Munich's BEST Kept Secret Hotel? (Leonardo City East Review!)
Munich's BEST Kept Secret Hotel? (Leonardo City East Review!)
Munich's "Best Kept Secret"? Let's Spill the Beans on the Leonardo City East! (Spoiler Alert: It's…complicated.)
Okay, so the Leonardo City East. The name itself whispers promises of modern efficiency and maybe, just maybe, a hidden gem. Munich, a city dripping with history and beer gardens, deserves a hotel that can hold its own. And this one… well, it tries. Let’s break it down, shall we? Don't expect a perfectly polished piece, because, frankly, neither is this hotel!
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Accessibility: The Good, The Bad, And the Stairwell I Almost Died In
Okay, let’s be frank: accessibility is HUGE for me (and should be for everyone!). The website claims to be accessible. I’d say it's… mostly true, with some caveats. Wheelchair accessible: Yes, there ARE rooms designed for wheelchair users. The hallways are wide enough. The elevator… well, the elevator works. But, and this is a big but, navigating the hotel can be a bit of a maze. Signage isn't the greatest, and I found myself wandering down a hallway that dead-ended into… a storage closet. Okay, a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea.
Getting Around: They've clearly made an effort, with elevator access to all floors (thank GOD!). Car park [free of charge] is a lifesaver in Munich. And, bonus points, Car park [on-site] if you prefer it. Airport transfer is available, which is a godsend after a long flight (more on THAT later).
Rooms & Amenities: A Mixed Bag of Comfort and Disappointment
The Non-smoking rooms are a must, thankfully. My room? Clean, yes. Modern? Kinda. The décor screamed "contemporary budget hotel," but the bed was surprisingly comfortable. Major points for Air conditioning (essential in summer), and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver for battling jet lag. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! And it actually worked, unlike some hotels where you're wrestling with the signal all day. They also had Internet [LAN]. Old school cool!
The Bathroom Saga: The private bathroom was functional, not fabulous. Okay, the shower was decent. The hair dryer was… well, it got the job done. I'm not sure if I'd call it a super powerful jet-engine like some hotels but it did its job, which is all I can ask for.
Now, the separate shower/bathtub. The water pressure? Sporadic. Getting the temperature just right was like playing a high-stakes lottery. And the toiletries? Let's just say they weren’t exactly luxurious.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food…(Sometimes)
Okay, the food situation at the Leonardo City East is… a roller coaster.
Breakfast [buffet]: This is where things get interesting. The Western breakfast component was a decent start with the usual suspects: eggs (cooked in varying degrees of survival), bacon (the crispy kind, thankfully), and some questionable sausages. They had a Coffee/tea in restaurant, so you're sorted. But the Asian breakfast… was a different story. I’m not an expert, but the "Asian-inspired" offerings felt a little… lost. The buffet was, like most buffets, a little chaotic.
Restaurants: They actually have a couple of them! The main restaurant offers A la carte in restaurant and Buffet in restaurant. The international cuisine in restaurant was a bit hit and miss. I had a frankly AMAZING schnitzel one night, and a truly sad salad the next. The salad in restaurant was pretty tragic, for the record.
Poolside bar: A definite highlight, especially on a sunny day!
Snack bar: Useful for a quick bite, if you don't mind a limited selection.
Room service [24-hour]: Score! Especially helpful when jet lag hits at 3 am and your stomach starts growling.
Ways to Relax – or, The Spa That Didn't Quite Spa
Alright, let's talk about the spa. Or, rather, the spa facilities. They have them, in theory. Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Gym/fitness, all the buzzwords. But, and this is a BIG "but" for me: The one specific experience? Let me tell you. I paid for a Body wrap. Thought I was going to be pampered. Instead, I was slathered in some kind of cold, gloopy mud and left to ferment in a darkened room. No gentle music, no aromatherapy, just… silence, and the vague suspicion I was slowly turning into a statue. It was… underwhelming to say the least. My skin did feel softer afterwards though.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Modern Priority (Mostly)
In these times, this is CRUCIAL. The Leonardo City East REALLY seems to try. Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Staff trained in safety protocol. Felt good. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were visible. Rooms sanitized between stays, good to hear. They also had Anti-viral cleaning products. It felt safe, which is a HUGE plus.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter… Sometimes
They have a lot! Air conditioning in public area, Concierge service was helpful for basic things. Daily housekeeping, bless them! Luggage storage was useful. Free bottled water in the room (a small touch, but appreciated). Laundry service, for those of you who are, you know, not me and actually do laundry on vacation.
