Martinis with a touch of sake, pickled ginger, and cucumber flow through the lobby. Read it as an introduction or, better yet, as a statement of intent. It is the first surprise that awaits the traveler at The Dean Munich, who has just landed in the Bavarian capital. There are many more: from a fascinating Japanese restaurant with an open kitchen to a hidden speakeasy with Hi-Fi sound or a suggestive spa with a movie screen. All wrapped in works of art and designer furniture. This new hotel portrays the sexiest and most innovative side of the German city, but at the same time, it is the best place to enjoy the greatest classic: Oktoberfest, currently in full swing just steps away from the hotel.
One of the bars, this one in the shape of a C, in the hotel whose design is inspired by art nouveau and the 80s music scene.
Good hotels, as we know, tell a story. The Dean rescues two moments of creative splendor in Munich: the elegance of the Jugendstil movement, the German art nouveau, and the exuberant spirit of the city's music scene in the 80s.
The first is reflected in many of Munich's facades, especially in the Schwabing district, which, at the beginning of the 20th century, witnessed firsthand how the city was becoming one of the artistic capitals of Europe.
The second is an even more effervescent Munich, imbued with disco, punk, pop culture, and excesses. A Munich full of nightclubs that attracted figures like David Bowie, Madonna, Mick Jagger, and Freddie Mercury. The Queen frontman lived in the city for five years, between '79 and '85, and yes, he left his mark. Just search on YouTube for the famous music video of Living On My Own, which includes footage of the wild party he threw for his 39th birthday at the now-defunct Henderson's Club.
The culprit successfully capturing the spirit of different decades and subtly recreating that sophisticated and vibrant Munich at The Dean is Tatjana von Stein. The designer combines elements from both universes, setting a rhythm that goes from understated to bold depending on the space we find ourselves in. "Definitely, we relied on that monochromatic language of the 90s, but then we introduced the warmth of art nouveau through much more detailed elements, with small references to nature-inspired motifs, especially in the upholstery."
Tatjana, a Munich native based in London, says she conducted in-depth research about her own city to develop this project. "The design as a whole is a combination of custom-made furniture and vintage pieces, such as Josef Hoffmann's chairs or Otto Wagner's small benches, key figures of this modernity era." The result? A very sensual hotel, full of stimuli ranging from metallic lamps to wallpaper and lacquered panels. But also very playful.
Ibasho, the Japanese restaurant, is a good example. The show is not only aesthetic - open kitchen, circular booths... - but is evident in every dish. The gastronomic proposal is led by chef Alex Craciun, trained in the Japanese restaurants Kikunoi and Ryugin - both with three Michelin stars - and includes stunning compositions of sashimi and pressed sushi (fantastic the one with Balfegó tuna). Also, grilled meats and seafood (pay attention to the glazed bone marrow with tamarind and miso onions) and a select caviar offering.
Another space that adds to the show is the spa. And it's not just because of its pool or sauna, but because of those oversized dark loungers and that movie screen that sow doubt in the traveler: Where am I? Design also prevails in the rooms, where some beds are raised on small platforms. The scent of the bathroom amenities in black also doesn't go unnoticed. Created by DS & Durga, the indie niche fragrance house based in Brooklyn.
But if there is a space that stands out, it is Noren. Hidden behind a discreet door, this wood-clad and lavishly decorated speakeasy is the most unsuspected place at The Dean Munich. It features a DJ booth and lime green speakers from the Friendly Pressure brand. "A true indulgence explosion," admits Von Stein.
And those sequined paintings featuring Freddy Mercury and other characters? They are signed by the artist Sebastian Quast and are part of the collection that curator Christian Ganzanberg has gathered for the hotel under the title The city beneath the city. Other creators include Ju Young Kim, capable of transforming an airplane door into a handmade mosaic, and Veronika Hilger, whose paintings evoke different feelings in each viewer. Both women's pieces are in the lobby. "I thought it was fantastic that, upon arriving at a hotel, visitors are offered different perspectives and approaches to the city," explains Ganzanberg. They are all artists based in Munich who tell stories of their city in their own way. Some even live and work in the same Westend, the emerging and multicultural neighborhood where the hotel is located. A detail that makes a lot of sense to Kai Tan, co-founder of The Dean Group, for whom "art should not come from far away. It should come from across the street." In other words, art, music, and culture understood as a vehicle for connection.
And that is the philosophy of this Irish hospitality group born 12 years ago. Munich is their third hotel, after Dublin and Berlin. They will soon make their mark in the USA. Spain is also on their radar. After all, our country is one that Keith Evans, the other co-founder, claims to know very well. "We want to grow, but the idea is not to reach a specific number of hotels, but for all of them to be great hotels."