Europe’s First Certified Vegan-Friendly Hotel Sets a New Standard for Conscious Hospitality

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Article written by Anna Karle, Certified Vegan Hospitality Consultant and Founder of Gastrofreude Consulting

When it comes to vegan hospitality, most hotels are still at the beginning of the journey. Offering oat milk at breakfast or a plant-based curry once a week might tick a box, but it doesn’t create a truly inclusive and inspiring experience for vegan or flexitarian guests.

KOOS Hotel&Apartments in Munich, Germany, decided to go a different route, and has now become the first hotel in Germany and Europe to receive the official Vegan-Friendly Hotel Certification by Vegan Hospitality. I had the honor of supporting the KOOS team throughout the certification process, from the initial assessment to the final on-site audit.

What sets KOOS apart is not just the fact that they’ve implemented vegan options on their menus; rather, it’s how deeply integrated their approach is across the entire Vegan Guest Journey.

From “Plant-Based Friendly” to Certified Vegan Hospitality

While many accommodations market themselves as “vegan-friendly,” there is often no clear definition or standard behind it. Some hotels list themselves as vegan friendly on platforms which require no audit, providing little guest assurance. The Vegan Hospitality Certification, on the other hand, is different. This certification is a full program that includes a menu audit, staff training, and strategic planning support that considers both the hotel’s operations and the guest experience, including alignment with several of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria.

Together with the KOOS team, we worked through all major touch points of the Vegan Guest Journey, ensuring a coherent and credible experience from booking to check-out.

The Vegan Guest Journey: How KOOS Leads the Way

Here are just some of the areas where KOOS truly stands out:

1. Booking & Communication

  • Vegan options are visible on the hotel’s website and booking platforms.

  • Staff is briefed to handle questions about ingredients and accommodations confidently and empathetically.

2. Room Experience

  • All standard room amenities are free from animal products: from bedding and toiletries to minibar snacks.

  • Printed and digital guest materials reference KOOS’s sustainability and vegan hospitality philosophy.

3. Food & Beverage

  • Breakfast includes a diverse and creative vegan selection: think fluffy croissants, homemade smoothies, chocolate muffins, homemade spreads and soon to come: waffles and no egg salad!

  • Vegan guests receive the same level of culinary care and presentation as any other guest — no more “just fruit and bread”!

  • Coffee specialties come with multiple plant milk options: oat or soy and the staff is happy to froth them for you to enjoy a proper hot coffee

4. Operations & Training

  • The team at KOOS received a tailored training session on vegan guest expectations.

  • Kitchen and service staff were sensitized to cross-contamination, allergen labeling, and cultural aspects of plant-based dining.

  • Internal processes were adapted to ensure consistent quality and communication.

5. Marketing & Positioning

  • KOOS now actively communicates its certification, using it as a differentiator in a competitive urban hospitality market.

  • The hotel is listed on Vegan Hospitality’s certified network and promoted internationally as a best-practice example.

Why This Matters – and What Other Hotels Can Learn

More and more travelers are looking for accommodations that align with their values: health-conscious, sustainable, and inclusive. The plant-based hospitality movement is becoming a standard practice.

By committing to the certification process, KOOS has:

  • Strengthened its brand identity and appeal to conscious travelers

  • Improved internal awareness and staff competence

  • Created a consistently positive experience for vegan and flexitarian guests

  • Taken steps toward reducing its environmental footprint

Final Thoughts

I’m incredibly proud of the KOOS team and their commitment to vegan hospitality. The certification is a promise to guests that all guests, including vegan guests, will receive the same quality standards, and serves as a blueprint for how modern hotels can operate with care, awareness, and true innovation.

If you’re a hotelier who wants to be part of this movement, I’d love to support you on your journey.

🌱 Ready to become the next vegan-friendly certified hotel in Europe?

Let’s talk. Learn more here and apply, and tell them Anna sent you!