Schwan Locke, Munich
A design-led aparthotel where Deutscher Werkbund heritage, retro colour palettes, and contemporary living come together in one of Munich’s most creative neighborhoods.
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● Interiors by Fettle inspired by Munich’s Deutscher Werkbund movement, reinterpreted with warmth, colour, and contemporary flair.
● Beautifully designed apartments that combine boutique hospitality with the comfort and flexibility of residential living.
● Vibrant communal spaces where locals and travellers naturally come together over coffee, cocktails, work, and conversation.
A Modern Home for Creative Munich
Located in the Theresienwiese district, best known for Oktoberfest but increasingly appreciated for its evolving creative scene, Schwan Locke presents a fresh vision of urban hospitality. Rather than functioning as a conventional hotel, it feels like an extension of the neighborhood itself—a place where design, community, and everyday living merge effortlessly. As Locke’s first property in Germany, the hotel reflects the brand’s philosophy of creating spaces that are equally welcoming for overnight guests, long-stay residents, freelancers, and locals looking for a lively café or comfortable workspace.
Inspired by Munich’s Design Heritage
London-based studio Fettle drew inspiration from the Deutscher Werkbund, the influential early twentieth-century movement founded in Munich that helped pave the way for the Bauhaus by combining craftsmanship with industrial production. That influence is visible throughout the hotel, not through historical imitation, but through a contemporary interpretation of its principles. Soft pastel colours, geometric patterns, light oak, chrome detailing, textured mohair upholstery, raw plaster finishes, and carefully crafted joinery create interiors that feel playful, approachable, and unmistakably modern. The striking entrance lobby immediately sets the tone with mirrored walls, bold patterned flooring inspired by the 1914 Werkbund exhibition, and a green lacquered ceiling that reflects light throughout the space, creating an almost theatrical welcome.
Designed for Living, Not Just Staying
The 151 apartments blur the line between hotel room and private residence. Every studio includes a fully equipped kitchenette, generous workspace, comfortable lounge seating, and custom-designed oak cabinetry, making even longer stays feel effortless. Muted greens, blues, ochres, and warm reds soften the interiors, while bespoke furniture sits alongside pieces by Hay, &Tradition, Petite Friture, and Adico. Large windows flood each apartment with daylight, giving the spaces an airy, residential atmosphere. Artwork throughout the hotel celebrates pioneering women of the Deutscher Werkbund movement, with colourful contemporary portraits by Munich artist Veronika Grenzebach adding another distinctly local layer to the interiors.
A Social Heart That Never Sleeps
Schwan Locke is designed as much around its communal spaces as its apartments. The café, lounge, coworking spaces, and bar transition naturally throughout the day—from morning coffee and remote working to evening cocktails and casual dinners. Lighting has been carefully layered to transform the mood as daylight fades, creating spaces that feel equally suited for quiet productivity or lively conversation. At the centre of the building, a landscaped courtyard offers a rare urban oasis where lush planting, relaxed seating, and outdoor dining create one of the hotel’s most inviting gathering places during the warmer months.
Contemporary Hospitality with Character
Rather than chasing short-lived trends, Schwan Locke builds its identity through craftsmanship, colour, and community. The combination of early modernist influences, contemporary furniture, bespoke details, and open social spaces gives the hotel a personality that feels both highly designed and remarkably relaxed. It’s a place where guests can stay for one night or several months without ever feeling like temporary visitors.
Why it Works
Schwan Locke demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform an aparthotel into a genuine destination. By combining Munich’s Werkbund heritage with contemporary craftsmanship, beautifully layered interiors, and a vibrant community atmosphere, it creates one of the city’s most welcoming and design-conscious stays. Relaxed, colourful, and full of personality, Schwan Locke feels less like a hotel and more like Munich’s most stylish shared living room.
