Mandarin Oriental Munich, Munich

For many people, the former Hotel Rafael, run by the Mandarin Oriental chain since 2000, is the best hotel in the city. Having said that, it is considerably smaller, more exclusive and dearer than other top-notch hotels. Its location in a tranquil part of the city centre is not the finest of addresses, but it is nevertheless peaceful and very central, with the National Theatre, Schauspielhaus and Marienplatz only a few minutes walk away. Voted by none other than Travel+Leisure magazine as one of the top hotels of the world, the Mandarin blends elegant Oriental style architecture and elements with a Neo-Renaissance theme to give its residents a one of a kind experience. The hotel offers some of the best views of the city and the German Alps from its top floor rooms and suites, which can only be topped by its lenegendary service- offering people some of the best gourmet cuisine, best wines, facilities like yoga classes and a gold course to name just a few. The hotel restaurant, Mark's, serves excellent haute cuisine.