Munich Airport: Your Ultimate Guide to Smooth Sailing (NH Included!)
Munich Airport: My Chaotic Love Affair with Smooth Sailing (NH Included!) - A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the real deal on Munich Airport. Forget those glossy brochures and perfect Instagram feeds – I'm talking warts and all, the good, the bad, and the utterly bizarre. I've been through this airport more times than I care to admit (seriously, I think I've practically lived there), and let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster. And yes, I'm including the hotels inside the airport in this review, because let's face it, sometimes you just need to crash before that connecting flight.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Generally Okay with Some Caveats
First off, the basics. Munich Airport tries. Tries is the key word. It's generally okay for accessibility. You've got elevators galore (thank heavens!), ramps, and designated seating areas. The signage is pretty decent, although, let's be honest, after 12 hours of travel, even the clearest signs can look like hieroglyphics. Wheelchair accessibility is a thing, and they seem to be actively trying to make things easier, but sometimes the distances are seriously long. I’m talking, “did I just walk to Luxembourg?” kind of long. So, if you've got mobility issues, plan ahead, factor in extra time, and don't be afraid to ask for help. (And seriously, book a good hotel like the Novotel – more on that in a sec – to give your legs a break.)
Wheelchair Accessible? Mostly yes, but check specifics for each gate/terminal. It's not a flawlessly smooth experience everywhere.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi Woes and LAN Lands…ish
Ah, the internet. The lifeblood of (almost) every traveler. Wi-Fi in public areas is… present. Let's put it that way. Sometimes it’s fast, sometimes it’s… a shimmering mirage of connectivity. Don't rely on it for a Zoom meeting. Seriously, don't. I've ended up pacing and squawking like a rabid parrot trying to get a signal. Thankfully, many of the hotels, like the Novotel, offer free Wi-Fi in the rooms (thank the travel gods!), which is a lifesaver when you're stranded with a delayed flight and a mountain of work to do.
Here’s the thing: Some rooms also offer LAN access. Anyone still use that?! Shows how long they have been in business.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Definitely check ahead. I've found some frustrating situations where a place says it's accessible, but… it's a struggle.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Gastronomic Adventure (Sometimes)
Okay, let's talk food. Because, let's be honest, a long layover is basically code for "time to eat all the things."
- The Good: You can actually find some decent food in Munich Airport. I'm a sucker for a good Bavarian pretzel and a hearty beer. There are restaurants serving Asian and International cuisine, offering a variety of options. The coffee shops are a godsend for a caffeine fix after a red-eye. (Pro-tip: Pack a bottle of water – you'll thank me later!). More Pro-tip: Look out for Happy Hour – I have found some great deals in my time.
- The… Not-So-Good: It's airport food, so… temper your expectations of gourmet. The prices can be a bit eye-watering. Finding vegetarian/vegan options can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. And the queues, oh, the queues!
- The Utterly Chaotic: Buffets. Avoid them during peak times unless you enjoy the Hunger Games. There's usually a salad bar as well.
- The Saving Grace: Room service (24 hours) from the airport hotels. Especially when you're exhausted and just want to curl up in bed with a burger.
Services and Conveniences: Your Survival Kit
- Cash Withdrawal: Absolutely. They have ATMs everywhere.
- Currency Exchange: Yep, you can swap your dollars for euros (and vice versa).
- Daily Housekeeping: The airport hotels, like the Novotel, are usually on top of this. Clean rooms are a blessing.
- Elevator: THANK GOD.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Check hotel's websites.
- Luggage Storage: Definitely a lifesaver. Let’s be honest.
- Concierge: Most of the bigger hotels, like the Novotel, have a concierge who can help with pretty much anything.
- Dry Cleaning/Laundry Service: Yes, which is helpful when spending multiple days here and not wanting to have the same clothes.
- Gift/Souvenir Shop: A must for those last-minute presents.
For the Kids:
I don't have any kids myself, but I've seen families navigating this airport. There are definitely some kids' facilities, but it’s not Disneyland. I would check with your specific hotel (Novotel, etc.) to see what they offer – babysitting and kids meals are listed.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Post-Pandemic Reality
Okay, let's get real about the pandemic. Munich Airport seems to be taking things seriously. They've got hand sanitiser everywhere, and they're doing the usual cleaning stuff with “professional-grade sanitizing services” and “daily disinfection in common areas”. (This is a common thing among all the hotels in the airport). They also have “individually-wrapped food options” in some places. I will say this, I have experienced some issues and ended up getting sick on a trip.
