Staying around Munich Hbf

I haven't been to Munich recently, but the last time I was there (2013), I had absolutely no safety issues of any kind.
The area isn't really "seedy" as it is "unpretty." There are always people around and plenty of businesses stay open late. I recall a pizza parlor and several internet cafes catering to a late night crowd.
If I returned to Munich, I wouldn't have any problems staying by the Hbf. But that's me. If you'd rather stay near the Marienplatz, that's entirely up to you.

We stayed nearby at the Courtyard by Marriott and had no issues. It is a very short walking distance and we were pleasantly surprised. It does not compare to the Courtyards in the US. The breakfast was incredible and there was a small bar in the lobby with an outside sitting area that was very nice to have a nightcap and desert or to enjoy your meal. The staff was very friendly and helpful as well. Sounds like you have a place lined up but thought I would share our experience in the area. - might be much less expensive too.

We also stayed at the Courtyard Marriot near the train station and did not feel that the area was unsafe, but there are adult entertainment shops and plenty of night life. That is probably what is meant by seedy. Our room was very quiet and we would stay there again.

Hi,
I'm one of the people who called it seedy. I stayed near the intersection of Schillerstrasse and Adolf-Kopling. I'm getting the impression that the look/feel of the area varies depending on what side of the station you stay on (I guess). I walked between my hotel and the Oktoberfest grounds and also walked to the Marienplatz. It was in the evening and dark but still before 9pm.
When I say seedy, I don't mean "fearing for my life" or "afraid of someone approaching me"-- I mean strip joints and adult storefronts and grungy dirty. I didn't like my hotel despite the fact that it gets great Tripadvisor reviews. My only reason for staying in that area was to be near the train station for an early morning departure. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been there. If I ever return to Munich, I'd pick a different neighborhood. My 2 cents.

We also stayed in the Marriott Courtyard on our very first visit. No, there were no issues with safety. That's not really the point, though. The area around the pedestrian areas of Marienplatz and the Viktualienmarkt are SOOOOOOOOO much nicer. Nobody ever "scared" us or made us feel unsafe around the Hbf - but it was just like staying in any slight seedy downtown area in most cities in the USA. If you never left that area you'd never know you were in Munich. Get out of the Hbf area and see the medieval city center area - that's where Munich really lights up.

I stayed next door to the Le Meridian, in Fleming's about 3 or 4 years ago. I thought it was OK. You are on a busy main street, just 1.5 blocks from the station. If you walk into the neighborhood behind the hotel there is a mix of businesses that give it a seedy reputation (bars, gambling salons, "erotic" businesses). There is also a fairly large Turkish presence. You can "walk" the neighborhood using google maps to get an impression. Things may have changed there since the migrants, don't know. I'd say it is still safe, but if you plan on being out late, you might feel better in a different area.

You can "walk" the neighborhood using google maps to get an impression.

But it might not be a current impression. Google and the German government have different views of German privacy laws, so the "Street View" images of Munich haven't been updated since about 2008, and many locations are blurred out.

Hi,

Walking from the Meridian to Munich Hbf is about 2-3 mins on the same side of the block.. I stay in the train station area at a Pension accessible by the underground passage., ie, I can avoid the street level, take the correct exit, just three min.walking using the passage....very convenient. No problems with safety at Munich Hbf. The entrance closer to the Burger King seems to have more punk wanna types milling about, coming from the Meridian you can totally avoid that, ie, ditching them. You're entering closer to the Starbucks inside the station.

qp,

I wouldn't characterize that particular area as "seedy", although some of the side streets near the Hbf where I usually stay would fit that description. Le Meridien is right across the street from Munich Hbf so it's VERY easy to get to. I haven't stayed there but I suspect it's somewhat "upscale" (ie: expensive), and I'm sure the inside of the hotel is an oasis of tranquility. That's certainly the case at the Sofitel which is right next to the station (I have been inside that to have dinner).

While there are lots of "colourful characters" wandering about the Hbf at all hours, I doubt that you'll have any problems walking to Marienplatz or other sights.

I stayed a block from the Hbf going toward Marienplatz. It was not picturesque or quaint, but it was fine.

Its totally fine. In the Austria and Germany the train stations always have some sketchy looking characters. But these areas are frequented by polices. My opinion is that it is much much safer than most American cities.