HOTELS WE COVET
MANDARIN ORIENTAL MUNICH
Mike Fuchs is the Executive Assistant Manager at the Munich
leading luxury hotel, Mandarin Oriental.
Ideally located in the heart of the old town, the hotel is surround-
ed by museums, the State Opera, the famous Hofbraeuhaus and
the exclusive Maximilian shopping street. Some of the finest
restaurants, boulevard cafés, art galleries and traditional gourmet
markets are just a stone’s throw away.
Within this lively, cultural and enticing environment, Mandarin
Oriental Munich marks a symbiosis of the classic style of Neo-Re-
naissance and traditional Bavarian elegance, combined with con-
temporary luxury. Coveted Magazine visited Mandarin in Sep-
tember and had the great honour to talk with Mr. Mike Fuchs.
Coveted Magazine: How do you like to introduce yourself and
what to say about Mr. Mike Fuchs?
Mike Fuchs: I am a very passionate person in terms of hospi-
tality. After ten years abroad, my family and I have returned to
Germany and have settled down in Munich. It was so great and
a big honor to be part of Mandarin Oriental Munich’s refurbish-
ment project, within we have opened Germany’s first Celebrity
Chef concept with Matsuhisa, Munich.
CM: Being in love with our work is always the key to achieve
better results. Are you in love with your job? What do you love
the most about being Executive Assistant Manager at Mandarin
Oriental Munich?
MF: I am definitely in love with my job and in my opinion that’s
the only way you can be really successful – being full of love and
passion for this exciting industry. Each day is different and you
never know for sure what will happen. Mandarin Oriental, Mu-
nich is 100 per cent owned and managed by the group, which
means there is a special focus on our hotel by our parent company.
CM: In your opinion what makes Mandarin Oriental Munich
different from the other hotels in Germany?
MF: We don’t only say “The guest is king”, but we live it. With
73 rooms and suites and more than 180 employees, we are able
to provide guests with a unique personal and individual service
– what is impossible in most of the other five star hotels. We
know and remember every single preference of our hotel guests
to show them during their next stay that we understand their
needs and wishes.
CM: What is the hotel concept and history?
MF: Originally built as Johann Kilian Stützel’s Ballhaus (Ball-
room house), the building of Mandarin Oriental, Munich was
planned as a glittering focal point of Munich’s social scene.
In 1945 the building was renovated, changing hands several times
before its transformation into the Antique Haus, the dream of
artist financier Manfred Rubesam. Rubesam hoped that the con-
versaion into an antique shopping complex would recall the glory
of former times, but neither he nor his successor Erich Kaufmann
was able to establish a sound financial base for the project.
In 1987 the building was purchased by George Rafael. After a
two-year renovation process the hotel experienced its glamorous
opening in spring 1990 as Rafael Hotel. In May 2000 the hotel
was purchased by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
Today, Mandarin Oriental, Munich combines traditional and
modern luxury - offering an unique hotel experience to each sin-
gle guest in the very city center of Munich.