The Hotels: Your Oasis in the Chaos (Especially the Novotel!)
Let's be honest, when you're stuck in an airport, the hotel is everything. It's your haven, your escape, your sanity saver. And I'm specifically going to talk about the Novotel (because I've stayed there loads).
Why the Novotel is Worth It:
- Proximity: Seriously, you can practically roll out of bed and be at your gate. This is a lifesaver with early flights or crazy delays.
- Free Wi-Fi: Essential. Life-saving.
- Comfort: Decent rooms, comfortable beds, and (usually) a good night's sleep.
- Food: They have restaurants with decent food and, crucially, room service.
- Amenities (if you’re lucky): Not all have the exact same amenities.
Let's Get Personal - My Airport Horror Story (and the Novotel Came to the Rescue!)
Okay, so once, I was stranded at Munich Airport for 24 hours. 24 HOURS! My flight was cancelled due to a blizzard, the entire place was mayhem, and I was starting to lose my mind. I couldn't find a single seat, every restaurant had a line that stretched to the horizon, and internet access was intermittent at best. I was about ready to curl up on the floor and weep. THIS is where the proximity of the Novotel saved me. I booked a room, crashed, showered, ate some actual food, and caught a bit of sleep before my next flight – and feeling human. The room service chicken was a small piece of heaven. So, yeah, consider this my personal endorsement: BOOK A HOTEL INSIDE the airport if you have any inkling of a layover or potential delay. It's worth every penny.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Limited, But They Try
Look, you're in an airport. Don't expect a spa day. But… there are some options:
- Gym/Fitness: They might have a fitness centre if you're really itching for a workout, but don't get your hopes up for anything fancy.
- Spa/Sauna: Some of the hotels have a spa. A little relaxation really does the world of good.
- Pool/Pool with a View: Not many.
Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes (some hotels)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Desk
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe box
- Internet access – wireless (thank god!)
- Ironing facilities
- Mini bar
- Non-smoking rooms
- Private bathroom
- Satellite/cable channels
- Shower
- Smoke detector
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Wake-up service
- Wi-Fi [free]
Overall:
Munich Airport is… an experience. It's functional. It's got issues. But it gets the job done. And remember – the hotels inside the airport are your friends.
**
Hyderabad's Hidden Hotel Gems: Unbelievable Luxury You Won't Believe!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sterile, color-coded itinerary. This is a battle plan for surviving (and hopefully enjoying!) the NH München Airport. Consider this my therapy session… publicly.
NH München Airport: My Survival Guide (and Possibly Breakdown)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Labyrinth (Munich, Germany)
08:00 - 09:00: Arrival - The "Is This My Flight?" Anxiety
Okay, first things first: I'm that person. The one who triple-checks their passport even though they're standing at the passport control. My flight from London was supposed to be smooth, but a minor delay (cue: internal screaming) meant I'm already running late. Finding the NH München is a quest! I'm pretty sure the airport staff take special delight in hiding the signs. I swear I walked past "NH München" four times before finally stumbling upon it. I actually got flustered and panicked and didn't even see it! Is my brain fried from the journey?
09:00 - 10:00: Check-In Chaos & Room Debacle (The "Where's My Room?!" Panic)
Check-in was… interesting. Let's just say the friendly, efficient staff were doing their best in the face of a bleary-eyed, coffee-deprived tourist. Everything proceeded as planned but there was a minor issue with my room. The key didn't work. Well, one tries not to overreact whilst standing in a public space in a foreign country.
10:00 - 11:00: The Quest for Caffeine & Breakfast (The "Hangry Monster" Unleashed)
Coffee. I NEED COFFEE. Immediately. The hotel lobby cafe is a lifesaver. But the breakfast buffet…? Let's just say my inner critic wasn't very kind about my plate. I piled it high - the breakfast of champions! It was okay, nothing extraordinary - a good start though.
11:00 - 12:00: Room Reconnaissance and Jet Lag Reality Check
Finally in the room! Yay! It's clean, the wifi actually works, and the bed looks like a cloud. But the jet lag is already kicking in. I'm fighting a powerful urge to just dive into that cloud and sleep for a week. Okay, maybe not. I need to stay awake! And plan my next move.
12:00 - 13:00: The Hotel Gym Fiasco (The "I'm Never Going to Exercise Again" Moment)
Thought: I should be productive, maybe hit the gym. The hotel gym seemed promising, and it was empty. But after struggling with the equipment and failing to look graceful, I swiftly exited. I'm not sure I'm cut out for hotel gyms. Defeated, I retreated to my room for a much-needed nap.
