Recently in Munich Category

Some festivals are so nice they're held twice a year. Such is the case with Munich's Tollwood Festival, which is celebrated both in the summer and winter. Tollwood Summerfestival 2008 is just now getting underway, with three weeks of cultural events featuring performing artists from around the world. Theater companies representing countries such as France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain will present an inspiring collection of cutting-edge performances, including De Stijle, Want ... "Lunapark," an emotional roller coaster of a play that lasts precisely one minute and thirty-six seconds. Musical acts run the gamut as well, from "Caveman Meets Cavewoman," a light-hearted examination of the differences between the genders, to New Orleans legends the Neville Brothers, whose soulful vocals easily transcend cultural barriers. And then there's 1980's rocker Billy Idol, whose performance on Sunday, July 20 will provide a spirited finale to an eclectic festival. Since 1988, Tollwood has pushed the boundaries of entertainment and creative expression, and this year's 20th anniversary aims to leave lasting memories in the hearts of all who attend. Starwood has six Munich properties, including the nearby Sheraton Munich Arabellapark Hotel.

The great harvest festival known as Oktoberfest has arrived. From September 22 to October 7, Munich, Germany welcomes millions of revelers to its world-famous Oktoberfest celebration, with 14 big tents featuring the best of German beer, food, music and sledging...

While all of the tents celebrate the great tradition of Oktoberfest, which began in 1810 with the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen, each tent is a little bit different than the other. The Augustiner-Festhalle, for example, is a family-friendly environment known for its gregarious waiters and waitresses and "kids days" on Tuesdays, while the über-hip Hippodrom is popular with singles who check each other out in a loud, lively atmosphere. The Hofbräu-Festzelt is one of the most popular of all, and it's not surprising to see huge groups of people singing along to German songs early in the day.

As for the beer, a special, dark and strong-tasting Oktoberfest beer is brewed for the occasion, and it's served in one-liter mass tankards. Be careful not to enjoy too many of them, and by all means leave the car behind. The Theresienwiese festival grounds are well-served by public transportation, and six taxi stands will ensure that everybody has a safe, sober ride home. Guests at Le Méridien Munich or any of Starwood's Munich properties will enjoy this lively celebration of German beer and culture.