Hotel Review Summary
Modern hotel near Munich Central Station
Motel One München Hauptbahnhof is a modern hotel between Munich Central Station and Karlsplatz Stachus. The location is excellent for train travel, business trips, and short city stays. The hotel feels new, clean, and stylish, and the lobby with its bar area is one of its strongest points. The rooms are mostly small but comfortable, and the sound insulation is good when the windows are closed. The main downsides are the limited in-room amenities, weak air conditioning in some rooms, occasional service issues at reception, and the rougher atmosphere around the station at night. Prices can reach about 190 to 200 euros per night, and at that level the small room size becomes more noticeable. Breakfast is good, especially for bread, coffee, fruit, yogurt, cheese, ham, and vegan options, but the lounge-style seating is not always comfortable for eating.
Price and Payment
Room rate per night
The rate changed a lot depending on the date. I paid about 190 euros per night with breakfast on one stay, and about 200 euros per night without breakfast on another stay. For Munich and the central station location, this is not unusual, but the standard room is very compact and the amenities are minimal. With breakfast included, the price felt more reasonable. Without breakfast, 200 euros for a small room felt expensive.
Card payment and prepaid booking
Online booking was easy, and card payment was the most convenient option. However, prepaid bookings need careful checking at reception. On one stay, the front desk did not properly recognize that the room had already been paid for, and I was asked to pay again. That is a major inconvenience during a trip. I recommend keeping the booking confirmation and payment confirmation ready at check-in.
Check-in and Check-out
Check-in experience
Check-in was usually smooth. Early check-in was possible when a room was ready, and late-night check-in also worked without trouble. On good days, the staff handled the booking quickly and gave clear instructions. However, there were also weaker moments. I had repeated questions during check-in, a wrong room category assignment, and confusion around room allocation. That kind of mistake is frustrating, especially after a long journey.
Check-out process
Check-out was generally quick. Returning the key card and checking the bill did not take long. Still, the final cost should be checked carefully, especially if breakfast, parking, or other extras are added. On one stay, the receptionist did not ask about the stay and simply ended the process. For business travel, I recommend checking the invoice before leaving the desk.
Room Types and Stay Experience
Standard room
The standard room is typical Motel One: small, clean, modern, and functional. It works well for one person and a short stay. For two people with luggage, it feels tight. The room had a bed, small desk, open hanging space, shelves, TV, and a compact bathroom. There was not much space to move around once luggage was open. The bed was comfortable, the mattress was supportive, and the pillows were acceptable for a short trip.
Special One and Munich Special room
The Special One and Munich Special rooms are better choices if room size matters. The Munich Special room facing the courtyard was quiet, clean, and much more spacious. The bed was very comfortable, and the larger space made the stay easier. Still, the room felt too sparsely furnished for its size. A small seating area, more hangers, a proper wardrobe, and an extra bin would have made it much better.
Terrace room
The terrace room was disappointing. The terrace was on the ground floor and felt more like a door to the outside than a real outdoor space. There was no chair, no table, and no practical reason to spend time there. Because the room was on the ground floor, privacy was also limited. I would not recommend paying extra for this room type unless the hotel clearly confirms what kind of terrace is included.
Accessible room
The accessible room was one of the better room types. It was much larger than the standard room and allowed easy movement with a wheelchair. The bathroom was also spacious, and the shower was step-free. The staff handled the reservation, check-in, and check-out in a friendly and confident way. The room was a little warm, and the courtyard terrace was not fully practical for wheelchair use, but overall this room type worked well.
Cleanliness and Room Smell
Clean and new rooms
The rooms were usually very clean. The bed, bathroom, floor, desk, and towels were well maintained. The hotel still feels new, and that is a clear advantage. There was no old hotel smell in the room, and the public areas were also tidy. For a hotel next to the central station, the indoor atmosphere was clean and calm.
Dust and ventilation
There were still some issues. On one stay, dust from the mattress was noticeable, which is not good for allergy-sensitive guests. Some rooms also became warm and stuffy when the air conditioning or ventilation did not work properly. In small rooms, poor airflow becomes uncomfortable quickly. I recommend checking the room temperature and air circulation right after arrival.
