The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte property nestled beside Munich’s Old Botanical Garden, has completed a striking transformation of its ground floor, unveiling a glamorous new look that reflects refined Italian elegance and lush botanical inspiration.
The renovation, led by acclaimed designers Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen in collaboration with Rocco Forte’s design director Olga Polizzi, introduces a vibrant new visual identity that flows seamlessly through the hotel’s redesigned lobby, the revitalised Florio Restaurant & Bar, and the newly opened Circle Bar.
A vibrant welcome
The hotel’s reimagined lobby sets the tone with bold floral arrangements, elegant statuary, and a commanding central table that greets guests with theatrical flair. A curved plaster relief by French artist François Mascarello serves as a sophisticated backdrop to the reception, anchoring the space in textured, artistic calm.
Florio Restaurant & Bar: a celebration of nature and Italian hospitality
Taking cues from its proximity to the Old Botanical Garden, the new Florio Restaurant – created by Rocco Forte’s Creative Director of Food, Fulvio Pierangelini – envelops guests in an atmosphere of natural serenity. Moss-green linen wallpaper, silvery olive trees, and sunlit interiors create a garden-like haven, where colourful botanical prints echo the seasonal menu inspired by fresh, regional produce.
Adjacent to the restaurant, the new Florio Bar offers a lush escape, with rainforest green and Indian Rainforest Gold marble blending into wood-clad columns and plush green benches. The bar’s Italian aperitivo-inspired drinks menu is accompanied by a fine selection of wines, premium spirits, and small plates – perfect for pre-dinner refreshments or a stylish late-night rendezvous.
A charmingly integrated private dining room – featuring parquet flooring in warm brown tones and bespoke floral murals – can be partitioned from the main restaurant by semi-transparent sliding doors. Used for breakfast by day, the space transforms into an elegant venue for intimate dinners or special occasions.
An outdoor sanctuary
Continuing the botanical motif, the hotel’s redesigned terrace offers a tranquil 200-square-metre escape in the heart of the city. Under broad parasols, guests can relax into wrought iron furniture adorned with green cushions in playful fabrics and patterns. As evening falls, soft lighting and large lanterns bring a warm, intimate glow to the serene urban garden, enhanced by two delicate light sculptures by British design firm Haberdashery – each crafted with 258 porcelain leaves suspended on microfine strands.
Circle Bar: an Art Deco gem with a nod to Italian sculpture
Completing the ground-floor transformation is the new Circle Bar, named after both the circular shape of the room and the bold red steel ring by Italian artist Mauro Staccioli that sits in the square just outside the hotel.
The bar’s Art Deco interior offers a relaxed yet stylish retreat, with a menu of champagnes, classic cocktails, teas, and coffee alongside an indulgent afternoon patisserie offering – an inviting space for both casual conversation and quiet contemplation.
With this full-scale redesign marking its latest chapter, The Charles Hotel is celebrating its 2025 milestone in style – reaffirming its position as one of Munich’s most elegant and innovative five-star destinations.