Munich Germany

I've heard (not noticed) that the area directly east of the Bahnhof (between there and Karlstor) is a little seedy (a few sex shops) but not unsafe.

We stayed at two hotels in the railroad station area on our last trip. Seemed quite safe. i looked hard and noticed only two 'sex shops" they had painted over windows so nothing to notice or offend. No "weirdos' any where in sight. However all my walking was from and around the railroad station area toward the Marienplatz

There's no myth at all about the Hauptbahnhof being seedy - it just is. Take a short walk over to the Marienplatz or the Viktualienmarkt and see the rather glaringly obvious difference. It all depends on what you're looking for in accomodations.

stayed there. perfectly fine place. is it the nicest, most modern, most exciting place i have ever stayed? no. is it a small, quaint place, full of old German charm? no. but it is a clean, fairly large, nice place to stay. their restaurant was also good. for me, what was most important is the location. it is right near the entry to the pedestrian-only area that leads to the Marienplatz and all the stuff i wanted to see ... so no need for public transit - just an easy walk. i wouldn't go for a late-nite stroll in the area immediately around the train station in Munich; but i don't do that here in Philly or in New York, either. daytime, or early evening is all fine. No more 'seedy" than in any big city here in the USA

I agree that the area around the HauptBanhof is safe, and there's really little to worry about if you stay there, especially if being close to the station will be a big help to you. I've been to Munich twice. 1st time, stayed at Hotel/Hostel called "4uMunchen" (mainly a hostel, but upper floors have nice hotel rooms, private bath, etc.), not immideiately near the Banhof, but very close (was a few min walk, although it was on a quiet street). This was a help on the day I left Munich; was super easy to get to the train. It was also a very eask walk to the Marienplatz. Is the area right near the main station the most charming in Munich?? No, definitely not. But, I agree, it's not really seedy (yes, there's a sex store or 2, but I don't recall feeling theatened by this; you'll hardly notice them), and does have the advantage of location. You'll be perfectly safe there. If it helps, on my 2nd trip, I stayed in a place Rick suggests: Pension Beck (http://www.pension-beck.de/), and liked it. Not "luxurious," but a typical Rick suggestion; family run, friendly staff, full of like-minded, independent travelers, good bfast each AM, clean rooms. In a nice, quiet residential area, but getting to the Marienplatz and other key areas was very easy. On my last day, when I had to get back to the station to depart Munich, just had to budegt my time a little more carefully.

I can't speak to the Hotel Drei Lowen. I stayed at the Hotel Monaco near the train station a couple of years ago. The area felt safe but was bit less desireable. There was an adult book store nearby. I was traveling by myself at that time and only in Munich for one night, but would probably have stayed elsewhere if my daughters (pre-school age) were with me or I was staying for longer.

I would disagree that the area around the Munich Hbf is "seedy". I've never had that impression, especially as there are some "high end" Hotels in that area. As someone else noted, the Sofitel is located right next to the station. I've walked through that area both day and night, and never felt that it was a "bad area". I can't offer any comments on the Hotel Drei Loewen, as I usually stay at Hotel Uhland, which is located in a nice residential area. The ratings on Trip Advisor for Drei Loewen are a bit "mixed", but most seem to be favourable. Happy travels!

I'll agree with Ken, both on his assessment of the area around the station and his recommendation for Hotel Uhland...excellent small hotel only 10-15 minutes walk from the station (or very quick cab ride).

We have stayed at Hotel Monaco near train station and while it may be seedy area, never felt uncomfortable. We just booked the Flemings near the station on the same street as the Sofitel so while not the same feel as a hotel we stayed at south of the Viktualienmarkt, it is also less money and fits the bill for an early train departure. You can always take the subway or bus anywhere you need to go quickly from that point and if lost most people speak English (esp. younger folks)

Thanks to all for your kindness in taking the time to give us some advise. Will post our results when we get home.