I've been staying here for more than 15 years, every time I visit Munich. It has been through many…read morechanges and improvement over the years, to my liking, including when Marriott acquired the Sheraton brand. My last stay prior to this was before COVID in 2019. It was fantastic. They had a nice club lounge for elite BonVoy members, and the concierge service was great.
Fast forward to this year in November and it seemed like I was in a parallel universe. Everything looked the same, but was not.
When checking in, they asked if I wanted breakfast instead of 500 BonVoy points. I told them I would take the points, since I have access to the lounge. She then said, "We no longer have the lounge, since Marriott downgraded this to a three star Four Points Sheraton."
Strike ONE!
I did manage to get an upgraded room, and this is where it gets creepy. For many years, they always seemed to put me in the exact same room. Not room type, but exact room number as the previous year. I never thought anything of it, but I had not been in that room for a while, since my previous stays were upgraded to a suite. When I entered the room, there was de ja vu. They put me in the exact room I used to stay in all the time over 10 years ago. It was like going back in time. Nothing changed, other than the lights actually worked this time. I went to settle in, and noticed I forgot to ask for an electrical adapter/convertor for the plug. I went down stairs, asked for one, and she said, "We don't loan them out anymore, but you can purchase one for 10 Euros."
Strike TWO!
One part of this property, I really do enjoy is the balcony overlooking the city. I like drinking a coffee in the morning on the balcony and watching the sun rise along the Alps as well as a nice night cap in the evening overlooking the city lights. All of that was ruined this trip, because my room neighbors smoked every morning and evening on their balcony right next to me. Not only was this irritating outside, I liked to leave my balcony door open to get some fresh air in the room, but instead had it filled with smoke. I complained to the staff, but nothing was done. Last I checked, smoke free property, includes balcony. But it is Europe and the smokers here don't care about the rules.
Strike THREE!
I have to admit, there as one improvement since my last stay. ONE! The mini fridge was empty, like all Marriott hotels. That was nice, as before it was filled with mini bar stuff, and I had to always ask them to empty it. I like this, since there is a very nice grocery store called REWE (see my review), just a block from the hotel, with cheap alcohol. Why pay 5X at the hotel? So, one night I decide to make a cocktail for the evening after a long day at the trade show. I purchased a decent bottle of vodka for only 8 Euro, and headed to the hotel. Knowing they don't have concierge service, I asked the front desk for bucket of ice, since they no longer have buckets in the room. They directed me the bar, where the bar server promptly replied, "Sure, that will be 2 Euro." At this point, I was done with being upset. I had already paid for an adapter, my breakfast (with points), and now ice.
Strike FOUR!
I have to say the breakfast wasn't bad (see photo), and the shower was much improved. I remember the water pressure being horrible last time. This time it was great. The Sauna, Gym, and Swimming pool are still fantastic. Thank goodness. I though I would have to pay extra for that. The dry Sauna is great, but for those who are not aware of German customs, be prepared. You can only enter the sauna naked, with a towel and it is Co-Ed. So, for you bashful types, take note.
Ultimately, I plan to stay at the Westin next time. It is across the street, much nicer, has a lounge, concierge service, great Paulaner Brew House in the basement and much more. The price is a little more, but worth it. It doesn't have a balcony, but I can't say I will miss that, considering I didn't enjoy the smoke part of it this year.
If I had know, I would have stayed at the Westin this trip, but all things considered, I was able to live through it. And being able to share this review for others that might have this Sheraton as their mainstay, and give them advanced notice to reconsider, makes it worth it.
Parting is such sweet sorrow, but I am planning to be back in my universe next trip to Munich.
