Best Hotels In Munich For Oktoberfest in 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclaimer policy.

Planning to attend Oktoberfest? This guide will help you find the perfect place to stay in Munich so you can enjoy the world’s largest beer festival.

Oktoberfest is one of the most well known cultural events in the world! Millions of people from all over the world fly to Munich, Germany just to experience the world’s largest beer festival. 

You can imagine just how packed and crowded with tourists the Bavarian capital gets during this time. Everything from hotels, hostels, and AirBnbs get booked pretty quickly. Most people book their accommodations very early on in order to find the best deals, good locations…or anything at all.

That’s why choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions to make when planning your trip! 

This guide will help you choose the best area to stay in as well as give you a range of options of the best hotels in Munich for Oktoberfest.

When Is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest usually begins mid-September and goes on until early October, specifically the first Sunday of October. The festival typically lasts 16 to 18 days. The dates change each year. This year, the 188th Oktoberfest, will be held from September 16 to October 3, 2023. 

On September 16, the first Saturday of Oktoberfest, the tents will open at 9 am. But non-alcoholic beverages (except beer!) will be available from 10 am. One of the top highlights of the opening is the traditional tapping of the first beer barrel which happens at exactly 12 noon, marking the official start of Oktoberfest.

Where Is Oktoberfest?

The official Oktoberfest grounds is Theresienwiese, where it is held every year. It is one of Munich’s largest festival grounds. It is located south west of the city center Old Town. 

Its central location means it’s pretty reachable by foot, bike, and public transportation. It has its own underground station Theresienwiese on the U-bahn (U4 and U5 lines). If you find it too crowded, you can also opt for the nearby Goetheplatz and Poccistraße train stations on the U3 and U6 lines. The nearest S-Bahn station is Hackerbrücke which is also 2 minutes away from München Hauptbahnhof, Munich central station.

The Oktoberfest festival is typically made up of 17 large tents and 21 small tents. From big beer tents serving local brew, to traditional dance floors with live brass music, and to smaller tents selling traditional Bavarian food, there is something for everyone.

Top Hotels In Munich For Oktoberfest

1. Our Top Pick: Schwan Locke
2. Hotel with a Beer Garden: Platzl Hotel
3. Best Boutique Hotel: Boutique Hotel Atrium München
4. If You Want to Splurge on a 5-Star Hotel: Hotel Bayerischer Hof
5. Great Continental and Buffet Breakfast: CORTIINA Hotel
6. 10-Minute Walk to Oktoberfest: Hotel Augustin
7. For Those Looking for an Apartment: Living Hotel Prinzessin Elisabeth
8. Best Relaxing Amenities: Le Meridien Munich
9. 5-Minute Walk to Oktoberfest: Bold Hotel München Zentrum

Where’s The Best Place To Stay For Oktoberfest?

There are a couple of different areas that are worth looking into for your Oktoberfest accommodation. Each of them has their own pros and cons.

First, the Ludwig-Vorstadt-Isarvorstadt borough of Munich, home to the Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest takes place, and the renowned Deutsches Museum.

There’s also the most well known neighborhoods in the area, which are Gärtnerplatzviertel and Glockenbachviertel, also known as the gay district of Munich. They’re cool and upcoming neighborhoods filled with trendy bars, fun pubs, and hip restaurants. 

The biggest advantage of staying in these areas is definitely the close proximity to Theresienwiese. You’ll be within walking distance of the festival grounds and won’t have to worry about navigating public transportation after long days or nights. 

But since it’s such a prime location for Oktoberfest, hotels here book up months in advance. So there’s often a lack of availability, not to mention that prices can also be slightly more expensive compared to other places. 

Another one of the best areas to stay in would be in Altstadt or downtown which is the center of Munich. This is because you’ll still have easy access to the grounds, since it is so well-connected via the city’s public transportation.

You’ll find tons of good hotel options here in a convenient location not just to Oktoberfest but to other top landmarks in the city such as Munich Residenz, Marienplatz, English Garden (Englischer Garten) and many more. The Altstadt is a good option if you want to visit Oktoberfest but also want to see a lot of other parts of the city.

