My very first time at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof was more than decade ago when I attended a party in the hotel’s impressive Ballroom. When I left the glamorous event that night, I remember stepping out into a mild summer night with clear star-filled skies.

Today it is a freezing, grey winter day as my taxi pulls into the Promenadeplatz, approaching the 168-year-old Bavarian Grand Dame in the heart of Munich. Among the great hotels in Munich, the Bayerischer Hof is the most historic. It was built in 1841 by appointment of HRH King Ludwig I. Damaged, partially destroyed and rebuilt several times, it has been family run for more than 100 years by the Volkhardt family with directrice Innegrit Volkhardt currently representing the fourth generation.

Not that I have been a stranger to the Bayerischer Hof since my first visit. The hotel has some outstanding facilities I have frequented on several occasions while in Munich: whether it’s falk’s Bar, the beautiful bar located in an impressive historic mirrored room with high stucco ceilings, Trader Vic’s, the hotel’s Polynesian restaurant and bar which, apart from great pan-pacific cuisine serves best Tiki Puka Puka between here and Papeete, or the rooftop icebar, this hotel caters to pretty much any social occasion you can think of.

As I get out of the taxi today and step into the warm lobby I am happy to hear the typical Bavarian greeting “Grüss Gott”, a pleasant reminder that I have arrived not only in Munich but in the heart of Bavaria. It feels good being back in Munich. This city makes you feel at home instantly.

My Junior Suite on the fifth floor is surprising: black backboards in front of red walls with photographic painted portraits and black and white striped furniture give the room a great cosmopolitan atmosphere. As a matter of fact, the Bayerischer Hof never stops surprising you. It’s the sheer variety that is so unique about it: African inspired guest rooms with elephant images and patterns reminiscent of the Serengeti, Art Nouveau rooms designed by Count Pilati with lacquered wood and strong earthy colors and very traditional palatial rooms in the secluded Palais Montgelas building part.

And then of course the variety of restaurants and bars is dizzying: apart from the above there’s the Bavarian Palais Keller, the Piano Bar, the Jazz Club and even a theatre.

September 2009 saw the introduction of yet another design concept with two restaurants by Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt. Finding the right designer took Innegrit Volkhardt three years of research and travel to Europe‘s finest restaurants in Paris, Milan, London, Barcelona. Eventually she discovered Axel Vervoordt following a private invitation.

Renowned for his private residences, chateaus and apartments, the Atelier and Garden restaurants at the Bayerischer Hof are two of very few public spaces Vervoordt designed.

It’s the clarity, warmth and authenticity that strike you as you walk in and look around. The Atelier really feels like one and the Garden gives you the feeling of sitting on a sun filled patio.

Make your way up to the top floor and another surprise awaits: the hotel’s pool features a glass roof letting plenty of daylight in. In the summer the roof may be opened fully, turning the top floor into an outdoor area.

The terrace is accessible in the winter as well and today it is covered in snow as I step out, admiring the fantastic views. They are the same views you have from the breakfast room.

The next morning, I’m up for an early breakfast and while I am sipping on my café latte the sun rises over a clear blue sky that is too cold for clouds. Like a wandering spotlight, it lights up one building after the other, making the city’s signature monuments shine: the beautiful Frauenkirche, Munich’s landmark dome, the Rathaus and the Alte Peter are all right opposite.

Once again you are reminded that it is the heart of Munich you’re in. It is hard taking your eyes off this majestic sight but it is time to leave, Munich is waiting! As I step out into the crystal cold morning I can’t think of a better way start into the day…

As Oktoberfest 2009 rolls around, “O’zapft ist und ein Prosit der Gemuehtlischkeit” reverberates through Bavaria from September 19 to October 4.

The time is fast approaching when people around the world once again flock to Munich to partake in a celebration filled with rollercoaster rides, exquisite meals, Bavarian brass band music and, of course, beer.

