We are 5 Texans looking for 3 rooms for 3 nights in Garmisch next May, 2022. We have had three European vacations cancelled because of COVID. Das Graseck gets great reviews (ranked number one) but I am having trouble understanding their website/policies. I sent them an email but did not receive a response. I understand Germany is still partially shut down. Our group has minimal expertise in Bavarian Alps area.

Better central location than Garmisch (e.g., Fussen)?

Is there a minimum of a three night stay?

Is there an extra charge for use of pool and/or steam room?

I believe reservations are Half Board which would include breakfast and dinner - correct?

If so, how is the food and selection? Is it two sticks of carrots and one stick of celery (sorry, felt facetious for a second) or does it include meats and hearty/savory fare?

Because not understanding all there is about Das Graseck, did you have great alternative with German character/charm and views (e.g., Staudacherhof or Hotel Zugspitz)?

Apologize for so many questions! Philip

I'm not familiar with this particular hotel, but swandav is a resident of Garmisch and a poster here, so she may pop in to answer your questions.

I googled just out of curiosity and found this on Booking.com:

Offering mountain views, a wellness centre and 2 restaurants and free WiFi, this modern-style hotel is set in the hills above Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Das Graseck enjoys a peaceful location only accessible via the hotel's own cable car.All rooms at Das Graseck - my mountain hideaway are decorated in a contemporary alpine style and feature satellite TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries.

Some rooms also include a balcony.

Regional specialities and fresh, local produce are served at the Graseck restaurants, and guests can also enjoy a drink in the beer garden.

Guests can enjoy the spa area free of charge, which includes a sauna, steam room and a hot tub. The on-site Gap Prevent medical centre offers check-ups and preventative treatments. Other facilities at the hotel include a bar and a lounge with a fireplace.

Hiking and cycling paths start right outside the property. Garmisch-Partenkirchen's Olympic ski jump is at the end of the road and the town centre is 1.2 miles away.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip.

Booking.com indicates yes, there is a three night minimum stay. When I try to book a room, it states that breakfast and dinner is included in the quoted price.

I've been to Garmisch many times and for me, it's definitely a central location. There's plenty to do in the area and good transport links to nearby towns and attractions.

In my experience breakfasts in Germany are substantial, and often typical European fare of meats, cheeses, cereal, bread, yogurt, and sometimes eggs and bacon, etc. Reviews on Booking.com state that breakfasts at this hotel are superb.

If you haven't already, you might check a few more review sites like TA to see comments from past guests.

Good luck with your planning. I'd hoped to return to that area of Germany in July, but doubt it will happen.

If I can remember the name of the hotel we stayed in last time, I'll repost. It was excellent.

We stayed at Hotel Zugspitz for three nights and enjoyed it very much. It was in a good location for us in that it was easy walking distance to the pedestrian zone but also had a garage (we had a car then) with easy access to drive out of town. Wonderful coffee machine in the room, traditional Bavarian style decor and nice breakfast included.

I agree that Swandav is the local expert on anything Garmisch and surroundings, but not limited to just that!

I like being in town, walking around during the day and evening is one of my favorite things, and trying the restaurants in the area not just at a resort. We also use the train and bus so like the convenience of being close to those. Are you driving? If you do go with this place make sure you get a balcony. I sit out even in the winter the views are so spectacular there.

Thanks for very helpful responses. Had not thought of balcony. Yes, we will have a car - we are headed north (Regensburg, Nuremberg and Rothenburg).after Bavarian Alps. That view of Alps is very enticing (we live in mostly flat Texas). We will be spending as much time as possible in the middle of charming towns trying local cuisines, etc. Love German food!

Am anxious to see if I get some feedback on the Das Graseck restaurants.

I think that’s the hotel we had lunch at after our Partnachklamm walk, then walked uphill to hotel, and graseckbahn back down. If that’s it, yes, it is lovely, with great food. It’s not in town though, guess you are aware of that.
In my experience, half board is fantastic. We have opted for it in Germany, Switzerland and Italy. You receive a menu at breakfast and choose your main dinner dish then. Used to be a buffet of first courses, but buffets may not be allowed anymore, not sure.

Adelaidean- I was going to suggest that the OP walk the Partnach Gorge, so glad you brought it up. What a great and beautiful place.

At the other end of town, there is a nice walk up to the Kriegergedächtniskapelle, which is a memorial to the WW2 dead and missing. So sobering to have a walk up the mountain, listening to cowbells as they're grazing, beautiful views down to the valley, and then there is the memorial. Many of the plaques with pictures of the fallen when they were young and dashing in their uniforms. Now gone, but still remembered. As a former soldier, it was nice to see it well and lovingly maintained.

Enjoy your visit, Garmisch and that region are spectacular.

​​​​​​https://www.gapa.de/en/Culture-healt...achtniskapelle