*This is a collaborative article*

A family city break can become hard work remarkably quickly when the hotel is awkward to reach. Nobody wants to drag suitcases through several transport changes, search for somewhere to feed hungry children before check-in or begin every morning with a long journey into the centre. A hotel on the outskirts may look like a bargain, yet the saving can soon disappear into transport costs, wasted time and frayed patience.

This is one of the reasons 25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian works so well for a family city break in Munich. Located at Bahnhofplatz 1, directly opposite Munich Hauptbahnhof, it could hardly be more convenient for families arriving by train. Underground services, trams and buses are all close by, while Munich’s Old Town is within walking distance. Trams literally stop outside the door of the hotel, making travelling with children hassle-free.

Convenience is only part of its appeal, though. This is not a bland station hotel that could be in any city. It is colourful, quirky and packed with unusual details, from the rich fabrics and wonderfully eccentric décor to the fun door hangers and bicycles guests can borrow to explore Munich. The children loved discovering all its little surprises, while the adults appreciated the luxurious touches, friendly staff and excellent breakfast. It manages to feel playful without sacrificing comfort, which is not something every family-friendly hotel gets right.

Arriving in Munich Could Hardly Be Easier

Families travelling by train have the clearest advantage. The hotel sits directly across from Munich’s central station, so there is no long transfer after the main journey and no need to navigate an unfamiliar neighbourhood while pulling cases and keeping track of tired children.

The hotel recommends leaving the station through exit B at Schützenstraße, close to the main concourse. Once the luggage has been dropped off, the same transport network provides easy connections across Munich. This is especially useful for a short break, when nobody wants to lose half a day travelling between the hotel and the places they came to see. if you arrive early before check-in, you can safely store your luggage with the hotel reception staff, who are more than happy to help with this.

The location works well for air travellers too, as Munich Hauptbahnhof is a major public-transport hub. Families planning rail day trips also benefit from being able to walk straight across to the station rather than crossing the city at the beginning and end of an already full day.

Travellers arriving by car will need to factor parking into the overall cost. The hotel recommends the Elisenhof car park, approximately 300 metres away, and currently lists parking at EUR 40 per day. Depending on the wider itinerary, arriving by rail may be the easier and more economical option, which is what we did.

A Brilliant Location for Flexible Family Sightseeing

Location matters most when plans change, which they often do on a family city break. Someone may need a rest, the weather might turn, or everybody may simply decide that they have walked far enough for one afternoon. Staying beside the central station makes it much easier to return to the hotel without losing a large chunk of the day.

The hotel is in Ludwigsvorstadt, surrounded by cafés, shops and restaurants. Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt and Munich’s historic centre can all be reached on foot, while public transport makes attractions further away easy to access. Families can decide whether to walk, cycle or use public transport according to energy levels, the weather and how cooperative everyone is feeling.

That flexibility is particularly valuable when travelling with teenagers or children of different ages. Not every family member will want to move at the same pace or spend the same amount of time in each place. A central base makes it far easier to adjust the day without the whole itinerary falling apart. Tram travel is especially easy in Munich – we really enjoyed travelling via tram, and it helped us to see more of the city.

Far More Character Than the Average Station Hotel

Station hotels are often selected for convenience rather than atmosphere, yet 25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian offers both. The historic building was once a post office and royal telegraph station, and its interiors play with Bavarian royal history in a bold and imaginative way.

Rich colours, deep tones, warm timber and luxurious fabrics give the hotel a boutique feel. The design is layered and full of personality, with unexpected objects, unusual artwork and playful details appearing throughout the building. There is always something new to notice, which makes walking through the hotel feel like part of the experience rather than simply a route back to the room. We absolutely loved discovering new things each time we walked through part of the hotel.

The décor is unapologetically quirky. It will particularly appeal to families who enjoy staying somewhere memorable and a little different. Children and teenagers are likely to find far more to look at here than they would in a conventional hotel, while adults can appreciate the quality of the materials and the thought that has gone into the design.

Public spaces include a typewriter station, a shop and a library-style lounge, alongside several places to eat or enjoy a drink. Nothing feels overly formal or intimidating, which helps families relax. The atmosphere is lively and fun, yet there are still comfortable corners where guests can sit and recover after a busy day.

