Hilton Munich Airport is a luxurious retreat for travelers and event organizers. Recognized by Luxury Lifestyle Awards for the third year, it combines modern design with alpine tranquility, offering personalized experiences tailored to guests’ needs. From fine dining to rejuvenating spa treatments, the hotel caters to various preferences, providing an oasis of relaxation just steps away from departure gates. 

Mountain Hub Gourmet, also a third-time LLA winner, elevates airport dining to new heights. Guests are invited to experience a Michelin-starred culinary oasis at Munich Airport, where Head Chef Marcel Tauschek’s innovative dishes and a hand-picked wine list await. With a focus on personalized service, the restaurant consistently manifests a transformative journey of flavors and Alpine heritage. 

Join us as we spend some time with General Manager, Cornelia Brinkman, and uncover the secrets behind these two establishments’ success. 

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: Innovation seems to be a key focus at Hilton Munich Airport, with smart design choices and cutting-edge technology enhancing the guest experience. Could you share some insights into the inspiration behind these innovations and how they contribute to creating a memorable stay? 

Cornelia Brinkman: Firstly, thank you for the compliment and the keen observation that accurately sums up what we do. We always strive for the special, the new, the innovation that improves the stay for our guests and takes our hotel and its DNA even further. That is one aspect of our inspiration. 

The other aspect is our home – the Erdinger Moos, situated in the foothills of the Alps, one of the most picturesque regions in Europe. People from all over the world travel here every year to spend time and enjoy the numerous benefits this region has to offer. We not only live here but also operate our hotel in this magnificent setting, integrating the essence of this region into our establishment. This is why we have developed our in-house brand, MOUNTAIN HUB, which encapsulates the natural beauty and resources of the Alpine foothills within our hotel: natural materials, locally sourced ingredients, and the vibrant colors of nature. 

This uniqueness defines us, making us a mountain hub and a sought-after destination for discerning travelers and gourmets alike! 

LLA: Sustainability is increasingly becoming a priority in the hospitality industry. How does Hilton Munich Airport integrate sustainability practices into its operations, and what initiatives have been particularly successful in reducing the hotel’s environmental footprint? 

CB: We constantly strive to closely examine all areas: How can we make our hotel as environmentally friendly as possible, both in terms of what we bring in and what we emit out, with a focus on sustainability? 

The most noticeable change was undoubtedly our decision to use regional materials during the renovation of all our rooms: Fabrics sourced from Bavaria, woods from the foothills of the Alps, and natural colors, among others. With over 500 rooms, this has made a significant impact on our ecological footprint. 

Personally, what I find most gratifying is the transition to fine dining cuisine in our MOUNTAIN HUB GOURMET restaurant at the beginning of 2023, which exclusively utilizes regional ingredients. While saltwater fish “may” still come from the North Sea, all other ingredients originate from Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Austria, sourced from partner farms that prioritize the natural cultivation of vegetables and humane treatment of animals. The accolades received from the renewed Michelin Guide affirm that it’s not only us and our guests who appreciate this initiative…  

LLA: The exceptional team members at Hilton Munich Airport play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and memorable experience for guests. How do you ensure that our team embodies the spirit of hospitality, and what measures are in place to continuously enhance their skills and dedication? 

CB: We encourage and challenge, but above all, we value all our team members. We uphold a clear culture in management: we can only ensure guest satisfaction if our team members are also content. This encompasses training, ongoing education, team building, fair compensation, a flat hierarchy, and mutual respect and appreciation. 

This culture is ingrained in our operations – day after day, whether with our long-serving team members or with apprentices and trainees. 

LLA: We also extend our congratulations on Mountain Hub Gourmet’s third, consecutive LLA! What do you believe are the key elements that have contributed to this consistent success, especially in the unique setting of an airport? 

CB: Thank you very much; we are also extremely pleased and honored. This award is a testament to the dedication of our kitchen and service teams, who consistently create this exceptional experience for our guests day after day – whether they hail from distant corners of the globe or our neighboring town. 

Central to this experience is the unwavering commitment to absolute quality, evident on the plate, in the glass, and in the service provided, complemented by the youthful energy our team brings to the table. It is this combination that renders Mountain Hub Gourmet truly unique, special, and beloved. 

We are delighted that our vision of establishing a Michelin-starred restaurant within an airport hotel, offering fine dining cuisine crafted from regional ingredients, has been so warmly embraced and continues to flourish! 

LLA: The ambiance at Mountain Hub Gourmet is described as a culinary oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the airport. How does the restaurant design its space to create a tranquil and inviting atmosphere for guests, and what role does ambiance play in enhancing the overall dining experience? 

CB: “You eat with your eyes,” as the saying goes. At Mountain Hub Gourmet, we also emphasize the colors of nature: the lush green of the pastures in the foothills of the Alps, the serene blue of the rivers, and the rich brown of the woods. Our dining space features ample windows, filling the rooms with natural light and providing picturesque views of the surrounding greenery. It’s easy to forget that you’re situated within one of the largest airports in Europe and the world. This ambiance is precisely what our guests desire and appreciate, whether they’re passing through or specifically visiting from Munich to indulge in a meal or enjoy a leisurely lunch. 

LLA: Head Chef Marcel Tauschek’s culinary vision seems to be a driving force behind Mountain Hub Gourmet’s acclaim. Could you elaborate on how his approach to cuisine has evolved and how it resonates with both local and international diners? 

CB: The culinary approach was developed by my predecessor as General Manager together with the team, with a primary focus on regional sourcing. We refrain from featuring exotic items like flying mangoes on our menu, as they wouldn’t align with our ethos. When Marcel Tauschek was promoted from sous chef to head chef at Mountain Hub Gourmet in early 2023, it presented the perfect opportunity to implement this change. 

Marcel Tauschek’s cooking philosophy seamlessly aligns with our regional focus, as he draws inspiration directly from the surrounding nature of the region. Both the ratings of gourmet guides and feedback from our guests echo the same sentiment: it’s a resounding success! In the gourmet sector, the mark of a great chef lies not in cooking with the most exotic ingredients, but in skillfully crafting complex flavors from even the simplest of ingredients. This philosophy perfectly complements our use of locally sourced produce, whether it’s the radishes from Upper Bavaria or a dessert crafted from carrots. 

LLA: How does the restaurant tailor experiences to individual preferences, and what role does the attentive service led by Karim Zarif play in enhancing the overall dining experience? 

CB: This response is crystal clear: a gourmet restaurant must be complemented by impeccable service, which is an integral part of the experience. Naturally, we also prioritize accommodating our guests’ preferences, as it goes without saying. While this may not always be feasible on the spot, given the intricacies of our cuisine, ample preparation ensures that our team is ready to fulfill requests in advance. Moreover, if you desire a private dining experience at Mountain Hub Gourmet, you can even rent the entire restaurant exclusively. We make that option available too! 

Thank you for sharing with us today, Cornelia! 

To learn more about the two multiple award-winning establishments, please visit http://munichairport.hilton.com/ and https://mountainhub.de/en/