The best hotels in Bavaria

Big and beautiful, Bavaria is amongst Germany’s most fascinating regions. Encompassing almost one-fifth of the country, this spectacular province offers everything from the food-and-art of trendy Munich to the unspoilt wonder of the southern Alps, fairytale castles and restful lakeside retreats. Whether you’re dreaming of culture-focused holidays, craft beer tastings, outdoorsy adventures or sensational spa retreats, you need look no further. This part of Germany is brimming with excellent accommodation options, some of which have been highlighted in our Gurus’ selection of the best places to stay in Bavaria.

Munich, Bavaria’s bold and brilliant capital, is a fabulous destination for a city break or as a starting point to a wider road trip. Visit during Oktoberfest or the Christmas markets for a vibrant buzz, though you’ll find the city’s plethora of museums, galleries, bars and clubs thriving throughout the rest of the year, too. The region’s other hubs include historic Nuremberg, pint-sized yet enchanting Bayreuth, and lovely Würzburg. Many of Bavaria’s smaller towns are hugely charming, with half-timbered houses and brightly painted residences framing pretty town squares, where tables laden with craft beers and regional fare spill out onto the street. Bamberg's entire old town has been Heritage Listed by UNESCO, Regensburg has been an important trading centre on the Danube, and medieval Lindau, on glorious Lake Constance, is a real gem.

Follow the famed Romantic Road south to see dazzling castles — such as King Ludwig II’s spellbinding Schloss Neuschwanstein — and for a flavour of the little towns and villages which characterise rural Bavaria. Sip locally made wine in Franconia, and head up into the mountains for fantastic skiing, snow boarding, hiking and mountain biking. Lake Tegernsee is amongst the country’s cleanest lakes, and some of the best places to stay in Bavaria line its shores, perfect of romantic retreats or fun-filled family holidays in the sunshine.

The Best Places to Stay in Bavaria

For Old Town Charm

• Goldener Anker is a beautiful 18th-century townhouse in the heart of Bayreuth, with elegant en-suite bedrooms and an excellent gourmet restaurant. Sumptuous interiors feature patterned red and cream wallpapers and big wooden beds, some of which are four-posters. A great cafe and bicycle rental service adds to the appeal. A charming traditional hotel.
• Hotel Greifen Post offers inviting, light-filled guest rooms with antique furnishings and warm tones. Unwind in the spa with heated indoor pool, before gathering in the games room, library or acclaimed restaurant. Borrow complimentary bicycles from reception to zip around Feuchtwangen. Intimate, relaxed and romantic.
• Hotel Markusturm is a pretty 13th-century building in medieval Rothenburg. Guest rooms are bedecked in antique furnishings, and spacious family-friendly options are ideal for groups of guests of all ages. Hearty buffet breakfasts are served each morning and the best of the Old Town is right on your doorstep.
• Hotel Fürstenhof is an ivy-clad historic residence-turned-family hotel, with elegant rooms decorated in cream and gold textiles. The central location and acclaimed Bavarian restaurant make this a marvellous Landshut base. The in-house cookery school will delight keen foodies, too.
• Luis & Hezelhof is a beautifully restored 17th-century residence in the centre of Dinkelsbuhl's medieval Altstadt. Exteriors remain traditional, with flower-filled wooden balconies, whilst interiors are modern and understated, with minimalist white-on-white furnishings. The South American restaurant is excellent.

For a City Break

• Roomers Munich, close to Friedenheim in Munich, has fantastic retro-modern decor with beautifully shaped furniture in great colours. Think brushed brass and glass, dark parquet, grey and deep gold tones in the 280 guest rooms and suites. A timeless and sophisticated design hotel with a popular fine-dining restaurant, swanky bar and impressive modern art collection. Very hip.
• Hotel Drei Raben, just moments from Nuremberg's Hauptmarkt Square, is a buzzy city bolthole with a fresh, funky feel in its 22 guest rooms. Expect hearty breakfasts, a hip, neon-lit cocktail bar, and a real sense of fun. A chic boutique spot.

For Families

• Schwabinger Wahrheit by Geisel, in Munich's beautiful, leafy Schwabinger, is a chic, contemporary hotel with 80 rooms and suites and a real sense of Scandi minimalism. The bunk rooms are very affordable, and great for groups of friends travelling together, whilst family suites make city breaks with kids comfortable and easy. There's an on-site sauna, shared terrace spaces and good breakfasts.
• Hotel Klughardt is a relaxed Nuremberg B&B with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Set outside the city centre, this laid-back suburban spot is ideal for families, with a lovely garden, free bicycles for zipping around town, and flexible options for additional guests in the larger rooms. Take little ones to play in the nearby park, or head into town on the tram.
• Berghotel Schlossanger Alp has a fantastic reputation for its family-friendly rooms and suites, which feature classic and cosy wooden decor, big bathrooms and verdant views. There's an outdoor wooden playground in the gardens for little ones, superb Bavarian cuisine, and a Finnish sauna for grown-ups. Excellent.

