Steigenberger at a Glance
Overall impression and whether I would stay again
Steigenberger in Munich works well if you want a quiet hotel in Schwabing with larger rooms, good breakfast, a proper bar, parking, and quick public transport into the city. It is not right in the old town, but the U6 and tram make it easy to reach Marienplatz, Münchner Freiheit, the English Garden, the BMW Museum, and other Munich sights. Most rooms feel modern, spacious, and comfortable, and the beds are usually one of the best parts of the stay. Still, the experience was not perfect every time. Some rooms were spotless and very comfortable, while others had problems with bathroom cleanliness, weak shower pressure, room temperature, housekeeping, bedding smell, or technical equipment. One of my stays cost about 200 euros per night, breakfast was 34 euros per person, and underground parking was 29 euros per night. Once breakfast and parking are added, the total price rises quickly. I would stay at Steigenberger again, but I always check the booking details, payment amount, room condition, and included services carefully.
Steigenberger Check-in and Check-out
Arrival and front desk experience
Check-in at Steigenberger is generally guaranteed from 3:00 p.m. Even after online check-in, arriving around 12:30 p.m. did not mean the room was ready. I was told several times that rooms are only guaranteed from 3:00 p.m. On another stay, the room was ready before 3:00 p.m., but taking the key early would have cost an extra 35 euros. For that reason, I recommend leaving luggage at reception and coming back later if you arrive early. The front desk experience varied. On good days, passport check and reservation confirmation were fast, and staff handled things professionally. On weaker days, there was almost no explanation about the spa, breakfast area, or hotel facilities. When room problems came up, some staff reacted quickly and offered a room change. Other times, the response was short and did not really solve the issue.
Payment and departure
I have paid both in advance through an online booking and by card at the hotel. It is worth keeping the booking confirmation ready. Once, the amount at check-in was almost 100 euros higher than my online booking, and it was corrected only after I pointed it out. If breakfast is prepaid, it should also be checked in the system. When paying by card, I recommend choosing euros at the terminal to avoid unnecessary currency conversion charges. Check-out was usually simple, although it was not always fast. When I used the underground car park, parking was paid at reception. The rate I paid was 29 euros per night. At departure, staff did not always ask about my satisfaction, even when there had been issues worth discussing.
Steigenberger Room Types
Standard rooms and regular double rooms
The standard rooms at Steigenberger are a good size for a Munich city hotel. For a business trip or short city break, the space is enough. Several rooms had a desk, safe, hangers, mirror, movable TV, iron, ironing board, kettle, and coffee machine. The design is modern without feeling cold. The beds were usually comfortable, although some double rooms were actually two single beds pushed together. In those rooms, the beds sometimes slid apart during the night. The mattresses were mostly good, with a few feeling slightly worn. The pillows were fine for me, but there was no strong sense of choice in pillow height. When the room was properly cleaned, the value was good. In weaker rooms, I noticed burn marks on curtains, makeup marks on walls, a scratched toilet, or a shower that was not cleaned well enough.
Deluxe rooms and family stays
The Deluxe room felt larger than a regular double room, but I did not always find a clear extra benefit beyond the size. For families, asking for connecting Deluxe rooms is a good idea. The rooms are not connected directly by a bedroom door; instead, they share a small private entrance area. That allows children to sleep in their own double room without anyone needing to go into the hotel hallway. It is practical and quieter than two fully separate rooms. The bathroom setup is less ideal for families or friends. The bathroom is not fully separated from the sleeping area, the glass toilet door does very little for sound privacy, and the bathroom temperature cannot be set separately from the bedroom.
Superior Plus and Junior Suite
The Superior Plus room was one of the better room types I stayed in. The bathroom was spacious and pleasant, and there was enough room to leave luggage open without making the room feel cramped. A corner room was especially comfortable because it had more light and a better view over the area. The Junior Suite was decent and larger, but not exceptional. For the higher price, I expected a little more. In the bathroom, some tile work looked uneven, which did not ruin the stay but felt below expectations for that category. Once, the room keys stopped working and reception fixed it quickly, although the reaction was not especially warm. Overall, the higher room categories are worth it mainly if you want more space and a larger bathroom.
Steigenberger Cleanliness and Bedding
Room cleaning and smell
Cleanliness at Steigenberger was generally good, but not consistently reliable. During many stays, the room was clean, tidy, and fresh. The floor, bathroom, desk, and bed area were well maintained. However, I also had stays with clear housekeeping issues. After cleaning, the bed was not properly made, bins were not emptied, and coffee supplies were not always refilled. I noticed cup marks on the coffee area and dust along the baseboards in some rooms. One used wooden stirrer was placed back near the fresh cups the next day, which should not happen. Most rooms smelled neutral, but a few felt stuffy. In one room, the bedding had an unpleasant smell, which is unacceptable at this level.