For the Kids: Family Friendly, But Don't Expect Disney World
They mention Family/child-friendly, which is great. Babysitting service too. Kids meal options… but, realistically, this isn't a hotel geared towards children. But it will welcome them with open arms.
My Biggest Pet Peeve (And Why I'm Still Miffed)
So, here’s my one really big gripe. Remember the airport transfer I mentioned? The hotel offered a shuttle. Problem? It was perpetually late. I missed my first shuttle, so I had to get a taxi. And I waited 30 minutes for the second shuttle, only to discover it was full. Apparently, “airport transfer” means “cross your fingers and hope for the best.”
Overall Vibe: Practical, Not Perfect
The Leonardo City East is a perfectly decent hotel. It's functional, it's clean, it has some good aspects, but it's not going to blow your mind. It's probably a reliable choice, especially if you're focusing on practicality. However, expect a few quirks, some areas that could be improved, and the distinct feeling that it’s trying, bless its little metal heart. It might not be Munich's best-kept secret, but sometimes a solid, if slightly flawed, choice is exactly what you need. Would I stay again? Possibly. But next time, I'm bringing a stronger pair of shoes and a whole lot of patience.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't just a travel itinerary… this is a messy, glorious, slightly-hysterical account of my time at the Leonardo Hotel Munich City East, Germany. Honestly, just the thought of it is filling me with a weird blend of nostalgia and, let's be honest, a slight shudder.
My Munich Mishap: A Leonardo Hotel Diary
(Day 1: Arrival & The Great Sausage-Off)
14:00 - Arrival at Munich Airport (MUC): Okay, so I touched down in Munich, feeling all jet-lagged and glamorous (in my head, anyway). The airport… well, let's just say it's functional. Finding the train to the hotel was a whole ordeal. Thank goodness for Google Maps, or I'd have probably ended up in some Bavarian cow pasture. The language barrier? Don't even get me started. I mumbled a lot of "Danke" and prayed I wasn't accidentally ordering a yak burger.
15:30 - Check-in & Room Revelations: The Leonardo Hotel itself… it's… a hotel. It’s clean enough, the staff were friendly, and the lobby had this weird, slightly dated, faux-modern vibe. My room? Okay, it was small but functional. The bed looked inviting, but I was too wired with travel anxiety to even think about resting yet. I swear, there was a distinct lack of decent coffee in the lobby. This is a TRAVESTY.
17:00 - The Bratwurst Battle: My first mission: find authentic German food. I wanted to experience the food, the culture, the… well, mostly the food. Google pointed me towards a place near the hotel called "Zum Goldenen Metzger" (I think? My memory is fuzzy). The place smelled like heaven – pure, glorious meat heaven. I ordered a mixed plate of sausages. Mixed. Let me tell you… it was a sausage assault. So much meat! I think I ate, like, six sausages. And sauerkraut. And pretzels. I was a mess. I think I almost cried because it was so delicious. Pure, unadulterated, carnivorous bliss. Stuffed and happy, I rolled back to the hotel, already dreaming of my next sausage encounter.
19:00 - Attempted Relaxation (Failed): Back in my room, I tried to watch some TV, but the channels were all in German. I got distracted by the tiny detail on the hotel furniture. How much they thought about putting those in! This is how you know that it is actually a good hotel! Then I tried to read, but the jet lag hit me like a brick wall. I ended up staring blankly at the ceiling for at least an hour. I hate jet lag.
21:00 - Mandatory Nightcap (and Existential Crisis): Down in the hotel bar (again, the coffee situation was tragic), I ordered a beer, feeling suddenly philosophical. Sitting there, feeling the hum of the hotel around me, I started wondering if I, a small, insignificant human, was really cut out for travel. Was I worthy of this adventure? Should I just go home, crawl back into bed, and consume copious amounts of chocolate? Then, the beer kicked in. Suddenly, everything was hilarious. Traveling is the greatest experience! I'd be back here!