The bold style may not suit travellers who prefer pale, minimalist interiors. The location is also urban rather than peaceful, as might be expected beside a major railway station. Families hoping for the quietest possible outlook can ask about rooms facing the courtyard, although requests will always depend on availability.

The Little Details That Make the Stay So Much Fun

Some of the most memorable features are the ones that could easily have been overlooked. Even the door hangers have been given the 25hours treatment. Instead of a standard “Do Not Disturb” sign, guests are given several fun ways to communicate with the team servicing the room.

It is a small touch, yet it sums up the personality of the hotel. Practical features do not have to be dull, and the playful wording gives both children and adults something to smile about. These unexpected details appear throughout the hotel and help it feel like somewhere designed by people with a sense of humour.

The bicycles are another brilliant feature. Rooms include a bike that guests can borrow if they fancy seeing Munich on two wheels. Munich is a cycle-friendly city, and confident riders may enjoy heading towards the Englischer Garten or exploring beyond the immediate city centre.

Families will, of course, need to consider children’s ages, confidence and the practicalities of cycling together in an unfamiliar city. For some, public transport will be the simplest choice. Even so, having the option adds to the sense that the hotel encourages guests to experience Munich rather than simply sleep there.

The complimentary minibar is another welcome addition, particularly after a long journey or a full day of sightseeing. Small conveniences can make a surprising difference when travelling as a family, especially when nobody has the energy to head straight back out in search of drinks.

Attention has also been paid to the everyday toiletries. The hand wash and hand cream beside the sinks have beautiful scents and feel far more luxurious than the products usually found in a hotel bathroom. These may sound like minor details, yet they contribute to the overall feeling that the stay has been carefully considered.

Friendly Staff Make a Real Difference

A hotel can have an excellent location and beautiful interiors, yet the welcome still shapes the whole experience. The staff at The Royal Bavarian are friendly, approachable and helpful, which makes the hotel feel relaxed from the moment families arrive.

This matters when travelling with children. Parents do not want to feel as though every question, request or slightly noisy moment is causing a problem. A warm welcome allows everyone to settle more quickly and enjoy the hotel rather than worrying about whether they fit the expected guest profile.

The boutique styling might suggest an adult-focused hotel at first glance, although the atmosphere feels inclusive rather than precious. Children can enjoy the unusual décor and playful details, while adults still get the comfort and individuality they might look for when choosing a city hotel. We saw plenty of children around during our stay.

Which Rooms Work Best for Families?

Choosing the right room category is important, particularly as the hotel does not offer connecting rooms. Medium rooms measure approximately 18 square metres and sleep two people. Large rooms provide between 20 and 24 square metres, with king, queen or twin beds.

Extra-large rooms measure around 30 square metres, sleep up to three people and have space for an additional bed. Larger families are likely to need two separate rooms or specific advice from the reservations team about the available suites and their occupancy limits. We had two rooms between five of us, which were next to each other. This worked really well.

Parents should confirm how close separate rooms can be placed and decide whether that arrangement is suitable for the ages of their children before making a non-refundable booking. It is much better to ask detailed questions in advance than discover at check-in that the planned sleeping arrangements will not work.

Rooms include air conditioning, free high-speed Wi-Fi, a television, Bluetooth speaker, hairdryer, toiletries and the complimentary minibar. According to the hotel’s information, kettles and coffee machines are provided only in the highest Extra Large category and the suites. Families who regularly need hot water for drinks, bottles or other essentials should check what is available in their chosen room.

The rooms continue the hotel’s bold design rather than becoming calmer, more conventional spaces. Colours are rich, fabrics feel indulgent and the décor remains wonderfully unusual. It gives the rooms a cosy, theatrical quality and makes them feel far removed from a standard chain hotel.

A Breakfast Worth Making Time For

Breakfast at 25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian deserves more than a passing mention. The generous buffet offers plenty of choice, making it much easier to feed family members with different tastes and morning appetites.

Alongside the varied buffet, guests can choose freshly prepared items from the menu. The cooked-to-order omelettes are particularly delicious and turn breakfast into something to enjoy rather than simply a quick refuelling stop before sightseeing.