For Romance

• Beyond by Geisel is a lavish boutique bolthole with just 19 indulgent rooms and suites in Munich. Atmospheric lighting and elegant modern furnishings create a wonderfully sophisticated sense of style, completed by en-suites with sink-into bathtubs. A romantic hotel with views of the grand town hall and private chefs ready to whip up delicious dinners.
• Hotel Herrnschlossen, set within an 11th-century castle near Rothenburg, is immensely striking. Country-style guest rooms feature original brickwork, huge sink-into tubs and lovely garden views. Dine in the charming landscaped gardens, relax in the sauna, and stroll along the verdant paths of the Frankenhöhe Nature Park.
• Hotel Orphée is tucked within a well-preserved Baroque building in the heart of Regensburg’s pedestrianised Old Town. Pretty four-poster beds are draped with light muslin, patterned rugs adorn bedroom floors, and old-fashioned chandeliers hang from high ceilings, creating an artsy, romantic feel. Don’t miss dining at the popular brasserie.
• Mandarin Oriental Munich takes romantic luxury to new heights, with immaculate contemporary guest rooms hinting at Asian influences through rich fabrics. Moments from the opera house, major museums, galleries and boutiques, this landmark hotel promises a splendid rooftop pool and bar, a superb spa and a Japanese-Peruvian fine dining restaurant.

For an Alpine Escape

• Relais Chalet Wilhelmy is a charming chalet surrounded by hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as the water sports of Lake Tegernsee. Recently restored guest rooms feaure floral walls in soft pastel tones, and sink-into beds overlooking the gardens. With a swimming pool, delicious regional restaurant and verdant grounds, this is a lovely family-run base for couples, friends or families.
• Das Kranzbach Hotel & Wellness Retreat is a charming country house near Krün with unbeatable alpine views and a top-notch spa. Feast at the gourmet restaurant, savour wines from the extensive cellar, or unwind in the sauna and steam baths after days of hiking and biking. A wellness-focused mountain gem.
• Hubertus Alpin Lodge & Spa is a light-filled lodge in the stunning Allgäuer Mountains. Contemporary guest rooms boast beautiful views, cosy beds; the best have huge round wooden bathtubs. The spa and elegant restaurant are both superb. A luxurious escape.

For Foodies

• Hotel Goldene Traube is a characterful property in the heart of Coburg. Individually decorated guest rooms feature brightly coloured textiles, large windows and contemporary furnishings — including wonderfully comfortable beds. Savour the best of the well-stocked wine bar, paired with Michelin-starred seafood at the acclaimed restaurant. An indulgent hotel for a luxurious alpine break.
• Das Freiberg is simpler and more intimate, whilst also offering luxurious rooms and suites, many of which have private balconies with mesmerising views. The hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant is an enormous draw, showcasing innovative dishes using fresh Bavarian produce. A boutique favourite for foodies.
• Weinhaus Messerschmitt is a charming four-star hotel in lovely Bamberg with comfortable guest rooms feauturing soft patterned fabrics, cosy armchairs, big windows and indulgent bathrooms. The real highlight is the traditional restaurant, which specialises in locally caught game and fresh fish from the River Main.
• Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden is a beautiful contemporary resort with 138 swish guest rooms and suites fusing modern minimalism with traditional materials and lots of glass. The Michelin-starred restaurant Le Ciel and the superb Bavarian fare make this a top spot for foodies looking to explore the Bavarian Alps.
• Villino has become a favourite foodie spot, with an award-winning restaurant specialising in fresh, seasonal fare, as well as cooking classes and wine tastings. Housed in a yellow-painted residence near Lindau, this gorgeous luxury hotel oozes charm and sophistication. A serene spa completes the picture. Absolute bliss for foodies and romantics.

For a Lakeside Retreat

• Landhaus Marinella in Bad Wiessee has 11 individually decorated rooms with oak floors, crisp white linens and pink-and-red floral curtains. The soothing spa promises rejuvenating massages after days of hiking, cycling and water sports on Lake Tegernsee. Lush gardens are great for little ones to play in, and the restaurant's flavoursome fare will delight the whole family. Expect superb views, too.
• Hotel Leeberghof is a lovely, family-owned hotel with spacious guest rooms featuring light wooden furnishings, patterned bedspreads and uninterrupted Lake Tegernsee views from private balconies. An attractive fusion of traditional and contemporary touches, the hotel also has an excellent bar. Sip cold beers in the sunshine after days of hiking in the mountains or boating on the lake.
• Seehotel Überfahrt is a gorgeous lakeside gem in Rottach-Egern. Sophisticated rooms and suites are decorated in cream tones and come with private lake-view balconies. Two swimming pools, a spoiling spa, gourmet cuisine and a plethora of outdoor activities await. Modern alpine luxury for romantics.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY HOUSE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Munich Airport, Frankfurt Airport or Nuremberg Airport, depending on your route and destination in Bavaria. It’s relatively easy to explore the region on Germany’s rail network, and it’s possible to arrive by train from Austria, France, the Netherlands, Italy and the Czech Republic.
• Bavaria is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car and explore beyond the boundaries of the town.
• Visit during the summer months, with temperatures averaging around 23°C between May and early September for hiking, cycling and heritage visits. The annual Oktoberfest is fantastic, and the Christmas markets are hugely popular. For great skiing in the mountains of the south, look to travel between December and March. You'll find fewer crowds and great hotel deals outside the school holidays in May and September.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Munich.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best hotels in neighbouring Baden-Wurttemberg
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.