Review Summary
A practical Munich hotel with a strong location and mixed room quality
Senator is a practical Munich hotel for staying close to Theresienwiese, Munich Central Station, Hackerbrücke and public transport. The location is the main reason to choose it. It works well for a short city trip, a business stay or an Oktoberfest visit. The rooms vary a lot. Some rooms were clean, spacious and quiet, while others felt dated, worn and not cleaned carefully enough. The strongest points were the location, the mostly friendly staff, the simple breakfast and the option to park at the hotel. The weakest points were unreliable Wi-Fi, no air conditioning, street noise, old bathrooms and uneven service when problems came up. At about 190 euros for one night for two people including breakfast, it made sense for the location. At about 220 euros per night during a trade fair, I would compare other hotels first.
Price and Payment
Room rate and value
I paid about 190 euros for one night for two people including breakfast. For this part of Munich, that price was reasonable. The hotel is close to the main station, Theresienwiese, tram stops and the U-Bahn, so the location adds real value. It is not a modern hotel, but for a short stay where the room is mostly used for sleeping, the price can work. During fair periods, the price went up to about 220 euros per night. At that level, the old room condition, weak Wi-Fi and lack of air conditioning become much harder to ignore.
Booking and payment method
The room was booked online, and payment was handled by card at the front desk. The staff checked the booking and extra charges clearly. Parking cost about 13 euros per day when using the hotel parking option. Street parking nearby could be around 11 euros per day, but it required coins or the Munich parking app. For guests arriving by car, the hotel garage is easier. For a normal city trip, public transport is the better choice.
Check-in and Check-out
Arrival and front desk process
Check-in was usually quick. On one stay, the room was ready before 2 p.m., which was helpful. Passport and reservation checks were handled without much delay. The 24-hour reception is useful if arriving late in Munich. Staff attitude varied, though. Some front desk staff were patient, friendly and willing to repeat explanations slowly. Others were less helpful when dealing with Wi-Fi or room issues.
Departure and luggage
Check-out was easy. I returned the key, checked extra costs such as parking or breakfast, and the process was done quickly. Luggage storage was available, which helped after checking out and before heading back to Munich Central Station. For a train-based trip, that convenience matters.
Room Types and Room Size
Standard rooms
The standard rooms are enough for a city stay. Some rooms had enough space for luggage, a desk, wardrobe and a small fridge. Other rooms felt older and more worn. The furniture, carpet, doors and bathroom show the age of the hotel. This is a hotel for people who spend most of the day outside and come back mainly to sleep.
Larger rooms and family stays
The larger rooms were more comfortable. A big bed, an extra bed or sofa bed, and a spacious bathroom made family stays easier. Some rooms had enough floor space for luggage and movement. Still, a bigger room did not always mean a better-maintained room. I saw worn fabric, dust on edges and small cleaning issues in some rooms.
Balcony rooms and views
Some rooms have a balcony or terrace. Upper-floor rooms had better views, including a pleasant view toward the church. Rooms facing the inner side were quieter than rooms facing the street. For a better stay, I recommend asking for a quiet room facing away from the main road or on a higher floor.
Bed and Bedding
Mattress and pillows
The bed comfort was mixed. Some mattresses were soft and comfortable, while others felt too soft or worn out. Guests who prefer firm mattresses may not sleep well here. Pillows were sometimes low and flat. The bed was fine for a short stay, but it was not consistently good across rooms.
Bedding condition
The sheets were generally white and clean at first glance. In some rooms, however, the bedding had carpet fluff or older marks underneath the covers. When the room had been cleaned well, sleeping was comfortable. When cleaning was less careful, the bed area needed checking. I recommend checking the pillow, sheets and mattress shortly after arrival.
Cleanliness and Room Smell
Clean rooms and weaker rooms
Cleanliness varied from room to room. Some rooms were clean, tidy and serviced daily. Others had dust on furniture edges, hair in the bathroom, dirt on the floor or stains on fabric furniture. The hotel can be clean, but quality control is not always consistent.
Smell and ventilation
Some rooms had no noticeable smell. One room had an unpleasant smell on arrival, and another bathroom had a urine smell at first. In warm weather, the room became stuffy quickly. Windows can be opened, but in rooms facing the street, that brings in traffic noise. Without air conditioning, this is a real drawback in summer.
Bathroom and Shower
Bathroom size and basic amenities
Many bathrooms were fairly spacious for a city hotel. Some had a bathtub, sink, toilet, hairdryer and enough towels. A few bathrooms had windows. Hot water was usually available, but in some rooms it took time to become stable.
Water pressure and bathtub shower
Water pressure was usable, but older fittings made the bathroom feel dated. Some taps were loose, and showering in a bathtub with a curtain was not very comfortable. Guests expecting a modern walk-in shower will be disappointed. For a quick shower, it works, but the comfort level is basic.
Bathroom condition
The bathrooms showed age. Rust marks, old tiles, loose fittings and small defects appeared in some rooms. The better bathrooms were still usable and spacious, but the condition depends heavily on the room assigned.
Heating, Cooling and Room Temperature
No air conditioning
The hotel does not have air conditioning. Some rooms had a fan, but that was not enough in hot weather. The room became warm quickly. Opening the window helped with air, but it also brought in street noise. I would be careful booking this hotel in summer.
Heating and hot water
Heating was mostly fine, and staff helped when there was a problem. Hot water was usually reliable, although some rooms needed more time for the water to warm up. After check-in, it is worth testing the shower and heating right away.