22:00 - Bedtime: I passed out right then.
**(Day 2: History, Hope and Pretzels)
09:00 - Wake Up…Slow: Trying to remember where I was, the first time. After I felt it was Munich in my head, the jet lag has me again. Finally, I managed to wake up. I need coffee.
10:00 - Historic Hiking: I forced myself out the door. I was determined to see the sights. I took the U-bahn to Marienplatz, the main square. The architecture was stunning, the Glockenspiel was… well, it was a Glockenspiel. I got way more invested watching a street performer juggle flaming torches than I was listening to the history of Munich. I'm more of a visual learner.
12:00 - The Pretzel Predicament: I bought a pretzel from a street vendor. Glorious. But I was so busy taking in the architecture and people watching, I dropped half of it on the ground. The pigeons saw their opportunity and descended. It was a feeding frenzy and one of the most chaotic, and hilarious, things I've ever witnessed.
13:00 - Lunch (and a slight panic.): I wandered into a random restaurant. Oh! The options! More sausages, and more pretzels! You just can't have enough. I somehow managed to order a traditional Bavarian meal. It gave me the fear of getting another sausage. I have to be on holiday, and I have to try everything!
15:00 - An Afternoon Escape:I had booked the afternoon to explore Munich, but my feet ache. I went back to my lovely, little room. How nice it was to sit in the quiet. Even though there were people moving and walking at the window. I think I may have had a nap.
19:00 - Dinner and Reflection: I ordered room service, because frankly, I was exhausted. Looking back on the day, I felt a strange mix of exhilaration and utter exhaustion. I missed my dog. Maybe I wasn't going to be able to do much on the trip.
20:00 - Bedtime: I had a glass of wine and wrote down my thoughts. Traveling is… messy. Beautiful. Overwhelming. And sometimes, I think I love it, even with all the imperfections.
(Day 3: Departure & Leaving a Little of My Heart)
08:00 - Breakfast Bar Brawl: The breakfast buffet at the Leonardo was… well, it was what you'd expect. Standard hotel fare. I loaded up on coffee (finally, decent coffee!), bread, and some kind of weird, suspicious-looking fruit salad. I watched a couple of grumpy old men trying to fight each other over the last croissant. The breakfast buffet is where the real drama happens, people!
09:00 - Final Hotel Moments: I checked out, feeling surprisingly sentimental. The Leonardo Hotel, despite its minor flaws, had become a place of refuge. Even if it was a little weird. I was surprised how much I had grown to like it.
10:00 - Airport Farewell: Back at Munich Airport, I went through security, feeling a strange pang of sadness to be leaving. I grabbed a last sausage-filled pretzel at the airport. I looked back one last time before boarding my flight. I promised to come back… and to maybe, just maybe, learn some German.
This is just the bare bones, the tip of the iceberg. Munich, the Leonardo Hotel, the sausages, the pretzels, the existential crises… they’re all a part of me now. Would I go back? Absolutely. With all its quirks and imperfections, it was an experience. And that, my friends, is what travel is all about. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go plan my next adventure. And maybe stock up on some good coffee first.
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So, You Think You Know Munich? The Leonardo City East... Yeah, About That... (a NOT-So-FAQ)
Okay, Seriously, What IS the "Secret" Part About the Leonardo City East? I saw the website, it's not exactly hidden, is it?
Alright, alright, the "secret" is a bit of a stretch. Let's be honest, no one's whispering about this place at the Hofbräuhaus. It's not exactly the Hotel Bayerischer Hof (or even close!). But I *think* it's a secret because... well, it's *efficiently* located. You're not tripping over tourists, it's a bit off the main drag, and if you're not looking for luxury, it just *works*. Plus, the price? Sometimes it feels like you're getting away with something. That's my secret.
Is the Location REALLY as Convenient as Everyone Says? I'm talking about getting to the city center and stuff.