Hotels In Munich For Oktoberfest Comparison Guide

Best Hotels In Munich For Oktoberfest

Our Top Pick: Schwan Locke

LOCATION: This aparthotel is located in Isarvorstadt, a trendy neighborhood that’s a 10 minute walk from the main train station. It’s also very close to Theresienwiese, the Oktoberfest grounds so if you stay here you can easily walk to and from Oktoberfest.

PERFECT FOR: Those looking for newly renovated and large rooms with apartment facilities that’s also walkable to Oktoberfest and the best sight in Munich.  

GUESTS SAY: “Excellent aparthotel. It seemed brand new as the bedroom, kitchen area and bathroom were all in great condition. Rooms were quiet and comfortable. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would definitely stay again as it was more comfortable to have the aparthotel setup than a regular hotel.”

SUMMARY: We love Schwan Locke! We stayed here for over a week and loved that our stylish, modern studio had a full kitchen (with free coffee, tea, etc), a spacious bathroom, a comfortable bed, large glass doors that opened onto a balcony, and super friendly and helpful staff. We also loved that we had a separate “living room” area with a couch, table, chair, ottoman, and TV. Even better: a lovely outdoor courtyard, gym, parking, and free laundry facilities. We highly recommend Schwan Locke!

Click here to check availability at Schwan Locke!

PERFECT FOR: Those who want to enjoy Bavarian food and beer even outside of Oktoberfest

GUESTS SAY: “We stayed at the Plaza for a trip to Oktoberfest 2019. Staff was very friendly. Our room had a very comfortable King bed and good sized bathroom. The hotel bar is charming and open until 1:00 AM if you want to come back from the Fest and continue celebrating. Breakfast in the morning had a nice array of croissants, eggs, meats, or even beer/pretzels!This hotel is about 1.5 Km from the Fest – which was about a 30 min walk or $15 taxi ride. It’s also right next to the iconic Hofbrauhaus and close to high end shopping. I’ll stay here every time I’m in Munich!!”

SUMMARY: Located in the heart of Altstadt, Platzl Hotel is a traditional family-run 4-star hotel that’s perfect for those looking to make the most out of their Oktoberfest drinks and celebrations. The hotel has its own beer garden called Wirtshaus Ayingers which serves home-brewed beers and Bavarian specialties. You can also enjoy high-class Bavarian cuisine in the historic vaulted restaurant onsite. If a beer garden isn’t enough for you, the hotel is also less than a block away from Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, one of the most famous beer halls in Munich. It’s also a short walk away from Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt Market, and the Bavarian State Opera.

Click here to stay in a hotel offering great Bavarian specialties in their restaurant and beer garden onsite.

Best Boutique Hotel: Boutique Hotel Atrium München

PERFECT FOR: Those looking for more a personal accommodation option without sacrificing location

GUESTS SAY: “The hotel is super clean, organized, very good staff and services. Close to Munich central station and the Oktoberfest place. The bed was also really comfortable.”

SUMMARY: Boutique Hotel Atrium is a sophisticated boutique hotel with great attention to detail. Newly renovated in 2020, the rooms range from comfortable single rooms, upscale double rooms, to a luxury penthouse. It boasts of an excellent location just 5 minutes away from Oktoberfest and the main train station. Enjoy additional facilities like an atrium bar, a garden terrace, and rooms with garden or city views.

Click here to book a room in boutique hotel with very close proximity to the Oktoberfest fairgrounds

If You Want to Splurge on a 5-Star Hotel: Hotel Bayerischer Hof

PERFECT FOR: Those wanting to make their trip to Munich extra special by splurging on a luxury hotel in the center of Munich

GUESTS SAY: “Our accommodations were beautiful, the staff was amazing from front desk reception to Golden Key concierge. Our suite was always fresh and ready when we returned each afternoon. One evening we enjoyed dinner at the rooftop terrace restaurant which was delightful with amazing views of the Munich skyline.”

SUMMARY: If Oktoberfest but more especially Munich has been one of your top dream destinations, then splurging on a 5-star accommodation like Hotel Bayerischer Hof is a great way to take your holiday to the next level. This hotel offers refined rooms and suites with 24/7 room service. Dining options consist of 5 restaurants, a cafe and 5 bars. There’s even entertainment amenities like a nightclub, a comedy club and a rooftop terrace lounge. It’s a bit farther from Oktoberfest (around a 30-minute walk) but it’s close to the famous Frauenkirche and Marienplatz. It’s also across from a lovely small park. You’ll love staying here!