13:00 - 15:00: Naptime & Mid-Afternoon Meltdown (The "Is This Real Life?" Phase)
The nap was glorious. I woke up disoriented but… somewhat refreshed. Now the inner dialogue starts, usually the point when I question every decision I've made in the past hour. Did I book this hotel appropriately? Is everything OKAY? Should I go and get a proper Bavarian burger?
15:00 - 16:00: Wanderlust Strikes! (The "I'm Outta Here" Impulse)
I'm done with walls. I need air. I need Munich! I need to actually see Germany. I force myself to head out to explore, and quickly fall hopelessly in love (with Munich).
16:00 - 18:00: Dinner - The Accidental Masterpiece (The "Best Meal Ever" Moment)
The hotel restaurant was the best choice. I didn't want to wander too far as I was still tired, but I was hungry and had a craving for local food. So I selected the restaurant - and it was perfect! A delicious schnitzel, some creamy spaetzle, a local beer… The perfect end to a semi-disastrous, almost-perfect day.
18:00 - 20:00: The Calm Before the Storm: Rest & Reflection
Back in my room, I journal and check emails. No matter how hard I think I should be, I'm still not sure how to do it. Trying to find the balance between the fun I want and wanting to be productive.
Day 2: Munich Adventures, The Beer Hall Blitz & Airport Re-Entry (And Possible Early Departure)
08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast & The Pre-Adventure Jitters
Another breakfast buffet, another battle. Did I overdo it on the carbs yesterday? Probably. Still, gotta fuel up for the day! Also, a moment of panic when I realize I haven't sorted out transportation for my big adventure.
09:00 - 12:00: Munich Exploration – The City is Beautiful! (The "Wow" Factor)
My sightseeing rampage continues. I have to see the Marienplatz, the Neues Rathaus (the clock!), and maybe even a little church. The history, the architecture, it's all spectacular. This is why I travel! The only problem? This is also the place where I realize I never actually booked my airport transportation. FML.
12:00 - 13:00: Lunch/ Beer Garden Bliss (The "Beer is Good, Life is Good" Philosophy)
A traditional Bavarian beer garden is a must-do. Pretzel, beer, sausages, people-watching -- heaven! I accidentally knock over a glass of beer. The locals laugh at me in a loving way.
13:00 - 16:00: Shopping and The "I Don't Have Enough Cash" Crisis
A little shopping is in order. Souvenirs, gifts… all that good stuff. But, uh oh, I'm running dangerously low on cash. I'm not sure I like the idea of using the airport ATM to withdraw more money. I'd have to eat my words and do it.
16:00 - 17:00: Back to NH München: Last Supper and Fear of Flying (The "Goodbye, Munich!")
I'm back at the NH right now. I'm getting ready to head to the airport and fly back. I'm still scared to fly. But I'll be fine. It will all be fine.
17:00 - 18:00: Airport Run, Check-In and Pre-Flight Shenanigans
Hopefully, I can check-in and make it through security, which means having to face my flight fear. The flight is delayed. I'm starting to think I've been possessed by gremlins. I should be used to it by now.
18:00 - 20:00: Flight… hopefully, safely (The "I Survived!" Celebration)
I'm hoping to make it onto the plane. If so, I can finally relax! I need it for the sake of my sanity.
Final Thoughts: The Rambling Aftermath
So, that's it. My slightly chaotic journey through the NH München Airport. The jet lag, the food, the small triumphs, the minor panic attacks - it's real.
It wasn't perfect, by any means, but it was mine. And after all, isn't that what travel is all about? To mess around and have fun.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find the nearest source of caffeine and collapse into a comfy chair.
Unbelievable Staycation Deal! Royal 1+1 Suite Near Mid Valley KL!
Munich Airport: You Think You Know It? Think Again (A Chaotic Guide)
So, Munich Airport… Good or Bad? Let’s Be Honest.
Where Do I Actually Land? (Terminals & Getting Around)
Security: The Land of X-Ray Vision and… Endless Queues?
Food & Drink: Fueling Your Bavarian Adventure (or Surviving Delays)
What About Shopping? Because Retail Therapy is a Necessity, Right?
Layover Survival: How to Avoid Going Stir-Crazy
Lost Luggage Lament: My Personal Tragedy
Is it easy to get to the airport from the city?
What about *that* Munich Airport Experience? (The One You'll Never Forget)
