11 Best Hotels in Bavaria Germany

Bavaria, in the heart of southern Germany, is a land where fairytales come to life — quite literally! It’s all about rich cultural traditions, charming villages and towns, scenic landscapes, vibrant cities, and stunning, baroque castles. Whether it’s the lively biergartens of Munich or the magnificence of the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, traveling through the region is like stepping back in time with a splash of modernity. The best hotels in Bavaria are much the same, where old-world architecture and time-honored customs complement contemporary delights and creature comforts. Since it encompasses nearly one-fifth of Germany, these hotels sit in a variety of fantastic locations. Moreover, they range from five-star stays and traditional hotels to boutique ones and even guesthouses and B&Bs, or as they’re locally called, gasthäuses. Did we mention that Bavaria is also home to some stunning castle stays? Yes!

Housing everything from restful lakeside retreats and fairytale castle stays to trendy, modern ones and boutique mansions-turned B&Bs, Bavaria is a wonderful world waiting to be explored. Whether you’re dreaming of spa retreats, outdoorsy adventures, craft beer tastings, or culture-focused vacations, here are the best stays in all of Bavaria, Germany.

Hotel Stadthaus, Erlangen

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We begin with Hotel Stadthaus, a charming hotel occupying a converted townhouse in the very heart of the Bavarian town of Erlangen. This was the ideal spot for exploring this historic city, as we were interested in the nightlife, and the area surrounding us was known for its vibrant nightlife.

We loved the airy and bright accommodations, which featured designer Italian and Scandi designer minimalism with pops of gray and yellow. In fact, some rooms even came with kitchenettes and balconies, and our comfort room had a lovely balcony with garden views. However, they all featured unique elements such as wooden headboards and creature comforts like private bathrooms and flat-screen TVs.

We loved the pretty, lush gardens surrounding the hotel, which radiated the same energy as the beautiful Erlangen Botanical Gardens that the city is famous for. Every morning, we’d dig into a hearty buffet breakfast in the sun-kissed dining room. If you have four-legged furry companions, they’re welcome here for charges.

Historik Hotel Gotisches Haus Garni, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

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The name of the hotel, Historik Hotel Gotisches Haus Garni, and the town it sits in, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, are both a mouthful — but they’re both so romantic! This amorous stay in the heart of an equally stunning town is one of the most romantic stays in all of Bavaria. We absolutely loved the old-world touches, such as exposed stone walls and wooden beam ceilings, at this historic 700-year-old hotel.

All the atmospheric rooms and suites here had individual personalities, given that they were set in a historic structure. Nevertheless, they all featured chintz prints, antique furnishings, and warm hues, with additional amenities including comfy beds, minibars, flat-screen TVs, spacious modern bathrooms with robes, and even antique-style working phones. What was interesting was that many rooms had ceiling fans, with additional pedestal fans provided on request.

Indulgent breakfasts were one of the highlights at this place, and they were served in the library with timber-clad and exposed stone walls. In fact, it was one of our favorite parts of the day!

Hotel Elch, Nuremberg

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Nestled in a 14th-century half-timbered house in the heart of Nuremberg, the family-run Hotel Elch was close to all the top things to see and do in Nuremberg. However, what makes the hotel so special is that it also happens to be one of the world’s oldest hotels! In fact, there’s no record of when the hotel actually dates back to, but we do know that it’s been a hotel since 1342 at least. Run by the amazing and warm Horka family, this was one of our best and most memorable stays in Bavaria.

The stylish and contemporary rooms were airy with wooden floors and offered a boatload of mod-cons, including flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. If you want to splurge, go for the premier rooms, which also have separate living areas with minifridges and even in-room free-standing bathtubs! If that wasn’t enough, some rooms, like ours, even had balconies. The most spacious were the loft-style apartments, which also added kitchenettes.

Every morning, we’d be served a fantastic breakfast, which was included in the room rate. There was even a casual lounge where we could wait before tours or simply lounge. Finally, the hotel even had paid parking and accepted pets for an additional charge.

Alpenliebe Design Hotel, Inzell

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In the very heart of Inzell sits the lovely Alpenliebe Design Hotel, a gorgeous boutique stay that blends Alpine charm with Dutch flair. Despite not being or running like a regular hotel, the service and personal contact were excellent, and we were left very impressed with our experience here.

We had the choice of two types of digs, rooms and apartments, both of which featured floor-to-ceiling windows that opened onto balconies with scenic mountain views. On the inside, vibrant wallpapers and the use of natural materials kept everything looking homely, while the mod-cons such as plush beds, contemporary bathrooms, seating areas, soundproofed windows, and even a pillow menu ensured that we had a comfortable stay. The apartments went a step further and even had installed a whirlpool tub, a sauna, and modern kitchens so we could whip up light meals ourselves.

Our days would begin with hearty and healthy breakfast buffets in the dining room, which would fuel us for the entire day. At the end of a long day, we’d sip on wine in the ‘wine and winter pleasure garden,’ complete with an outdoor bar and a vineyard. Finally, they even had free private parking on the property.

