We Live in the Now – But Never Destroy Our Heritage Hans Amrein

We Live in the Now – But Never Destroy Our Heritage

( words)

„We Live in the Now – But Never Destroy Our Heritage“

Innegrit Volkhardt, owner of the Bayerischer Hof, Munich


By Hans Amrein


Innegrit Volkhardt (60) has been at the helm of Munich’s legendary Bayerischer Hof since 1992. At just 27 she took charge of the grand hotel, founded in 1841 at the wish of King Ludwig I of Bavaria. Today the 337-room property with six restaurants, 40 event spaces, spa, cinema, theatre and jazz club is one of Germany’s most successful hotels, employing over 700 staff. The Volkhardt family has owned the Bayerischer Hof since 1897 — and the fifth generation is already preparing to continue the story.


Your mornings begin with four donkeys at Lake Starnberg. A counterbalance to hotel life?

Volkhardt: Absolutely. They are my first and last joy every day. Even when I return late at night, I check if they are asleep.

And jazz is another passion of yours — the hotel has its own jazz club.

Volkhardt: Yes, jazz is very close to my heart. Many world-class musicians have played in our club. To host them here was a privilege.

Let’s talk about history. How relevant is tradition in the age of TikTok?

Volkhardt: Very much so. King Ludwig ordered the hotel built in 1839; my great-grandfather acquired it in 1897. For German guests, this history is part of our appeal. International guests may not choose us because of history, but they are always impressed when they learn the house is family-run in the fourth generation.

You became general manager in 1992. At 27, that was young.

Volkhardt: Yes, but it was also a chance to modernise while safeguarding the hotel’s soul.

Your father Falk Volkhardt was legendary; the historic „Falk’s Bar“ is named after him.

Volkhardt: Indeed, and we still serve guests there under antique mirrors dating back to 1841 — with a contemporary twist.

The hotel in pre-world-war-2 days. During the war (1939-1945) is was almost completely destroyed.

How do you balance heritage and innovation?

Volkhardt: By respecting what is irreplaceable while adapting to new expectations. Our Palais Keller serves Bavarian cuisine in a historic setting but has been sensitively modernised. Now we are redesigning the reception and introducing digital check-in via smartphone. Yet the essence — personal service and authenticity — must never be lost.

Axel Vervoordt designed your avant-garde rooms. Bold for a grand hotel?

Volkhardt: Bold, yes, but our staff guide guests through the concept. And those who prefer more classic rooms still have the choice.

Rooftop Pool with a view

Rooftop view over Munich and Frauenkirche

Luxury today is no longer chandeliers and marble. How do you define it?

Volkhardt: Luxury means being treated as an individual. That requires staff with empathy and passion. Many of our employees have been here for decades — they know how to exceed expectations.

Munich has seen new competition: Rosewood, The Charles, Mandarin Oriental. Does the Bayerischer Hof still play in the Champions League?

Volkhardt: Of course. We have history, culture, our theatre, jazz club, Blue Spa, and a team that delivers. Competition keeps us sharp. In the end, all hotels cook with water.

Could you ever imagine selling?

Volkhardt: Never. The Bayerischer Hof is family. The fifth generation is preparing to take over – the daughter of my sister, to be precise.


Innegrit Volkhardt

Born 1965, she studied business administration, trained in hospitality and worked with Käfer and Intercontinental Hamburg before taking over the Bayerischer Hof in 1992. She has since invested over €150 million, adding highlights like the Blue Spa by Andrée Putman. Honours include Hotel Manager of the Year and the Bavarian Order of Merit. She lives at Lake Starnberg — with cats, donkeys, and a love for jazz. 


The Bayerischer Hof, Munich

  • Opened: 1841, designed by Friedrich von Gärtner, at the request of King Ludwig I.

  • In family ownership since 1897 (Volkhardt family).

  • 337 rooms, 74 suites, six restaurants (including a Michelin 3-star), 40 event spaces, spa, cinema, theatre, jazz club.

The arrival of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, reported in the Viennese Newspaper in January 1876.

  • Famous guests: Richard Wagner, Sigmund Freud, Kaiserin Elisabeth, Michael Jackson, the Rolling Stones, Angela Merkel, Hillary Clinton, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and many more.

  • Host of the Munich Security Conference since the 1960s.

A living legend: part Munich, part international stage.

www.bayerischerhof.de

https://famoushotels.org/hotels/bayerischer-hof