Lufthansa First Class Award Deal: Where to Stay in Munich, Paris and Bangkok

If you booked Lufthansa First Class awards between Toronto and Munich for a European summer vacation, or even as part of a longer Lufthansa First Class award to Bangkok, as a few of my Award Booking clients did, you may be wondering where to stay. Here are my picks for top luxury hotels in Munich, Paris (a favorite summer destination for many) and Bangkok, with either Virtuoso or Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. Want to book? Become a Client by completing our New Client Request form and emailing it to concierge [at] travelsort.com.

Top Munich Luxury Hotels

1. Mandarin Oriental Munich

Virtuoso Amenities

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily buffet breakfast for two
Complimentary lunch or dinner for two once per stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities
Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability
Complimentary WiFi

The Mandarin Oriental Munich is often considered by Mandarin Oriental afficianados as one of the best Mandarin Oriental properties in the world. It's not its size, since it's if anything more boutique-like, with fewer than 80 rooms and suites. Instead, it's the hotel's perfect city center location, the panoramic views from the rooftop pool, sundeck and select rooms and suites, and above all, the excellent staff. While German luxury hotels aren't necessarily known for their service standards, especially compared to high service levels in top Asian hotels, the Mandarin Oriental Munich's staff is exceptional.

Rooms offer ultra-comfortable beds, heated floors and towel racks in the bathroom, and evening turndown service. We'd recommend springing for a suite or at least a junior suite if at all possible, since Superior Rooms vary in size and can be as small as 327 sq. ft, while Superior Junior Suites offer 545-600 square feet of space, Molton Brown amenities, complimentary WiFi and Nespresso machines. Reserve one of the hotel's Mercedes Benz bicycles to go for a self-powered spin through the city.

2. The Charles Hotel

Virtuoso Amenities

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily buffet breakfast for two
85 EUR (~$113) food and beverage credit for use during stay
Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

If the Mandarin Oriental Munich isn't quite in your budget, my favorite luxury hotel that also provides great value is Rocco Forte's The Charles Hotel. It's not quite as central as The Mandarin Oriental, but still less than a 10 minute walk from the sights of the old town, located by the picturesque Botanic Gardens. Classic and Deluxe Rooms are spacious, at 430 square feet, and also offer a French Balcony that with views of the historical city. The look is understated modern luxury, and is complemented by the very attentive yet friendly staff. Children receive their own special welcome amenities, from a stuffed animal or toy to coloring book, coloring pencils, child-size bathrobe and slippers. Don't miss one of the best buffet breakfasts you're likely to have in Germany (included with a Virtuoso booking), or the tranquil indoor pool.

Lufthansa First Class Award Deal to Munich: The Charles Hotel Munich

Top Paris Hotels

1. Four Seasons George V Paris

Four Seasons Preferred Partner Amenities

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (note that Four Seasons Preferred Partner upgrades are prioritized ahead of AMEX FHR upgrades)
Daily full American breakfast for two
$100 spa credit for use during stay
Complimentary Internet

Iconic and amazing, for families as well as couples. See my recent review of the Four Seasons Paris George V and of the hotel's 2 Michelin Star Restaurant, Le Cinq. Kids will love their own child size bathrobe, welcome treats, “Les Triples” coloring book, and an exclusive Back of House Tour and Pastry Lesson!

2. Hotel Le Bristol

Virtuoso Amenities

Upgrade at time of booking for Junior Suite and above categories (lower categories, subject to availability at time of check-in)
Daily full breakfast for two
$100 spa credit for use during stay
Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

Le Bristol is one of the Virtuoso hotels where you can confirm an upgrade when booking, a wonderful benefit. We also recently enjoyed a sumptuous lunch at Epicure, the 3 Michelin Star restaurant at Le Bristol.

3. Hotel Fouquet's Barriere

Virtuoso Amenities

Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking up to the Deluxe Suite category
American breakfast for two daily
50 EUR (~$56) spa credit for use during stay
Stays of 3 or more nights: one way private airport transfer
Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

If you prefer more of a boutique hotel for your Paris stay, consider Hotel Fouquet's Barriere, with an unassuming entrance on Avenue Georges V and with views from some rooms and suites of the Champs-Elysees. The munchkin and I enjoyed our stay, especially the peaceful Galerie Joy Terrace courtyard garden, and a refreshing swim in the indoor pool and Aqua Circuit.

4. The Mandarin Oriental Paris

Virtuoso Amenities

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast for two
85 EUR (~$113) spa credit for use during stay
Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

Top Bangkok Hotels

1. The Peninsula Bangkok

Virtuoso Amenities for 2014

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily buffet breakfast for two
Afternoon tea for two once during stay
THB 800 (~$25) spa credit per person for use during stay
Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

Classically elegant and located right on the Chao Phraya River, The Peninsula Bangkok is the perfect base for a stay in Bangkok. See my review of The Peninsula Bangkok, including its extensive breakfast buffet. I also enjoyed dinner at its Thai restaurant, Thiptara, where I recommend the softshell crab with kaffir lime and chilli (see 7 Things to Eat in Bangkok).

2. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Virtuoso Amenities

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily buffet breakfast for two in Veranduh Restaurant
One complimentary Thai buffet lunch for two at Sala Rim Naam, once during stay (excludes beverages)
Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Known simply as “The Oriental” when it opened in 1789, long before being taken over by Mandarin Oriental, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok continues to attract loyal guests based on its superb service. I've not stayed there yet, but along with The Peninsula, these are the two most iconic hotels in Bangkok.