Hotel Wohnbar, Bamberg

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Staying in one of the Old Town areas of European cities has an indescribable charm, and the Old Town area of Bamberg in Bavaria was no different. Our base was also the equally amazing Hotel Wohnbar, which sat in a stylish structure right in the heart of Old Town. We had the choice of just 12 rooms, which made our stay as intimate as it felt exclusive, despite this being a hotel. What’s more, they were divided into standard rooms and spacious apartments, complete with a kitchen and living areas. Nevertheless, they all featured airy, light, and eclectic interiors with fun pops of colors, quirky objets d’art, and cool artwork. That, along with the mod-cons, made them the perfect mix of modern and historic, along with a fantastically affordable price tag.

Despite there being no restaurant on the property, the hotel served a delicious continental breakfast every single day. Plus, there were many eateries nearby, and we never had to worry about lunch or dinner. What’s more, the hotel had in-house branded bicycles that we could hire to explore the neighborhood, and there was parking also available, which was a delightful amenity to have in the old part of town. Did we mention they had a lift too, and we didn’t have to drag our luggage up the stairs? Yes!

Gutsalm Harlachberg, Bodenmais

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Best for outdoorsy living. If your idea of enjoying your Bavarian stay is staying in chic wooden chalets deep in the lush Bavarian forests, then Gutsalm Harlachberg in Bodenmais is the place for you. A real escape, this chalet hotel was ideal for outdoorsy people like us, who loved indulging in outdoor adventures and relaxing in the same serene environment. Moreover, the secluded forest location on Harlachberg mountain was a mere 10-minute drive from the town of Bodenmais. So, we enjoyed a host of outdoor activities, including trekking and hiking, and there were even other thrilling activities such as mountain biking.

We loved the pine-clad wooden chalets, which had the ideal mix of traditional and contemporary feel. What’s more, they were all decked out with sink-into beds, modern bathrooms with bath products and accessories, and minimal but extremely comfortable furnishings. In fact, they all came with kitchenettes for cooking and even balconies and terraces so we could soak in the surroundings.

The rest of the property was no less impressive. We could soak in the Bavarian sun on the sun terrace or in the lush gardens that surrounded the property. Thanks to free Wi-Fi, we could stay connected all the time and even plan our itineraries for the day. The restaurant on the property was excellent and served hearty regional fare, including super-delicious and exceptional breakfasts.

Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt, Rottach-Egern

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Best lakeside hotel. Few hotels do luxury in the Bavarian Alps as Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt, which, with high-class rooms and suites, a superb Lake Tegernsee location, and a Michelin-starred chef, is one of the best stays in the Bavarian Alps. The best bit? We were just an hour from Munich and practically at the base of one of the best Alpine regions in Germany.

The entire hotel has an air of opulence, and that too, not overdone. The room service is one of the best we’ve ever seen, while the concierge was able to whip up, arrange, and provide every reservation, activity, and ticket we could possibly want. Don’t forget to ask about horse carriage tours of Rottach-Egern! Coming to the amenities, there’s an excellent spa with a library, relaxation areas, and as many as six different saunas. Four restaurants, including a three-Michelin-starred one, a fitness center, and a gorgeous bunch of indoor and outdoor pools, complete the amenities here.

Mammhofer Suite and Breakfast, Oberammergau

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Oberammergau is famous for its Passion Plays, which have been performed here since the 17th century. That’s what made the Mammhofer Suite and Breakfast in the town perfect for history buffs like us. That, and the fact that the surrounding landscape with lakes, streams, meadows, and mountains was perfect for a rich variety of outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and even bathing in the springs nearby.

We loved the functional yet homely rooms at this guesthouse, all of which featured parquet floors, contemporary decor, and chalet-style balconies. What’s more, the allergy-free rooms were outfitted with mod-cons such as flat-screen satellite TVs, writing desks, and modern bathrooms with bath products and accessories. We especially loved sitting with our morning cups of coffee on the patio and enjoying the views.

Despite there being no restaurant, the B&B served a delicious breakfast every morning, with superb views over the landscape. Plus, there was also a snack bar on the property. Finally, the B&B also offered a summer terrace and picnic area, ski storage room, and even lift tickets and skis for hire.

Wombat’s City Hostel Munich Hauptbahnhof

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Best hostel. Welcome to what is one of the best located and value-for-money stays in the capital of Bavaria, Munich. We’re talking about the Wombat’s City Hostel Munich Hauptbahnhof, which is not only one of Munich, Germany’s best hostels but also one of the best Munich hostels for Oktoberfest! Not only was the hostel just a 10-minute walk from Theresienwiese (location of Oktoberfest), but it was a fantastic place to party and mingle with fellow travelers. Firstly, it has an atrium and a bar, making it the perfect place to enjoy the free drinks during their happy hours. Moreover, the air-conditioned courtyard was a fantastic place to hang out, read a book, and grab a drink on the hammocks and beanbags. Our days would begin with all-you-can-eat continental breakfasts, fueling us up for the entire day.

