One Marriott Charges $500+ To Use “Private” Pool: Absurd Or Creative?

It goes without saying that hotels have different policies when it comes to monetizing their facilities, including pool and spa setups. Some hotels offer all guests access on a complimentary basis, while others might charge for individuals to use these amenities. However, I must admit that one fairly new hotel has a policy that I’ve never seen before.

Marriott’s Koenigshof Munich has a “private spa” facility

Koenigshof Munich is a new Marriott Luxury Collection property, which looks very nice, especially since Munich doesn’t have many luxury points hotels. When you go to the hotel’s website, you’ll see mention of a “private spa.” The hotel doesn’t have a full service spa with treatments that’s open to all guests, but rather just an indoor spa-like pool concept. Here’s how the hotel describes this:

The Koenigshof offers the ultimate luxury with its Private SPA. This exclusive area, featuring a pool, sauna, and experience shower can be booked exclusively with the Front Office team. A breathtaking relaxation experience awaits – including unforgettable panoramic views over the rooftops of Munich. The integrated SPA lounge can be used individually for spa treatments and invites for complete relaxation with state-of-the-art Smart TV and dining option. *Please note that it is not a public pool, only available upon request, subject to availability and a fee applies.

Indeed, the pictures of the private spa look nice, as it’s located on the top floor of the hotel.

So, what kind of a fee applies to use this facility? Well, both YHBU and Head for Points have published reviews of this property in the past couple of days, though with different conclusions. But the detail I found most interesting was the price to use the spa — it can be privatized in blocks of three hours, for €520.

I’m not sure what to make of this concept?

To the hotel’s credit, it’s pretty transparent about the spa area being “private,” and an additional fee applying, though the website doesn’t state the amount, and does also use pictures of the pool for marketing (though with a clear caption indicating that it’s a “private spa”).

When I first saw the fee, my reaction was of course that this is completely ridiculous. I have to imagine that this rubs a lot of guests the wrong way. They may have seen a picture of the pool and then stop by the front desk to ask how much a spa pass would cost. I mean, some hotels do charge to use the spa, and you figure that maybe the cost is €20, or something.

So even though this is a high-end hotel, I suspect that most guests who inquire about the cost are shocked, and that the whole setup leaves a bad taste in their mouth.

I suppose the counterargument is that being able to privatize a spa facility with a cool view is a unique opportunity you couldn’t get at many other hotels. I suppose if you’re traveling as a group of friends and want to have a little party, this is a unique amenity, and it also allows you to break typical spa rules when it comes to being quiet, etc., since the space is privatized. But how much demand is there for that, really?

I can’t help but be curious if this “private spa” concept was the plan all along, or if the hotel’s plan evolved over time? Like, the spa takes up some prime real estate of the hotel (the top floor with a great view), and I can’t imagine this gets much use. Even if one party reserves this per day (which I imagine is on the high side), I feel like more revenue could be generated with this space in other ways.

Bottom line

Marriott’s new Koenigshof Munich takes an unusual approach with its indoor pool and sauna. Rather than opening it up to all guests, the hotel instead lets guests privatize it, at the eye-watering cost of €520 per three hours. I have to imagine that this gets very little interest and rubs many guests the wrong way. But conversely, I guess the facility is too small to open up to all guests without restrictions, and perhaps it’s a unique feature for some guests.

What do you make of this unusual “private spa” setup?