Bed and Bedding
Mattress and sleep quality
The bed was one of the best parts of the stay. The mattress was comfortable, the bedding was clean, and I slept well in quiet rooms. Two separate duvets in a double room were practical. The pillows were not luxurious, but they were fine for this hotel category. For a short city stay, the bed quality was reliable.
Duvet and heat
The duvet was too warm on some nights. When the air conditioning did not cool properly, the room became too hot. Opening the window helped with fresh air but brought in street noise. If you are sensitive to heat, check the air conditioning immediately after check-in.
Bathroom and Shower
Water pressure and hot water
The bathroom was modern and attractive. The walk-in shower had steady water pressure, and hot water worked well. Towels were clean and pleasantly thick. Some rooms also had a soft night light in the bathroom, which was useful at night. For a compact city hotel, the bathroom looked good.
Wet bathroom floor after showering
The main bathroom problem was water spilling onto the floor. The shower screen was too short, and after showering the bathroom floor could become very wet. In some rooms, one bath mat was not enough. The shower holder was not always stable, and the shampoo and body wash dispensers were not always placed conveniently. The bathroom looks modern, but the shower design needs improvement.
In-room Amenities
Basic equipment
The room had only the essentials: bed, small desk, TV, open hanging area, shelves, safe, and basic bathroom products. Wi-Fi was fast and stable, which was useful for work. However, there was no coffee machine, no kettle, no fridge, and no glasses in the room. Water was given at reception rather than placed in the room. For this price level, the lack of basic amenities was noticeable.
TV and lighting
The TV was basic. Easy streaming or phone mirroring was not really available. The lighting in some rooms felt a little dark, especially for working. The hotel’s green and moody design works very well in the lobby, but the room could use brighter task lighting. For laptop work, the lounge was often better than the room.
Air Conditioning and Windows
Cooling
Air conditioning was a weak point. On some stays, it did not cool properly, and the room became warm and stuffy. This is especially uncomfortable during hot weather. Because the standard rooms are small, the air gets heavy quickly. In summer, I recommend checking the cooling system as soon as you enter the room.
Windows and fresh air
With the windows closed, the room was very quiet. Even with the central station, trams, and traffic nearby, outside noise was well blocked. With the window open, the situation changed. Street voices, trams, and general station-area noise came in. Some windows also did not open wide enough, which made ventilation harder.
Noise and Soundproofing
Quiet rooms with closed windows
The soundproofing was good overall. Courtyard-facing rooms were especially quiet. Inside the room, it was easy to forget how central the hotel is. If you are sensitive to noise, I recommend asking for a courtyard-facing room. That gives you the benefit of the station location without much noise.
Corridor noise
The rooms are not completely silent. The doors are heavy and can close loudly. Late arrivals in the corridor may be heard. However, voices from neighboring rooms, bathroom fans, and plumbing noise were not a major issue. Overall, the hotel is good for sleeping.
Breakfast
Food and drinks
Breakfast was mostly good. There were breads and rolls, cheese, ham, eggs, fruit, yogurt, coffee, and several vegan options. Vegan spreads, vegan sausage, vegan cheese, vegan feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, pretzel sticks, and oat milk for coffee were available. It is not a huge luxury buffet, but it is fresh and enough for a good start to the day.
Seating in the lobby
The biggest breakfast issue is the seating. Breakfast is served in the lobby and lounge area. The furniture is attractive in the evening, but low tables and sofas are not ideal for breakfast. If you come down late, normal tables may be limited. This makes the breakfast less comfortable than the food itself.
Breakfast value
At about 190 euros per night including breakfast, the full package was acceptable. Still, the breakfast is not a large classic hotel buffet. If you expect many hot dishes, it may feel limited. If you want fresh bread, coffee, fruit, and good vegan options, it works well.
Lobby and Bar
Stylish lobby
The lobby is one of the best parts of the hotel. The green, plant-inspired design feels like a stylish indoor garden. After walking through the busy station area, the lobby feels calm and comfortable. There are many seats, and some are good for working with a laptop. For business travelers, this is a clear advantage.