Click here to treat yourself to a 5-star hotel while visiting Munich for Oktoberfest

AirCon + Breakfast: CORTIINA Hotel

PERFECT FOR: Those who’d love a good buffet breakfast before heading to Oktoberfest

GUESTS SAY: “I really like the breakfast variety. Everything is fresh and the staff is incredibly friendly. The hotel is perfectly located to reach everything from Englisch Garten, Marienplatz to Maximilianstrasse.”

SUMMARY: There’s no better way to start your Oktoberfest day than by having a rich and filling breakfast! CORTIINA Hotel, located in Old Town, serves a highly-rated buffet breakfast consisting of regional cold cuts and cheese specialties, fresh pastries, egg dishes, and traditional sausages like Weisswurst. The hotel has modern rooms with dark oak furnishings, flat screen TVs and some even have kitchenettes and balconies.

Click here to stay in a hotel that guarantees delicious and fresh breakfast every day

10-Minute Walk to Oktoberfest: Hotel Augustin

PERFECT FOR: Travelers looking for flexible hotel set-ups very near Oktoberfest

GUESTS SAY: “Super clean, very stylish, nice staff. Everything about this hotel was exceptional. I would highly recommend it for Oktoberfest. It was such a convenient location.”

SUMMARY: Hotel Augustin is a vibrant and modern hotel offering a wide range of spacious room types from dorm-type bunk beds, family rooms, and suites for couples. Whether you’re going to Oktoberfest with a large group of friends or traveling solo, you’re sure to find a room for your needs. It’s conveniently located less than 10 minutes away from Oktoberfest.

Click here to stay in a hotel that’s only a 10-minute walk away from Oktoberfest

Apartment Facilities: Living Hotel Prinzessin Elisabeth

PERFECT FOR: Travelers who want the independence and features of apartment features in a hotel

GUESTS SAY: “Quiet location, clean room that also had a small kitchen with stove, microwave and cookware that we didn’t expect in a hotel. There is a supermarket next door. The staff was welcoming and friendly. Great location for Oktoberfest, a short walk away.”

SUMMARY: Located among trendy bars and cafés beside the Isar river, Living Hotel is a great option for those wanting to stay in an aparthotel near Oktoberfest. Each spacious room offers good views, fully equipped kitchenettes, a sitting area, while upgraded rooms have dining areas and a living room. Other amenities include a spa and wellness center, American-style breakfast, and buffet restaurant onsite.

Click here to book a comfortable room with apartment facilities near Oktoberfest

Best Relaxing Amenities: Le Meridien Munich

PERFECT FOR: Those who want to relax in premium facilities after long days at Oktoberfest

GUESTS SAY: “Great location next to the train station, very accessible from the airport and easy walk to marienplatz. Modern and comfortable hotel. Added breakfast to our room rate and though costly it was worth it, great selection. Fresh omelettes cooked to your liking, very tasty. Nice gym and lovely pool facilities.”

SUMMARY: Le Meridien Munich features one of the city’s biggest pools and best spa packages. Aside from these amenities, you’ll also find a steam room, fitness center, and sauna – perfect for relaxing after spending the day drinking and dancing at Oktoberfest. The elegant rooms have soundproof windows, marble bathrooms, flat screen TVs, and air conditioning. The hotel also houses an upscale German buffet restaurant and hip bar with local craft beer. 

Click here to book a relaxing stay in a centrally located hotel in Munich

5-Minute Walk to Oktoberfest: Bold Hotel München Zentrum

PERFECT FOR: Travelers who want to stay as close as possible to Oktoberfest

GUESTS SAY: “It’s a block away from the Theresienwiese, which is where Oktoberfest is held. Location is perfect with a subway stop literally right outside their door. Room was very nice with lots of little touches. Great coffee and common area.”

SUMMARY: Bold Hotel München Zentrum is a convenient 5-minute walk away from the Oktoberfest grounds but it also has great access to public transportation which still makes it easy to venture out to the city center. The hotel rooms are chic, featuring wood floors and modern furnishings. Many rooms have balconies and some even have fully equipped kitchenettes.

Click here to a book a room in one of the nearest hotels to Oktoberfest