Celebrate Oktoberfest 2018 With These 3 Luxe Hotel Packages
Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group From September 22 to October 7, Oktoberfest it taking over the German city of Munich in a massive way, with millions of visitors arriving from all over the world to say “Prost!” Dating back to 1810, the world’s biggest beer festival is a much-anticipated occasion on the Bavarian cultural calendar. Those who take part in the festivities will enjoy Germany’s finest beers—all brewed in Munich—and sample traditional food, such as schweinebraten (roast pork), würstl (sausages), brezn (pretzels) and käsespätzle (cheese noodles). And if you couldn’t already tell, the days of cheap beer and bratwurst are gone—which is even more reason to indulge in a luxurious stay. Three 5-star hotels in the city are offering lavish Oktoberfest packages that go above and beyond to make this supremely unique experience even more special. Whether you’re booking a last-minute trip or exploring your options for next year, here are the places you need to know about before you go to Oktoberfest 2018!
THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MUNICH
Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Guests who book the Mandarin Oriental, Munich’s Oktoberfest package are receiving the true Bavarian treatment worthy of “Swan King” Ludwig, a man known for his love of luxury. To start off their Oktoberfest celebrations, guests receive a selection of Bavarian gifts and delicacies in their room when they check in to a superior room or suite. Treats include a gingerbread heart and 2018 Oktoberfest special edition mug created by the hotel. The hotel’s package includes entry to the famous Schützen-Festzelt tent where locals, visitors and celebrities of all ages mingle and enjoy Bavarian specialities, while sitting together at long tables. Accompanied by a VIP host, guests will travel from the hotel to the festival aboard a vintage bus and be treated to delicious beer and giant Bavarian pretzels on the way. On arrival at the Oktoberfest, their VIP host will accompany them to their table, where they’ll receive a three-course dinner and two liters of beer per person. The package also includes breakfast at the hotel for around $1000 per night.
THE CHARLES HOTEL
Photo Credit: Rocco Forte Hotels
During Oktoberfest, Rocco Forte‘s The Charles Hotel is giving guests a chance to co-design their own dirndl. Via the hotel, get a made-to-measure, custom-designed frock with Munich’s own traditional costume designer, Sarah Tack of Dirndl Liebe Oktoberfest costumes. The unique dirndl silk and lace dresses are individually tailored, and come with matching accessories. Guests will have a consultation and fitting, as well as advice from the expert designer on the type and color of the costume they should choose. Just two hours later, the traditional costume—which typically costs anywhere from $1000-$3000—will be ready for its grand Oktoberfest appearance. The dirndl is just part of the deal: Guests of the Charles Hotel will be treated to a complete Wiesn experience that includes a Wiesn surprise in their room, a range of Bavarian delicacies to choose from the breakfast buffet, local beer on tap at the bar, as well as pre and post Oktoberfest spa packages, including Oktoberfest hair braiding and pre-fitting makeup.
The Oktoberfest package at The Charles Hotel also includes transfer to the Oktoberfest celebration as well as one night in a classic room for two including breakfast with Bavarian delicacies and a reactivating treatment for two, which includes a foot, neck- and head-massage, a Hyaluron mask and a detox smoothie in The Charles Spa the morning after starting at $2500.
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich
Photo Credit: Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich
When you book an Oktoberfest stay at the luxe Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich, you’ll stay two nights [the package is based on two nights for two people] in a suite and receive a seat at the “Knödelei” beer tent, where you can drink Munich’s finest micro-brews. Afterwards, enjoy a breakfast buffet and a 50-minute detox massage at Kempinski The Spa. While you’re recovering, make sure to check out the hotel’s luxurious new cigar lounge. As part of its 160th anniversary celebrations, the new Kempinski Cigar Lounge by Zechbauer is a place to enjoy the best cigars courtesy of Max Zechbauer, Germany’s most established supplier of fine cigars and appointed purveyor to the royal Bavarian court. How’s that for fancy?