Bar in the evening
The bar is a good place for coffee, cocktails, and evening drinks. It is convenient to stay inside the hotel after a long day in Munich. On good days, the bar staff were friendly and created a relaxed atmosphere. On other days, service felt slower or less warm. Still, the bar is a strong point of the hotel.
Staff
Front desk
The front desk service varied. Many staff members were friendly, helpful, and professional. Early check-in, luggage storage, and short-notice requests were handled well. However, there were also problems with wrong room assignments, payment checks, and less friendly communication. For a modern hotel in this price range, the front desk should be more consistent.
Breakfast and bar staff
Breakfast staff were usually friendly and attentive. Requests such as oat milk were handled well. Bar staff were excellent on some evenings, but less welcoming on others. Overall, service was good, but not always consistent.
Housekeeping
Housekeeping was generally solid. Rooms, towels, beds, and bathrooms were usually clean. Still, issues such as mattress dust, water flooding after showers, and shower fixture problems show that room checks could be more thorough.
Parking
Underground parking and car access
The hotel has underground parking, and reservation may be needed. The parking spaces are usable, but the entrance and exit are narrow. Construction and closed roads around the station can make driving to the hotel frustrating. If arriving by car, check parking availability and access details before the trip.
Parking cost
Using a nearby parking garage from Thursday evening to Sunday midday cost about 90 euros. That is expensive, and it becomes more annoying if card payment or receipt printing does not work. For this hotel, public transport is the better option. Train, U-Bahn, tram, and bus access are much easier than driving.
Surrounding Area and Safety
Excellent transport links
The location is excellent for getting around. Munich Central Station, U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, and bus stops are all close. Karlsplatz Stachus is within easy walking distance, and the old town is also easy to reach. For day trips from Munich, the hotel is very convenient.
Station area at night
The area around the hotel is not beautiful. It is busy, noisy, and can feel unpleasant at night. There are groups on the street, construction areas, traffic, and the usual rougher central station atmosphere. Inside the hotel, it feels calm and safe. Outside, especially at night, I recommend staying alert and taking the direct way back to the hotel.
Pros
Location, cleanliness, and lobby
The biggest advantages are the location, clean rooms, and excellent lobby. For train travelers, the location is hard to beat. The bar and lounge are stylish and useful for working. The rooms are small, but modern and usually quiet.
Breakfast and beds
Breakfast is good, especially for guests who like organic, vegetarian, and vegan options. The beds are comfortable, and the windows block noise well. For a short stay, the hotel works well.
Cons
Small rooms and limited amenities
The standard rooms are very small. With two people and luggage, the space feels tight. At around 190 to 200 euros per night, I missed a coffee machine, kettle, fridge, glasses, and more storage. The value depends heavily on the rate.
Air conditioning, shower, and service mistakes
Air conditioning did not always work well. The shower can leave the bathroom floor wet. There were also some mistakes with room assignment, payment checks, and front desk communication. These issues do not match the otherwise modern impression of the hotel.
Overall Satisfaction and Would I Stay Again
Who should book this hotel
Motel One München Hauptbahnhof is a good choice for travelers who want a central, clean, modern hotel next to the station. For one or two nights, it works well. I strongly recommend a courtyard-facing room or a larger room over a small standard room facing the street.
My recommendation
At around 150 euros per night, I would book it again without hesitation. At about 190 euros with breakfast, it depends on the travel plan. At 200 euros without breakfast, I would compare other Munich hotels as well. I would still stay again if I could get a quiet courtyard-facing room, working air conditioning, and clear payment confirmation.
Location Description
From Munich Central Station to the hotel
From the southern side of Munich Central Station, the hotel is only a few minutes away on foot. U-Bahn and S-Bahn entrances are nearby, and tram and bus stops are also close. Karlsplatz Stachus can be reached quickly on foot, and Marienplatz and the old town are easy to reach by public transport or by walking. Because of construction and the busy station area, I recommend using the main streets on the first visit and taking the direct way back to the hotel at night.
Check the hotel location on the map
Hotel Photos
This review is connected to the city review page below.
Munich Place Reviews