Okay, here's the deal. Convenient? Yes. Super-duper-uber-convenient? No. You're not *walking* into the Marienplatz. You've got the Ostbahnhof, literally a hop, skip, and a slightly-annoyed-by-the-commuters jump away. The S-Bahn gets you *everywhere*. But factor in about 15-20 minutes to get to the core of Munich. I spent a solid hour in the pouring rain at the Hauptbahnhof once, waiting for a delayed train. (Not the hotel's fault, obvs. Just, ya know, *Munich*.) I've mostly had good experience with the S-Bahn, even got to my meetings on time, but some days, public transport just doesn't love you.
The Rooms... Are They... Okay? Read some reviews...
Okay is the operative word. Think "functional elegance." I've stayed in worse, *much* worse. The beds are decent. The shower actually works. It's clean. That's the baseline. One time, I stayed in a room that had a *peculiar* smell – think old upholstery mixed with, I don't know, maybe a hint of stale beer? It wasn't awful, just... memorable. But hey, air freshener, right? Another time, the air conditioning was a bit temperamental, but hey, at least there WAS air con! The rooms aren't going to blow your mind with design. But, and this is key, they're *livable*. You're not getting a five-star experience, but you're also (usually) not wrestling with broken furniture or questionable stains. Look, it's a solid room. That's it.
And the Breakfast? This is crucial. I need my breakfast!
Breakfast. Ah, the great breakfast debate. Here's the honest truth: it's good, but not gourmet. The usual suspects are there: cold cuts, cheese, bread rolls (surprisingly good, tbh!), cereals, yogurt, fruit. The scrambled eggs? Perfectly edible. The coffee? Drinkable. They'll probably have some sort of sausage. You can get yourself full. But don't go expecting artisan pastries or ethically sourced bacon. You'll be fine. One time, I saw a kid drop a half-eaten croissant on the floor. True story. That was when I looked up, and realised the breakfast crowd was *intense*. Still, don't let that put you off. Get in early, and you'll be fine.
Any Tips for Navigating the Area around the Hotel? Where to eat? What to do?
Okay, listen up! The area's fine. It's not the most picturesque, but it is *practical.* There's a supermarket nearby (REWE, thank God). You'll find a few casual eateries: a decent pizza place, a kebab shop (essential!), and maybe a brewery or two. Don't expect Michelin-star experiences within a five-minute walk, but you'll find something to eat. The real tip? Adventure. One day, I just started walking east, and found this incredible little park with a beer garden, an experience that made the whole trip so much sweeter. Just, get out and EXPLORE. And remember, Munich's charm is in the wandering, not the perfectly planned itinerary... or at least, not always.
Seriously, Is There Anything TERRIBLE about This Place? Because... Reviews.
Okay, let's get the negativity out of the way. There was this ONE time, and I am still fuming about it. (Yes, fuming!) I got locked out of my room at 3 AM. Nightmare scenario. Took forever to get a staff member to come up. They were apologetic, yes, but I was already half-asleep and had to wait 20 grueling minutes, feeling like a fool standing in the hallway. That was annoying. Really annoying. But, that was just one experience among many. I have also had a great time there. Honestly, it's not the Ritz, and sometimes you can feel like you're staying in the Munich equivalent of a well-oiled factory. But is it *terrible*? No. Not usually.
What's the Overall Vibe? Think I'd Actually *Enjoy* Staying Here? I just don't want to be miserable…
Okay, the vibe? Practical. Functional. Slightly anonymous. It's not a place for a romantic getaway. It's not where you'd go to impress your friends. But if you're looking for a clean, reasonably priced place to rest your head while you explore Munich, then yes, absolutely, you'll enjoy it. I've stayed there multiple times, and I'd stay there again without hesitation. It's like the dependable friend who always shows up on time, even if they get a little boring after a while. And honestly, for Munich, that's sometimes all you need.
Any hidden gems, inside the hotel, or nearby? Any surprises?
Hidden gems? Inside the hotel? Nope. It's pretty straightforward. But, and this is a big but, the staff is always polite. And, one more time, it is a great place to rest up. You are in Munich! Go out and enjoy the city. Seriously, though, the "surprise" is that, for the price and the slightly unglamorous location, it consistently delivers. Sure, it's not fancy, but sometimes, that's a welcome change. It’s not going to set your world on fire. But it will do its job. Okay, maybe not a "gem," but it’s reliable. And that's worth something, right? After a long day of sightseeing, a clean bed and a functional bathroom? That's a win.
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