Tubingen

I lived in Tuebingen for a year, but that was years ago. I don't know what it's like now, but then it was a small town and there were only a few hotels.
I would suggest that you ask your daughter to check with some of the locals for the help that you want.

We were there last summer for a family reunion. We loved Tuebingen. We stayed at Hotel Hospitz and part of the family stayed at Hotel am Schloss. They are right in the middle of town. We liked Hotel Hospitz, the room was clean, the breakfast was good, but I will warn you the drive up to the hotel is a little hairy, very very narrow street. Use their valet parking, if you choose to drive.

We ate dinner the first night at the Wurstkuche, I really liked this place, they had a lot of regional specialties. You have to have some Spaetzle (noodles) The second night we ate at the Restaurant Museum (the family had rented the space and had a buffet dinner, so I can't say how their individual meals go, but it was good). But I would ask your daughter where she would like to go.

We did a punting tour that was a lot of fun and very beautiful. (Think gondola boat river ride) I am not sure when you are going but I would recommend it.

We also went to a church service in Bebenhausen right out side of Tuebingen, and it was incredible. The service started out by people from the congregation pulling on the church bells. It was cool.

I think either airport would be ok for flying into. They are both about 2:30 - 2:45 mins away. I think it would depend on what else you want to see.

Here are some of my photos from Tuebingen.
http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/photos/2518702/
http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/photos/2518691/
http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/photos/2516916/

Also Stuttgart is not too far away, and the Mercedes Museum is one of the best museums I have visited. It was very well done and I am not really a car person. But I loved the way they integrated the history of what was going on in the world with the development of the automobile. We spent 4 hours there and could have easily spent more time.

Have a fantastic trip!

I wouldn't know if it has flights from the US, but nearby Stuttgart also has a large airport. Munich isn't that far away either. One of the advantages of the Frankfurt airport, though, is that it has a attached rail station that directly services the high speed intercity trains (ICE).

When I flew into Stuttgart in 2002, the only direct flight from the States was a Delta flight out of Atlanta. Last I checked, that was still true. If you have to make a connection, make it in Frankfurt. It takes longer to get to Munich and then more time getting back to Stuttgart. It's a two change connection between Stuttgart airport and Tübingen - two S-Bahn to Herrenberg (change in Rohr), then a regional train from Herrenberg to Tübingen.

I second the other advice regarding restaurants and airports. As well, it is a little bit out of town but consider staying in Haus Albblick. It is very unusual in that it is basic, extremely clean, very quiet, and is associated with the University's Clinic for Tropical Diseases. Also a non-profit.

Located in a beautiful residential neighborhood. If you want to be in the city not a good option; a 15 minute walk into town. There are also buses.

Here is booking.com's description (I've stayed there a few times):

Enjoying scenic views of Tübingen, this quietly located guesthouse offers free Wi-Fi, grounds with terrace, and free parking. The Old University is a 10-minute walk away.

The non-smoking Haus Albblick has bright, functionally furnished rooms with a desk and private bathroom. All provide views of the Österberg Mountain and Swabian Alb countryside.

Guests can use the Albblick’s shared kitchen. Varied buffet breakfasts are offered here.

The Albblick Tübingens’s welcoming lounge features a piano and ping-pong facilities. A coin-operated washing machine and dryer are available.

Tübingen Train Station is only 2 miles from Haus Albblick. Hohentübingen Castle is about 4 miles away.

Hotel Rooms: 14 **