@Cindy... the train system in Bavaria seems very easy to manage and there's a Bayern ticket which is very reasonably priced. After much research on the Fodor forums, I found that hotels in Garmisch are in the shopping/downtown area and therefore suit my family a little better than places further afield. We are booked into Hotel Roter Hahn for a total of € 654 for three nights. http://www.hotel-roter-hahn.com/garm...hen/index.html There were a couple of apartments that were available through Tripadvisor and Homeaway but most were requiring 7 night stays.

Thanks to Bardo and Goldens for the beer recommendations.

And now for something completely different, our daughter (15) is in the marching band, jazz band and drum line at high school. We have managed to find a drum corps competition near Amsterdam while we're there (she tried out for a local drum corps this spring but didn't make the cut.) If you know of a quintessential music experience (especially with drums) PLEASE let me know!

Oh! Point of clarification! We are arriving 25 JUNE not July. Is AC still recommended in June?

The A/C question is, in the end, a difficult one. I am absolutely certain that the people who say "you don't need it" would always say that.

Personally, I find the humidity to be the reason for wanting it. BUT in June and if you can open the windows you may feel completely comfortable and it can save money.

Go to www.wunderground.com and look at the historical weather data for Munich in June; that might help.

As to a car for the castles. I've done them both by rail and car. The problem with that part of southern Bavaria is that the train lines only run north and south. Having a car to get from Fuessen and over to G-P would be VERY helpful IMO and I think the latter (G-P) is a lot more interesting than the former.

The Eagles Nest tour is wonderful but there is only one authorized one and you need to book it in advance

http://www.eagles-nest-tours.com/EN/...on.php?navid=4

I have read that the army destroyed the Eagles Nest back in 1945. Did it get rebuilt for commercial purposes?

The historical high temp in Munich for the last week in June is 71F. http://www.accuweather.com/en/de/mun...weather/178086

Up in the hills around Garmisch-Partenkirchen the daily high temp will be even lower.

The question is would YOU be comfortable will high temps of 71F or less? Remember too that you'll likely be out sightseeing in the "hottest" part of the day.

LOL!! 71 degrees!! I'm in Southern California so I'm used to high heat; however, humidity slays me. A moot point while we're out sightseeing. I'll take a look again to see if I can find a nearby hotel that has a significant savings. I like the location, amenities and reviews of the hotel I booked; it's the price that hurts a little.

Ok we're tentatively booked into Hotel Uhland. It has very good reviews but it's a bit farther than I would like from the city center. What I do like is saving $700 for those three nights. Any feedback? Hotel Torbrau or Hotel Uhland?

What about the Hotel Concord (linked previously) - it's practically next door to the Hotel Torbrau for a fraction of the price??

If it's not available and the Hotel Torbrau is really $233 more per night than the Hotel Uhland and those are the only two choices, then it's a no brainer - save the $700 and stick with the Hotel Uhland.

I never thought about a/c! We have reservations in July at Uhlnd. I can't find any reference on their website to a/c. Anyone know???

They do not have AC however most reviews (even in July) do not complain about excessive heat. I decided to stay at Hotel Torbrau in the end, we're only there 3 nights/2 days and I want to be in a more central location.

I checked acuweather -high is 79 and low 57. As a Miami girl that may be chilly for me, lol! I guess we will be fine. We are renting a car for our Germany portion of the trip and driving to Fussen as a day trip from Munich. They have free parking, which was an extra perk!

Been to Munich many times. Hotel recommmendations: Level district has many small hotels and garniers (room + breakfast), simmers (room usually very basic with light breakfast) and a nice Hilton. Lots of restaurants and little groceries and shops. The Domus is nice. The Dollman is now a Westin if you have points. All within a short walk to the subway (ubahn) and museums and the wonderful English Garden. In the sumnrr, you will see surfers there too! You get a wonderful feel for Bavaria and Germany in this district. People are also very friendly.

The other district that I would recommend is near the Gasteig. There is a terrific Hilton. Large number of ethnic restaurants and indoor shopping mall. S-Hahn and U-bahn steps away.

Visit the Bayern Museum and the special Archarologie museum around the corner. The Bayern museum has a very good and affordable restaurant.
Check out the offerings at the Gasteig. It is an amazing place.

Yes for A/C! Gets very humid in warm weather.

Take a train out to the Zugspitze in the German Alps only an hour from Munich. Also can visit Garmisch.

And don't miss the Residenz and the fabulous Treasury in the city vented of Munich.

Enjoy one of the world's liveliest cities.

We will be in Munich in October.
Bookmarking for such excellent ideas.