5 Best Hotels in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, The Bavarian Alps

Taken over by the Reindl family just before the 1936 Olympic games, this chalet-style hotel was an institution in its heyday, receiving royalty and celebrities in the quieter part of Partenkirchen. Today, some of the glamor is gone, but it remains a comfortable, upmarket accommodation option, complete with ample-size guest rooms with pinewood furniture and a balcony or patio, a lovely pool and wellness area, and a kitchen serving excellent Bavarian and international dishes. Marianne Holzinger, daughter of the hotelier, has maintained her father's legacy since taking over the hotel, which has expanded into nearby buildings. 

Located directly on pretty Ludwigstrasse, in the heart of Partenkirchen, this family-run hotel has a colorfully painted facade and window boxes full of geraniums most of the year. Rooms are clean and comfortable, if a little uninspiring, and many offer balconines with exquisite views of the surrounding mountains. The real highlight here is the tavern-style restaurant, serving fresh, hearty cuisine in a rustic interior that's covered from top to bottom in cultural knick-knacks. It hosts "Bavarian evenings" with live folk music and other entertainment every Thursday through Monday.

Like its namesake, the "nobly white" Alpine flower of The Sound of Music fame, this small downtown hotel (not to be confused with the lodge on the edge of town) has plenty of mountain charm. Inlaid with warm pinewood, it has Bavarian furnishings and many antiques in individually decorated rooms that give it an intimate air. The owners, Sarah and Karsten Handrup, ensure a warm welcome.

A 10-minute drive west of Garmisch, near the base of the Zugspitze cable car, is this delightful resort hotel with its unique take on Bavarian rustic. Rooms are cozy, comfortable, and traditional; the wellness area includes an indoor pool, sauna, and whirlpool; and the gourmet restaurant serves superb, four-course, French- and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine (think bouillabaisse with horseradish, or risotto with lavender), while providing a breathtaking view of the mountains around.

The Staudacher family has built a name for itself as a purveyor of Bavarian-style wellness at their sustainably renovated hotel, where an indoor/outdoor pool area, as well as saunas, contribute to a relaxing vibe. Yoga retreats and "Bayurvedic" cooking are also offered in special wellness packages. As athletes themselves, the owners enjoy setting up guided skiing tours and can assist in booking hiking, biking, rafting, and golf excursions during your stay. Booking in advance via their website provides the best deals, including an all-inclusive option that includes a delicious nightly gourmet dinner.