Munich’s sprawling Viktualienmarkt is a colourful market peddling a wide range of wares, from horse meat to garden furniture. The bustling area doubles as the front yard of the Louis Hotel, whose guests would be hard pushed to find a more lively location.

A boutique property of only 72 rooms, the Louis exudes a quiet sophistication created by colours and furnishings whose subtlety nonetheless speak volumes. The courtyard rooms overlook a quiet enclosure, and the Market Deluxe category is significantly larger with views from a small balcony across the Viktualienmarkt and—on a clear day—the Alps. The hotels’s pièce de résistance, however, is the cavernous and penthouse-esque Louis Room, which, located on the top floor, comes complete with pitched roof and two large balconies.

Emiko restaurant and bar skilfully proffers authentic Japanese tradition fused with modern, international influences.