Via mrs. Katrinn Hofmann, the Guest Relations Manager of the hotel, I had arranged a hotel shuttle and the preferences for my room. This worked out fine.
In a shuttle van I was taken to the Grand hotel. It’s beautiful location is somewhat outside the centre of Munchen. However with the S-bahn it’s only 10 - 15 minutes to the centre of town, it is easy.
I was upgraded to a Towers junior suite
and was welcomed at the Towers desk, next to the reception. The receptionist who did the Towers check - in was very friendly and service minded. He advised me concerning the transportation to the city. They served me a nice large cappuccino while I was waiting.
He escorted me to my room to check if everything was fine. What a wonderful service.
The interior of the suite was comfy modern and luxurious.
( See my pics:
http://www.e-traveller.net/pics/2004/muc-asgrand.php ).
The junior suite was divided in two rooms, one living room and a bedroom. In the livingroom was a workingdesk, a leather couch ( which could be transformed in a bed), chairs and a coffee table. Next to the sitting room was a small luxurious bathroom, the colours of the interior are black and white.
The bedroom, had a remarkable luxurious and comfortable kingbed. It was one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in around the world. I do not think it was a Sheraton Sweet Sleeper though.
A second working desk was available here. The luxurious bathroom was larger here, with a bathtub and separate shower. There was a telephone near the toilet.
I was very happy with this wonderful suite. I did not have a very nice view, but the view was still ok.
The Towerlounge was very comfortable, and during the day there were drinks and some snacks. In the morning they serve a very nice breakfast. In the evening, not only alcoholic drinks are served, but various small snacks and pasta with salads!
I felt especially at home here one evening, since the butler, Wouter, was also Dutch. He did a good job here as a trainee and made every guest feel comfortable. It makes such a difference when there is a personal attention / service which makes you feel at home! Some colleagues of Wouter seemed to be somewhat more indifferent in their attitude i.m.o.
In this period there seem to be many guests from Saoudi Arabia. The women and children frequently visited the lounge in their own way.
In the basement of the hotel is The Altira Spa located On my way to this Spa, in the basement, I spotted the picture of a beloved actrice.
( See my pics:
http://www.e-traveller.net/pics/2004/muc-asgrand.php ).
Greta Garbo and the Grand Hotel…… belong together , her beauty, the beauty of this hotel, the fine Altira Spa…
The Altira Spa has a nice small luxurious swimmingpool, a sauna, a steambath, a small fitnessroom and a rest area.
There are various massage treatments possible. I had a very special treatment: a Ayurvedische massage from India. It took an hour and I can recommend this special massage. Afterwards there is the sauna, the steambath and then a nice swim in the beautiful swimmingpool.
I had lunch in the Paulaner Biergarten, and made my choice for the Nurnberg wurstchens. Instead of the Sauerkraut, which I do not like, I had kartoffeln instead. Service is very friendly here. The icecream here tasted wonderful as a desert.
The Sheraton Bogenhausen is right opposite of the Grand hotel. I visited the hotel’s health centre since I had information there was a tropical swimmingpool. It appeared to be rather small, however I did have a nice swim here.
Personnel of the reception and health centre were very friendly and service minded. However I noticed at once the difference between these two hotels. The Grand hotel is much more classy and luxurious, i.m.o.
Though the location is somewhat out of the centre, the comfort, luxury and high standards of service of this hotel makes it all worthwhile. And I do not mind to have a short ride with the S-Bahn to the city centre, since this hotel has so much to offer!
I did regret I had to leave this wonderful, luxurious hotel. I want to thank mrs. Hofmann for all the kind arrangements she made for me ^ .