Noise and Soundproofing
Street-facing rooms
Rooms facing the street can be noisy. Traffic, sirens and voices are noticeable, especially with the window open. Because there is no air conditioning, this becomes a problem during warm nights. If sleep quality matters, do not choose a street-facing room.
Inner rooms and hallway noise
Rooms facing the inner side were much better. With the window closed, they were quiet enough for sleep. Still, this is an older building, so hallway and neighboring-room noise can happen. During Oktoberfest, the whole area becomes livelier at night.
Room Facilities and Internet
Desk, sockets and fridge
Rooms usually had a desk, wardrobe, sockets and sometimes a small fridge. This was enough for light laptop use. Storage space was good in larger rooms. In one room, the fridge did not work properly, and it was not fixed quickly.
Wi-Fi and TV
Wi-Fi was the biggest problem. In some rooms, especially on higher floors, the connection was very weak or unusable. The speed was not reliable for work, video calls or streaming. TV also had glitches in some rooms. Anyone who needs stable internet should choose another hotel.
Elevator and room key
The elevator is small and old. It usually worked, but there were times when it was out of service. The room key system also felt outdated. This fits the general impression of the hotel: usable, but not modern.
Breakfast and Bar
Breakfast selection
Breakfast was simple but usually enough. I had bread, pretzels, croissants, cold cuts, cheese, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, fruit salad, yogurt, juice, water, tea and coffee. The fresh fruit salad was good, and warm items improved the breakfast. For a short stay, it was enough.
Food quality
The selection was not large. Guests expecting a big buffet will not be impressed. For bread, cheese, eggs, coffee and fruit before going out, it works. On later stays, the breakfast felt smaller than before. It is acceptable, not special.
Breakfast room and staff
The breakfast room is in the basement and not very large. It can feel crowded during busy times. The breakfast staff were friendly, quick and attentive. Food was refilled, and requests were handled well. Breakfast service was one of the better parts of the stay.
Hotel bar
The hotel has a small bar where beer and drinks are available in the evening. Prices were reasonable. It is not a large bar, but it is useful when you do not want to go out again. The hotel does not have a full restaurant, so dinner is better outside.
Parking
Hotel garage and cost
The hotel has parking available. I paid about 13 euros per day. For Munich and this location, that was acceptable. The garage is not large, and there is a height limit. Cars over 2 meters may have a problem.
Nearby parking and public transport
There are paid parking options nearby, sometimes around 11 euros per day. However, street parking requires coins or the Munich parking app. Since the hotel is well connected by tram, S-Bahn and U-Bahn, I recommend arriving without a car for a normal city visit.
Staff
Front desk
Many front desk staff members were friendly, helpful and patient. They handled arrival, luggage storage and simple requests well. However, service during complaints was not always good. When Wi-Fi or room problems came up, the response could be dismissive. The service is therefore mixed rather than consistently strong.
Breakfast and housekeeping
The breakfast staff were usually excellent: fast, friendly and attentive. Housekeeping was less consistent. Some rooms were cleaned daily and looked fine. Others had dust, hair or floors that had not been vacuumed well. It is important to use the room-cleaning sign if service is needed.
Advantages
Location and transport
The location is the strongest advantage. Theresienwiese, Munich Central Station, Hackerbrücke, tram and U-Bahn are all easy to reach. For Oktoberfest, short sightseeing and train travel, this location is very convenient. Supermarkets, restaurants and bars are also nearby.
Price and larger rooms
At about 190 euros for two people including breakfast, the hotel can be good value. Some rooms are spacious, some have balconies, and breakfast is enough to start the day. The bar and parking option add convenience.
Disadvantages
Old condition
The hotel is clearly dated. Furniture, carpets, bathrooms, elevator and key system all show age. Some rooms had stains, dust, damaged furniture and old bathrooms. Guests who want a modern hotel should not book this one.
Wi-Fi, heat and noise
Wi-Fi is unreliable. The lack of air conditioning makes summer nights difficult. Street-facing rooms can be noisy, especially with the window open. These are the main reasons the hotel will not suit every traveler.
Service when problems occur
Most staff were friendly, but complaints were not always handled well. An older hotel can still be acceptable if problems are handled professionally. This part needs improvement.
Overall Satisfaction and Revisit
Best for short stays
Senator is a simple, well-located 3-star hotel in Munich. It works for short stays when most of the day is spent outside. It is less suitable for guests who need strong Wi-Fi, modern rooms or reliable cooling.
Would I stay again?
I would stay again if the price is right, the weather is not hot, and I can get a quiet room facing away from the street or on a higher floor. At trade fair rates around 220 euros per night, I would compare other hotels first. For Oktoberfest and train access, the location remains very strong.
Location Description
Between Munich Central Station, Hackerbrücke and Theresienwiese
From Munich Central Station, walk south toward Bayerstraße, and the hotel is about 10 to 15 minutes away on foot. Hackerbrücke S-Bahn station is also within walking distance. Theresienwiese U-Bahn station and nearby tram stops are only a few minutes away. Theresienwiese itself is very close, which makes the hotel especially useful for Oktoberfest. Marienplatz and the old town are about 25 to 30 minutes away on foot, and faster by U-Bahn or tram. With heavy luggage, I recommend using public transport from the main station.
Check the hotel location on the map
Hotel Photos
This review is connected to the city review page below.
Munich Place Reviews