We had the choice of both dorm rooms and private ones, which come with shared and private bathrooms, respectively. In fact, many rooms, including the dorms, even have terraces! Comfy beds, bedside chargers, lockers, free city maps, and bikes for rent at the reception round up the amenities here.

Schloss Elmau, In Elmau, Krün

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Schloss Elmau in the Bavarian Alps is a castle and cultural retreat all at once. This four-storied castle, and national monument, has a long and eminent roster of former guests, but featured a low-key and legit restorative vibe. An imposing and majestic exterior holds within its folds a modern luxury stay that blends old-world and contemporary touches of Bavaria. Choose from two sets of themed digs, Retreat (47 rooms) and Hideaway (100 rooms). We loved the sun-kissed hilltop location of The Retreat, whose understated and modern rooms offered panoramic Alps views. Meanwhile, the Hideaway had intimate yet grander rooms. However, both wings have a slew of creature comforts as well as stunning old-world touches.

The amenities here went above and beyond, like the wellness space with four discrete spas: a family spa, a hammam, an adults-only luxury spa, and a serene nature spa with outdoor treatments. We had the choice of two pools, a heated rooftop pool and a hot saltwater one. There were as many as 11 restaurants on the property, including a Michelin-starred one, as well as five living rooms, lounges, bars, and terraces. That’s why it’s considered one of the best castle hotels in Bavaria, Germany.

Spa & Resort Bachmair Weißach, Rottach-Egern, Lake Tegernsee

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Most luxurious. It’s hard to imagine that a hotel dating back to 1862 is now one of the most premier spa hotels in the Alps. We’re talking about the outstanding Spa & Resort Bachmair Weißach, which was modernized by local ‘Tegernseer’ Korbinian Kohler in 2010. It sits pretty in the Weissach village, a mere 10-minute walk from Lake Tegernsee, and has its own spa with a stream. Plus, the mountain lift took us almost to the summit of the Walberg.

“Lakeside living with all luxuries like pools, restaurants, and a natural spa? Sign us up!”

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Just like any other premier hotel, the Bachmair has a long list of amenities. Besides comprehensive kids’ programmes, the hotel also organizes bike rides, Vespa rides, hikes, and tours. Service is relaxed and attentive, with the hotel even featuring some of the largest conference and event spaces in the region. The fitness center and swimming pool were both amazing, but we loved the spa, which had its very own stream! The best bit? There are six restaurants on the property, serving every cuisine from local Bavarian to Asian and even Italian. Did we mention that there was even a cocktail bar and high tea?

Choose from nearly 150 rooms and suites, all of which feature Samsung SuitePads from which we could order meals from all the restaurants. In fact, the SuitePads could even organize tours, bike borrowing, and spa/wellness activities. Moreover, all digs have a definite Bavarian vibe with mod-cons like minibars, concealed TVs, and roomy and modern bathrooms.

Our Verdict!

While we loved all the stays in the region of Bavaria, the ones below are special.

• Best hostel: Wombat’s City Hostel Munich Hauptbahnhof
• Best for outdoorsy living: Gutsalm Harlachberg, Bodenmais
• Best lakeside hotel: Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt, Rottach-Egern
• Most luxurious: Spa & Resort Bachmair Weißach, Rottach-Egern, Lake Tegernsee

Where to Stay in Bavaria?

Bavaria conjures images of perfectly preserved old-world homes, painted churches, wrought-iron balconies bursting with blooms, and cobblestoned streets. So, where should we stay in Bavaria?

We start in Upper Bavaria on the shores of Lake Tegernsee, in the alluring Rottach-Egern. This stunning village has small restaurants and bars, lovely churches, and indie boutiques along the lakefront. With the Alps in the background, winter activities like skiing and tobogganing are very popular. Regensburg on the Danube River, northeast of Munich, is perfect for history lovers, thanks to its well-preserved medieval core.

Then, there was Dinkelbühel, which felt like a town from a Brothers Grimm fairytale. Surrounded by a medieval wall, the town is home to colorful homes and paved streets. We were especially enthralled by Augsburg, one of the finest cities in Southern Bavaria. Moreover, it hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. Of course, who can ignore the capital of Bavaria, Munich, which is home to Oktoberfest, one of the best annual world festivals.

Couples will love the romantic towns of Bamberg in Upper Franconia and the pastel-themed Füssen, which is the town closest to the majestic and iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. Finally, there are the Instagrammable and well-preserved, vibrant facades of the medieval Old Town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. During winter, it looks like a Christmas postcard, with snow-capped rooftops, glowing storefronts, and cozy taverns.

What is the best base for Bavaria?

Munich is best for city life, while Nuremberg is great for history buffs. Couples will love Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Füssen, while Garmisch-Partenkirchen happens to be one of the best small towns in Germany, worth visiting. Chiemsee offers an excellent lakeside experience, while Berchtesgaden is great for outdoor activities.

What is interesting about Bavaria, Germany?

Bavaria is not just the largest, but also the oldest state in Germany. It’s home to the highest point in all of Germany, Zugspitze, near Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

What is the best season to visit Bavaria?

The months between May and September see pleasantly warm temperatures and sunny skies.