Bed, duvets, and sheets
The beds are one of the hotel’s strengths. After long days in Munich, I usually slept well. The mattresses were comfortable and the bedding felt soft. Still, there were exceptions. Some duvets were very thick and not breathable enough, so the bed became too warm during the night. Combined with a poorly controlled air-conditioning system, that made sleep less comfortable. In one room, there was a stain on the bedsheet. A staff member came quickly and changed it, which was good service, but it should have been noticed earlier. In another room, visible dust was on the duvet and pillows. For a hotel at this price level, bed inspection needs to be more consistent.
Steigenberger Bathroom and Toilet
Shower, water pressure, and hot water
The bathroom looks modern and stylish at first. Shower, toilet, and wash area are visually separated, and the rain shower makes a good first impression. In daily use, the result depended heavily on the room. In some rooms, water pressure and hot water were fine. In others, the rain shower pressure was weak, making showers longer and less comfortable. During one stay, the shower took a long time to get warm. In one room area, there was no proper hot water, and the advice was to let the water run for 15 to 20 minutes. That was not a good solution. The sink had the opposite problem in some rooms: too much pressure, with water splashing onto clothes and the counter.
Privacy and bathroom amenities
The open bathroom concept is a matter of taste. It is not a major issue when staying alone, but it is much less comfortable for couples, families, or friends. The glass panel toward the bathroom could not be darkened, and while the toilet and shower were separated, they did not feel private enough. The glass toilet door offered almost no sound insulation. Some showers also lacked proper lighting, which was inconvenient. One room had a cracked bathtub, and another had a shower over the bathtub, which was awkward to step into. Towels were usually available in sufficient quantity, but some were frayed. Once, damp towels were folded and put back as if they were fresh. Amenities often included soap, shampoo, body lotion, cosmetic bag, hair dryer, and tissues. At the same time, some higher-priced rooms lacked slippers, extra cosmetics, or enough water and glasses.
Steigenberger Air Conditioning, Heating, and Noise
Room temperature
Room temperature was one of the weaker points at Steigenberger. Some rooms were too cold, others were too warm. The control panel did not show a clear temperature and was not well explained. That made it hard to set the room properly. In one room, the heating function of the air conditioning did not work. In a replacement room, the system still could not be controlled properly. Another room remained unbearably warm even after I reported it. When the system worked, the stay was comfortable. When it did not, the night was much worse. Rooms with windows that opened were much better. In one room, being able to open the window and let in cool night air made a big difference.
Outside noise and hotel noise
The hotel is generally quiet. Because it is outside the busiest part of the city center, there is less street activity at night. Many rooms are peaceful. Still, rooms facing the street or near the entrance can get outside noise. In the morning and evening, I heard groups talking and laughing outside, likely guests or smokers near the entrance. In some rooms, road or highway noise was also noticeable. Hallway noise was not a major problem for me, but the hotel is large. When tour groups are in the building, the elevators, lobby, and breakfast area become busier. Elevator waits were usually not long, but they were noticeable around breakfast and check-out time.
Steigenberger Room Amenities and Hotel Facilities
In-room amenities
Rooms often had a Nespresso machine, kettle, tea, one bottle of water, safe, ironing board, iron, hair dryer, mirror, hangers, and a movable TV. For business trips, the desk and internet were useful. Still, amenities were not always refilled consistently. Some rooms had only one bottle of water, one glass, and very little tissue paper. In some stays, there was no complimentary water at all. The minibar was empty, and drinks or snacks had to be bought at reception. The TV was movable and worked well from the sofa, but in some rooms it was awkward to watch from the bed. The remote control reacted slowly, and streaming services such as YouTube or Netflix were not available. In different rooms, I also had problems with a hair dryer, safe, or kettle. Small defects stand out more in a hotel of this category.
Sauna, spa, and fitness
The wellness area is nicely designed and has two saunas and one steam room. There is no pool. After a long day in Munich, it is a good place to relax, especially in the evening. On some days, the sauna was open until 11:00 p.m., which is very practical after sightseeing. The main weakness is the limited number of loungers. There are only a few places to lie down, and when several guests use the area at the same time, it is hard to rest between sauna rounds. Opening from 2:00 p.m. is also late for guests who want to use the sauna in the morning. The way to the spa felt cold on one stay. The fitness area is useful for a simple workout, but it is not the main reason to book the hotel.
Steigenberger Breakfast, Bar, and Restaurant
Breakfast price and food selection
Breakfast at Steigenberger is one of the hotel’s strongest points. During my stay, breakfast cost 34 euros per person. For that, the buffet offers a wide selection: bread, rolls, pastries, muesli with many toppings, yogurt, fruit, eggs, hot dishes, cold cuts, cheese, coffee, tea, and water. The omelet live cooking station was very good. Vegan options were also available. The quality of the bakery items was high, and Ronnefeldt tea plus mineral water added to the premium feel. If breakfast is included in the room rate, it is a strong way to start the day. During longer stays, however, it became a little repetitive because many items stayed the same. For 34 euros, I would expect a slightly stronger cheese selection and more variation.