Locals, visitors, and celebrities alike come together every year to get a taste of the fresh beverages, roast pork and potato dumplings on offer at the “Wiesn.”

Even when the official beer tents are filled to maximum capacity, the party continues at the world famous Hofbrauhaus where you can experience what it truly means to eat, drink, and be merry.

If the 2009 Oktoberfest is on your must-do list this year, here are some of the best places to stay near the “Wiesn”:

Hotels in Munich for Oktoberfest 2009:

Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski

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Found on one of the world’s greatest boulevards, the Maximilian Strasse, the Hotel Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich is in a really great location for guests coming to Munich to celebrate Oktoberfest this year.

Built for King Maximilian II, this stunning hotel is close to galleries, theatres, the State Opera House and great shopping!

Choose from 303 luxurious rooms and 65 suites, and enjoy Hotel Jaheszeiten Kempinski Munich’s traditional charm and intimacy. We really love the warm colour combinations of gold and red and the warmth of the lobby.

When you book this hotel through Kiwi Collection, you can take advantage of our special relationship with them and will receive a complimentary upgrade (when available) and complimentary breakfast during your stay.

The Charles Hotel:

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Located in the heart of Munich near the botanical garden, The Hotel Charles offers elegant comforts, unique designs, and personalized service.

Love of detail and unparalleled standards is what makes this luxury hotel in Munich a favorite for many visiting the cosmopolitan hub for business or for leisure.

Stay at this gorgeous hotel if you want to be in the center of all of the action at this year’s Oktoberfest!

Bayerischer Hof:

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The Bayerischer Hof is a world of its own. Upon entering this palatial building, you feel like walking into a luxurious oasis filled with historical mysteries. Since 1841, this luxury hotel in Bavaria has played host to royalty and some of the most renowned stars of all time; Micheal Jackson reportedly stayed in one of Bayerishcer Hof’s most exclusive rooms.

Conveniently situated within walking distance to all the main sights and attraction downtown Munich, this luxury hotel in Germany is a haven that satisfies the most exacting standards.

Mandarin Oriental, Munich:

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Tucked away on a side street in the historical center, the Mandarin Oriental, Munich exudes quiet luxury and renaissance charm.

Each room harbors hand-made furnishings and plenty of helpful staff on hand to ensure a comfortable and delightful stay.

With only 23 days left until the 176th Oktoberfest begins with a knock on the barrel and a loud “O’zapft is!”, book your hotel now to ensure you will be living in supreme comfort close to where the party is at.

Don’t forget to bring your Drindle or Lederhosen and to learn some Bavarian essentials:

Grasdi—Hello, Good day
A Mass—1 Liter of Bier
Ein Helles—a lager
Ein Dunkles—a dark beer
Ein Halbes—half a beer
A Brezn—1 Pretzel
Hendl—roast chicken
An Guadn!—Enjoy your meal!
Prost! –Cheers!
Ha?—pardon me?
Host mi?—Did you understand me?
Dangschee—Thank you very much
Servus / Pfiat di —Goodbye

Although it’s true that Frankfurt Germany has the reputation for being the center of business and finance, there’s more to this great city than its reputation suggests. Beneath the surface, Frankfurt thrives on the arts and is full of international and local culture. For the person who loves luxury travel, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to feel luxurious. And with hotel rooms starting at only 100 Euros, Kiwi Collection features some of the best luxury hotels in Frankfurt!

In the heart of Europe, Frankfurt is a buzzing metropolis rich in beautiful museums and a serious night life. Business savvy or not, this city is sure to please every traveler. Visits to traditional taverns (like the Apfelweinwirtschaft Adolf Wagner), or a stroll though the famous Palmengarten – known worldwide for its beautiful gardens – are sure to spice up any getaway.

Check out some of the great hotels in Frankfurt that we have in our luxury collection with room rates that start at only 100 Euros. You’ll be able to have your luxury hotel and your Riesling too with prices this good!