This combination works well for families. Children can select familiar buffet items without waiting, while anyone wanting something hot can order from the kitchen. It also removes some of the pressure to find a suitable café first thing in the morning, which can be useful when everyone is hungry at a different time.

Breakfast is served from 6.30am until 10.30am on weekdays and from 7am until 11.30am at weekends and on public holidays. The extended weekend hours allow for a slower start after a busy day exploring Munich. Early risers can eat when they wake, while teenagers who would rather sleep have the chance to come down later.

Useful Food Options Without Leaving the Hotel

Eating out is part of the fun of visiting Munich, although there will always be evenings when nobody wants to search for another restaurant. Having several food and drink options within the building makes arrival days and tired evenings much easier.

NENI München, on the ground floor, serves Eastern Mediterranean food in a relaxed, sharing-style setting. Booking ahead is sensible, as the restaurant can become busy. Sharing dishes can work well for families who enjoy trying different flavours, although it is worth checking the menu beforehand if anyone has allergies or very specific preferences.

The Aperitivo Bar serves coffee, tea, snacks and drinks during the day. The Boilerman Bar on the first floor has more of an adult evening atmosphere. Families may not use every area of the hotel, yet it is useful to have a range of options without needing to travel elsewhere.

Space to Reset After Exploring Munich

Walking around a city all day can leave everyone needing something different. Some family members may want to put their feet up, while others still have energy to burn.

The hotel has a pine-clad sauna and relaxation area for guests looking for a quieter end to the day. There is also a compact gym with a cross trainer, weight tower, back bench, wall bars and yoga mats. Use of the gym is included for hotel guests.

Luggage can be left at reception if a room is not ready or for a short period after checkout. With the station opposite, this can turn arrival and departure days into useful sightseeing time. Families can leave their cases safely, walk into the centre and collect everything shortly before catching their train.

An Easy Starting Point for a Munich Family Itinerary

The central location makes it possible to organise a Munich family break without trying to cram too much into every day. One morning might include Marienplatz, the Old Town and Viktualienmarkt, followed by a return to the hotel for a rest before dinner.

Another day could use public transport to reach the Deutsches Museum, Olympiapark, BMW Welt or the Englischer Garten, depending on the family’s interests. Having the station and local transport links nearby means plans can stay flexible rather than becoming a military operation.

Rail connections also open up the possibility of day trips without changing accommodation. The real benefit is not that every possible attraction can be squeezed into the break. A well-located hotel allows families to choose fewer activities and enjoy them properly because travelling between places is not swallowing all the available time.

What Families Should Check Before Booking

Room occupancy should be the first consideration, especially for families of four or more. Confirm how many rooms are required, whether an extra bed is available and how close separate rooms can be placed. Tea and coffee facilities, breakfast inclusion and the preferred room outlook should also be checked rather than assumed.

Prices can vary considerably depending on dates, festivals and major events in Munich. A useful comparison should include breakfast, parking, local transport and the value of the time saved by staying centrally, rather than focusing entirely on the lowest nightly rate.

The Royal Bavarian is strongest for families who prioritise location, easy transport, hotel facilities and a stay with plenty of character.

Central station areas remain busy throughout the day and evening. That energy is useful for transport, shopping and food, although travellers looking for a quiet residential atmosphere may prefer another part of the city.

Is 25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian Good for Families?

For couples, parents travelling with one child, families booking two suitable rooms and anyone arriving in Munich by rail, 25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian can be a fantastic base. Its location removes many of the logistical frustrations that make short city breaks more exhausting than they need to be.

What makes it especially memorable is that convenience has not come at the expense of personality. The rich colours, luxurious fabrics, quirky décor, entertaining door hangers, bicycles, scented toiletries and complimentary minibar give the hotel a genuine sense of fun. Breakfast is excellent, the staff are welcoming and the whole place feels refreshingly different.

Larger families will need to think carefully about the lack of connecting rooms, while drivers should include parking in their budget. Those considerations will matter more to some families than others.

A family city break in Munich should leave plenty of energy for enjoying the city. The right hotel cannot guarantee that every day will go smoothly, although it can remove several predictable sources of stress. 25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian manages to do that while creating an experience that both children and adults can enjoy, which is perhaps its greatest strength.