Breakfast room and service
The breakfast room is pleasant, but it is not always large enough for the number of guests. Once, I had to wait about 15 minutes for a table despite having already paid for breakfast. That does not match the hotel’s standard. Service was mixed. Some staff were very friendly, fast, and attentive. Others were less present, and dishes stayed on tables for too long. Near closing time, the buffet and tableware were cleared quickly, which made the meal feel rushed. On some mornings, I would have preferred clearer seating and coffee service at the table. Even with these issues, the breakfast itself is strong, and I recommend booking it included if the rate is reasonable.
Valentinum Bar and restaurant
The Valentinum Bar and restaurant are a real advantage. The beer selection is strong, the cocktails were good, and vegetarian and vegan options were available. Staff at the bar and restaurant were often warm and attentive. For an evening in the hotel, the space works well. Food was usually good, although prices were not always convincing. A chamomile tea for 16 euros was clearly too expensive. The lounge seating is nice for a private drink, but not always ideal for a business dinner. If you do not want to go back into the city after a long day, the hotel still works well for dinner and drinks.
Steigenberger Parking
Underground parking and price
Steigenberger has an underground car park directly below the hotel. It is easy to find and convenient with luggage, rain, or late arrival. The price I paid was 29 euros per night. I have also heard amounts around 30 euros, so it is worth checking the current price before arrival. EV charging is available, which is a clear advantage. The downside is the tight entrance and exit. With a large or long car, you have to maneuver carefully. The angles are narrow, and the risk of scratching wheels or paint is higher than in a more spacious hotel garage.
Street parking and public transport
I also found free street parking near the hotel on some stays. That should not be relied on, because availability is never guaranteed. For a city trip, it is often better to park once and use the U-Bahn or tram. Public transport is convenient enough, and parking in central Munich is much more stressful. If you arrive by car, plan to visit the BMW Museum or Allianz Arena, or continue toward Austria, the location works well. For Marienplatz and the old town, public transport is the better choice.
Steigenberger Staff and Service
Front desk
The front desk was friendly on many stays, but not always equally strong. There were excellent moments when a staff member helped immediately, solved a room problem, or offered a room change. A sudden arrival was also handled well during one stay. Those moments made the hotel feel welcoming. There were weaker moments too: limited explanation at check-in, repeated references to the 3:00 p.m. rule without a practical alternative, and only brief apologies when problems were reported. Some staff seemed more comfortable in English than German. In Munich, that can feel unusual for German-speaking guests.
Breakfast staff, bar staff, and housekeeping
Service in the breakfast area and bar was often good. Some staff were attentive and fast, especially at the bar. In the breakfast room, however, there were also days with slow table clearing or plates being removed too quickly while people were still eating. Housekeeping was the least consistent area. Good cleanings were thorough and tidy. Weaker cleanings left beds unmade, bins full, damp towels folded back onto shelves, or coffee supplies incomplete. When issues were reported, staff sometimes reacted quickly, but the quality should be more reliable from the start.
Steigenberger Pros and Cons
What I liked
The best parts of Steigenberger are the large rooms, comfortable beds, modern design, excellent breakfast, good bar, quiet surroundings, underground parking, and public transport access. For business travel, the hotel is practical because it has good work space, parking, a calm setting, and food and drinks inside the hotel. For couples and families, it also works if the right room is booked and the open bathroom concept is acceptable. The sauna is pleasant after sightseeing, and the U6 connection makes the location more convenient than it first appears.
What I did not like
The main downsides are the unclear temperature control, inconsistent housekeeping, occasional technical defects, expensive parking, the bathroom privacy issue, and high extra costs. Breakfast is good, but 34 euros is expensive. The underground garage is useful, but at 29 euros per night it is not cheap and is difficult for large cars. In some rooms, basic items such as enough water, glasses, or slippers were missing. Communication at reception was also not always at the level I expect from this hotel category.
Steigenberger Location and Getting Around
Schwabing, Münchner Tor, and the city center
Steigenberger is located in Schwabing near Münchner Tor. The U6 station Nordfriedhof is about a 5 to 7 minute walk away, and the tram stop Am Münchner Tor is also close. With the U6, the city center is easy to reach, and Marienplatz takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Münchner Freiheit is about a 20 minute walk, and the English Garden is close enough for a pleasant walk from the hotel. The BMW Museum, Allianz Arena, and northern Munich destinations are also easy by car or public transport. The Lufthansa bus worked well for airport transfer and took about 30 minutes. Nearby, there are cafés, restaurants, and small shopping options. If you want a hotel directly in the old town, this is not the best choice. If you want a quiet Munich hotel with larger rooms, breakfast, parking, and good U-Bahn access, Steigenberger is a solid option.
Check the hotel location on the map
Hotel Photos
This review is connected to the city review page below.
Munich Place Reviews