Pension Mona Lisa

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Pension Mona Lisa? The name actually makes sense once you’re inside – there’s this quirky art theme running through the place that feels deliberate but not overdone. It’s tucked away on Robert-Koch-Straße in Altstadt-Lehel, which honestly is one of those Munich neighborhoods that locals love because it’s close to everything but doesn’t feel touristy yet.

The pension sits in this beautiful old building that probably has stories to tell – you can feel the history in the thick walls and the way the floors creak just slightly when you walk down the hallways. I mean, we’re talking about a 3-star place here, so don’t expect marble lobbies, but there’s something genuinely charming about the slightly worn wooden banisters and the way afternoon light filters through the stairwell windows. The rooms are what you’d call “compact European style” – everything you need is there, just arranged efficiently. The beds are actually quite comfortable (I’m picky about this), and the bathrooms are small but spotlessly clean. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night, despite being in the city center. The thick walls do their job.

Location-wise, you’re maybe a 12-minute walk to Marienplatz if you cut through the side streets, and the Isar River is practically around the corner – perfect for those morning jogs that help justify all the pretzels and beer. The Lehel neighborhood has this lived-in feel where you’ll find actual Müncheners grabbing coffee at the corner café, not just tourists with guidebooks. Parking can be tricky around here (welcome to Munich), but there’s usually street parking if you’re patient, or paid lots within a few blocks. The staff runs the place with that German efficiency you either love or find slightly intimidating – check-in is smooth, they know their neighborhood inside out, and they’ll give you honest recommendations, not just the tourist traps. Is it perfect? Well, the WiFi could be stronger on the upper floors, and if you’re expecting a concierge service, you might want to look elsewhere. But for the price point and the location, Pension Mona Lisa delivers exactly what it promises – a clean, comfortable base in one of Munich’s most authentic neighborhoods, run by people who actually care about the place.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $108. Standard Double Room with 1 king bed for Max. people: 2

Reviews

• Very Good – Kathy from United States – December 28, 2024 (8/10)

  Close to the old town. Our flight was cancelled so we only stayed one night. Had to leave before breakfast was served.
  
  What could be improved: The WiFi didn't work and the staff couldn't get it to work although they tried.

• Good value. – Olaf from Japan – August 2, 2024 (8/10)

  Location. Clean. Pleasant staff.
  
  What could be improved: Pillows were uncomfortable. New shower head.

• Cooperative Team especially Gabriel – Saad from Palestinian Territory – May 16, 2024 (7/10)

  Did not include breakfast
  
  What could be improved: I did not like the fact that there is no hotel reception

• Pension Mona Lisa is really good located in Munich. It is very close to the city center, but it is also in a quiet stree – Karel from Czech Republic – April 29, 2024 (8/10)

  Pension Mona Lisa is really good located in Munich. It is very close to the city center, but it is also in a quiet street, so you wont be disturbed during the night. At the pension, there is also a great Indian restaurant.
  
  What could be improved: I would say some small renovation wont hurt the rooms, but for this money, I dont find it as an issue, you cannot expect four seasons room for 120€…

• Very Good – Floyd from Germany – April 25, 2024 (8/10)

  location

• Very convenient and good value for money – Claire from United Kingdom – August 23, 2022 (8/10)

  Welcoming and helpful staff who waited for us late as our plane was late. Good room, comfortable bed, clean bathroom, this is a convenient pension (this is clearly not a boutique hotel) and good value for money considering the area. Lehel is a beautiful area, very close to English Garden (great for a run) and the city center is very accessible via a short walk or by tube and tram (station less than 1 min away so all tourist attractions are less than 10 min away). The indian restaurant below the pension is very good, lots of other restaurants around, bakeries and mini-market. You need to pick up the key at the indian restaurant.
  
  What could be improved: The only light in the bathroom was not working. Quite noisy in the street at night.

• Good location… – Antonio from Sweden – June 1, 2025 (7/10)

  Great location. The place is dated but I have nothing to say about the cleanliness of the room. Comfortable bed.
  
  What could be improved: Wi-Fi doesn’t work properly.

• Good – Svetlana from Norway – May 11, 2025 (7/10)

  Nice location, close to U-bahn and the city center. Rather comfortable beds and nice towels. The sound isolation could be better, but it wasn't too noisy. We enjoyed our stay and had everything we needed.
  
  What could be improved: My friend complained about her pillow, but mine was very comfortable to sleep on.

• very good location, very clean, excellent value for money. interior court sporadic noise until 11pm – Frank from Israel – February 24, 2025 (8/10)

  very well located, very clean, easy checkin
  
  What could be improved: my room was facing the interior court that resonated a lot when people made noise there. So, very quiet with respect to the street, but sporadically noisy until 11pm

• Very Good – Peter from Netherlands – January 16, 2025 (8/10)

  What could be improved: The check-out process could be improved.

SURROUNDINGS