Lodgings in Garmisch

Are you traveling by train or by car? That makes a difference in where you might want to stay.

I'm trying to picture places partway up a hill and can't----the town and surrounding areas are in a valley, and the hills are covered with ski slopes and hiking trails, with mountain huts scattered here and there. Can you tell which hill these are on? They might have nice views but be difficult to reach, unless you have a car.

I can only recommend the place where I always stay, Gausthof Fraundorfer:
http://www.gasthof-fraundorfer.de/
To describe it in a word- Gemutlich! It is located on a cozy street in the Partenkirchen section of town. The rooms facing the street (particularly on the third floor) come with fantastic balcony views of the Zugspitze and the surrounding mountains. This is just the sort of establishment that Rick always recommends- I sure he would if his Germany book covered Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
If you have NATO military benefits, you can also stay at the Edelweiss Resort on the other side of Garmisch for a reasonable price. Although this is a nice place, it feels more American than Bavarian, and the location is not too convenient for walking through the rest of the town.

We stayed at the Almenrausch und Edelweiss. Very reasonable price. The rooms are all very different from one another, but last time we stayed in a large room and it had windows in the bathroom with a view of the Zugspitze, and the front room had a view of the alps as well, and also a view of the church (I don't remember which one!) It's right around the corner from Marienplatz... It had breakfast included... We're staying there again in September for 82 Euro a night... I agree with Tom about the Edelweiss resort. It looks like a gorgeous hotel, but you'd have to take public transportation to everything. Also, the Almenrausch is actually cheaper (but the Edelweiss's accommodations are nicer from what I can see in the pictures...) Plus, no breakfast included at the Edelweiss. BUT, as Tom said, the Edelweiss is American and the hotels in Garmisch are GERMAN/Bavarian/CHARMING, and isn't that why we're going? : ) http://www.almenrauschundedelweiss.de/

I don't recommend the Edelweiss; you have to check in and out as on any military post, and it truly is more American than Bavarian; we never stay there, despite our eligibility. We have stayed at the Sonnenblume in Garmish near the Marienplatz--cheaper but they have discontinued breakfast, and it's cash only. At Christmas we stayed at the Post on the Marienplatz--about 100 euros a night for 2, including breakfast. A nice room and very convenient. We also stay at the Eibsee Hotel in Grainau, at the foot of the Zugspitze. Not cheap, but a classic old hotel right on the lake. They have packages that include breakfast and dinner. The food is gourmet. It is, however, a drive from Garmisch. And families are welcome in all of these places, if that is a factor.

Thank you Lola and Tom for your replies. As it turns out, I decided to book at the Gasthof Fraundorfer and have a confirmation of a room with a balcony and view, so now I am really excited that I have made a good choice after reading Tom's recommendation. The internet is a fabulous tool, but it is still a bit scary to choose and book sight unseen - having this forum really helps - thanks again!

Just saw Carrie's posting - I did look at the Hotel Eibsee and thought it looked fantastic, but the price they quoted for 4 of us was just out of the budget this time - may be next visit!

The Fraundorfer has a fun evening you can attend, traditional slapdancing. We went a couple of years ago, and it was great fun, especially for the kids.

Frauendorfer is an excellent choice.

If you like ice cream delights, be sure and stop at the Dolomiti Eiscafe (just off the Marienplatz) and try the Spaghetti-Eis.