a bird where ever you want to……the best thing is the friendly, vibrant young people enjoying all along. Well got to rush ….write you more next time. Cheers. Ketannn

How to meet people in Munich

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

How to meet people in Munich:

If you are in your mid-20s-30s and are traveling in Munich, it can be somewhat overwhelming to try and meet new people. But do not fear, that’s what the beer gardens are for! The ambiance in these places is fantastic, people are singing, dancing around, cheering, and of course, drinking lots of beer (and most of the time it’s huge 1 liter glasses!). The best is to find a table with people who look like fun and you just plop down next to them, introduce yourself, and get ready for a fantastic evening meeting new people and experiencing a very traditional Munich festivity! You can either sit inside or outside, but no matter where you go, you are sure to have an excellent time! Bring your dancing shoes because whoever you meet might want to take you out dancing once you’ve finished at the beer garden!

Munich – Egyptian Museum

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

The Egyptian Museum in Munich:

If you are in Munich and are a fan of Egyptian art, do not miss the opportunity to visit this great museum! It houses a very impressive collection and displays them in an outstanding matter. You won’t feel overwhelmed and will be able to appreciate the aesthetic beauty of each piece and still see everything in the museum in one day! There is basic info on the panels and if you are someone interested in a little more info, there are audio guides, tours, and pamphlets available in each room. For kids it’s also a super museum, with workshops during the summer and an “archaeology backpack” with fun activities for them to do while they visit the museum. Currently, there is a great temporary exhibit called “Last Exit Munich” which displays very important pieces from the Berlin Museum (currently closed for renovations) paired with objects from the Munich museum. It’s quite fascinating and you don’t even have to go to Berlin to see them I definitely suggest visiting this museum…right after wards, you’ll be near the Residenz and you can wander around the streets and find your way back to Marienplatz!