While the Arthotel Munich's facade can make a rather gray and forbidding first impression, a pair of glowing heads sprouting grass "hair" flanking the main entrance hints at what awaits inside. The hotel's bright lobby is awash with modern artworks, quirky furnishings, and playful touches, giving it a feel that's part art gallery, part funky hostel. The vibe is unmistakably hip and youthful, with colorful and contemporary interiors that focus on pop art and 21st-century design. Think: large photos of New York City sights, a bronzy egg chair, and two chairs shaped like faces, among other wacky details. The hotel attracts mostly young couple and friends, and the hotel's resident Golden Retriever is a popular, furry presence around the reception area. The hotel also comprises a separate annex building, which lacks an elevator and can involve several flights of stairs. 

The hotel is located on fairly busy road just a couple blocks from Hauptbahnhof, the main railway station in Munich to the west of the city center. It's a busy commercial area, full of banks, eateries, drugstores, and other hotels, though there's little of interest for tourists can it get feel a little sketchy at night. Karlsplatz (aka Stachus), a popular tourist square, is about 10 minutes away on foot and just beyond is the start of the Altstadt, or historic city center. Munich International Airport is 35 to 40 minutes by car or around an hour by public transport (via the S-bahn train about 10 minutes' walk away).

The hotel has 133 rooms, all of which have bright modern-retro interiors in browns and orange, blond wood floors, and colorful pop artworks. Rooms are generally spacious and well-presented, though some of the furnishings can feel a little flimsy. Wi-Fi is free, flat-screen TVs have satellite channels, and minibars offer reasonably priced drinks; iPod docks are provided, though are not compatible with other devices (or newer Apple products). There are also no tea/coffee facilities. Bathrooms are impressive, with roomy walk-in showers and contemporary fixtures, though toiletries are wall-mounted dispensers. Lower-level street-facing rooms are prone to traffic noise. 

The hotel serves an impressive spread for breakfast is its high-ceiled dining room, which includes fresh breads, cereals, cold cuts and eggs, and is included in the room rate. A smart lobby bar provides a good range of alcoholic drinks and a sociable vibe, as is open until late every evening. There's no restaurant on-site but the bar serves pizza and vending machines offer snacks. Guests have discounted rates at a nearby fitness center, and paid parking is available on-site (with a reservation).