Imperial hunting lodge meets industrial chic, for some stately pomp that doesn’t take itself too seriously

Dating back to 1869, this grandiose building in the centre of Munich was once the nerve centre of the empire – connecting its far-flung reaches as a postal service building and a royal telegraph station. Touches of imperial splendour have been accordingly preserved, but in a thoroughly irreverent fashion. Here, hunting lodge chic – think pinewood décor, rustic wooden mirrors, and faux hunting trophies – meets industrial accents, with exposed brickwork and metal lamps.

The 165 rooms come with nostalgic accents and light-hearted features such as beds with legs stacked like a pile of books. Rows of typewriter stations allude to the building’s history, waiting for you to pen missives back home. In the public spaces, ye olde worlde finishes come with a touch of opulence – think ornate chandeliers hanging over the restaurant and an old-fashioned glass and metal lift by the grand staircase.