The Pure:

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Centrally located in Frankfurt this hotel was erected from a 19th century loft and completely renovated to express ease, clearness and transparency. Beautifully designed, the hotel is no more than a background attraction to the guests’ eyes, while happenings around will be focused.

At The Pure, the rooms are nice and open with bright material and an extraordinary atmosphere, its wonderful place to spoil the soul.

Roomers:

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Just minutes from the River Main, Roomers is in the heart of the city’s business metropolis and a triumph of modern hotel design.  Decorated with cool dark furnishings, glass and concrete, it creates an ambiance of exclusivity and ultimate modern luxury.

Roomers will also impress you with their restaurant and a bar spread over five impeccably designed stories. The restaurant serves delicious local dishes using fresh ingredients accompanied by an extensive wine list.

Gerbermuehle:

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This newly renovated 14th century estate was built on the picturesque spot on the left bank of the River Main. Complete with an exquisite summer garden in the bustling city makes it a great escape to chill out with friends over a fresh local draught beer.

At the Gerbermuhle, style and aesthetics blend, merging tradition and innovation to create a completely unique environment ideal for perfect nights and rewarding days.

Each room is decorated with exclusive materials to create its own distinctive individually and character. This hotel is the perfect getaway in the heart of Frankfurt.

It occurred to me recently at a dinner party conversation that my favourite German city of Munich, hardly gets a mention when is comes to visiting Europe’s great cities! An excited traveler mentioned how they were off to visit the great cities and towns of Europe. When I inquired, with a few friends where? The answers were for Madrid, Paris, London, Rome, but never Munich!

The wonderful city of Munich is the capital city of Bavaria, Germany and is located on the River Isar north of the Bavarian Alps. Munich is the third largest city in Germany after Berlin and Hamburg with approximately 1.35 million inhabitants. Munich offers everything that a big capital city has, from the stunning architecture, wonderful hotels, a fascinating history, sensational shopping and a great entertainment.

My first visit was during the soccer World Cup in 2006 where I was following the Australian Socceroos’s. I can’t say that I got to experience much else then great soccer at the sensational Allianz Arena and a few beer gardens! It has to be said that they are a “must” as part of any visit to Munich, the atmosphere, cuisine and delightful beer is classic German, and explains why this is the capital of the annual October fest.

My second visit gave me a chance to really enjoy the many pleasures that the city offers in the company of Kiwi Collection’s President Philippe Kjellgren. Our chosen hotel was the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski located in the heart of the city. The hotel typifies the city, the inimitable charm from the moment you step in, the hotel has been sensitively updated through the centuries to meet the changing demands of its guests without ever losing the signs of its great past.

Equally excellent is the Mandarin Oriental Munich, the location of two grand hotels is close to galleries, theatres and the State Opera House makes them ideal.

That history is felt through-out the city and is what make the place so special, mixed in between is elegant fashion stores with all the big names, you will find wonderful gardens and a city rich with churches. You really get a great sense of the city as you walk around and admire the deep history that has been rebuilt after the Second World War. The open-air market in the centre where locals shop and dine is perfect venue to people watch and feel the city’s heartbeat. The many café’s offer a southern European feel, they are almost hidden in old buildings with classic German restaurants, wine bars and wonderful French pastry shops offering you some of Germany’s best dining experiences.

The state of Bavaria is well known for the Black Forrest and stunning Alps that borders with Austria and Switzerland. The area is also home to one of Europe’s greatest chefs, the award wining and three stars Michelin Guide Chef Heinz Winkler. A simple 45 min drive south of Munich and you arrive in town Aschau. As you enter the late medieval building you sense that have entered a gourmet paradise. Our dinner was fabulous, the lightness and infinite variations of aromas, was a true reflection of his great creativity. The details from extensive wine list to the impeccable service, health spa, cosy Alpine feel made this quite a unique experience and one that we both will never forget. As we departed and drove towards the airport we both acknowledged that the dinner was one of best meals we had enjoyed, for me personally it typified Munich, pure style and elegance!