Munich’s Historic Excelsior Hotel Changes Hands After 90 Years of Geisel Family Ownership
Munich, February 1, 2026 – The Geisel family, a prominent name in Munich’s hotel industry, has officially sold their last hotel property, the Hotel Excelsior, located on Schützenstraße. The historic four-star establishment, which remained unscathed during the war and was once considered one of the most modern hotels in the city, has been acquired by an American financial company. The sale, confirmed by a spokesperson for Geisel Privathotels, marks the end of a 90-year era of family ownership.
The search for a buyer for the Hotel Excelsior had been reported in May of the previous year. Now, the purchase agreement has been signed, transferring ownership from the Geisel family, who had owned the hotel since 1936.
Employees Retained, Vinothek Restaurant to Continue Operations
A positive outcome of the sale is the retention of the hotel’s approximately 100 employees. “The Geisel family, after careful consideration, decided not to continue operating the Hotel Excelsior themselves and to sell the property,” a spokesperson stated on Thursday. “The contract with the new operating company, Siggis Capital and Blackrock, has been signed.” The employees were informed of the sale during a staff meeting on Tuesday, and it has been contractually agreed that hotel operations will continue, with all staff being offered continued employment.
For loyal guests and visitors to Munich who frequent the popular Vinothek wine restaurant within the Excelsior, operations will continue as before. “The Vinothek will remain open until further notice,” confirmed the spokesperson.
Rumors of Demolition and the Geisel Family’s Evolving Portfolio
Despite assurances of continued operation, rumors are circulating within real estate circles that the building may be demolished in the medium term. The future will reveal the ultimate fate of the historic structure.
The Geisel family was among the last major private hoteliers in Munich. With the sale of the Excelsior, they no longer own any hotel properties. However, they continue to operate the Hotel Schwabinger Wahrheit on Hohenzollernstraße and the luxury city residence Beyond by Geisel at Marienplatz. The family also maintains a vineyard and a wine business.
The Geisel family’s success story began around 1900 with the management of the Löwenbräuzelt at the Oktoberfest. Shortly thereafter, Anna and Karl Geisel opened the “Pasinger Weinbauer” and other establishments. In 1935, their first hotel, the Rheinhof at the main train station, was added. In 1936, the couple also purchased the Excelsior, and later the Königshof at Stachus, which was sold in 2021.
Sale Price and New Ownership Details
“Green Street News” was the first to report on the sale of the Hotel Excelsior. According to information from the real estate service, the purchase price is 60 million euros. Both the Geisel family and the American asset manager BlackRock Real Estate declined to comment on the sale price. A spokesperson for BlackRock Real Estate informed the AZ: “The acquisition is to be made using funds from BlackRock’s managed Value Add Strategy, which actively invests in sectors such as logistics and data centers in key European markets.”
The sale reflects a broader trend of consolidation in the hospitality sector, with large financial firms acquiring historic properties. The Excelsior, with its prime location near Karlsplatz (Stachus) and the main train station, represents a significant investment.
The change of ownership for such a long-standing establishment is a notable event in Munich’s urban landscape, raising questions about the preservation of its character and the future of its beloved institutions like the Vinothek.
