Property
Haus Sterr Maria is a lovely 3-bedroom, 2-bath holiday apartment in Germany’s picturesque Bavarian Forest. The apartment is one of several owned and operated by Margaret and Martin, British ex-pats who are not only fantastic hoteliers but also great people with unparalleled knowledge about things to do in the area.

Location
The village of Bayerisch-Eisenstein lies at the foot of Arber Mountain, a fantastic ski resort. It is also right along the Czech Republic border and adjacent to the Bavarian Forest Nationalpark. Fantastic skiing and winter sport activities are available to visitors in winter as well as all the hiking, mountain biking and outdoors stuff you could want in summer.

Sleeps
Haus Sterr Maria can sleep up to 6 but Margaret and Martin own 4 houses in the village and can accommodate larger parties.

Highlights
The apartments are warm, homey and updated with all the best amenities. The property is ideally situated to head up to Arber for some skiing or to go hiking in the Bavarian Forest park. But really, the best part were our hosts, Margaret and Martin. They made sure all of our needs were met and had fantastic advice about what to see/do in the area.

Good to know
Some people may think Bavaria equals Munich. The village of Bayerisch-Eisenstein is a good two-hour drive from Munich. But there’s more than enough to do and see in the area to make a detour from Bavaria’s most famous city more than worthwhile.

Contact
http://www.bavarian-forest-holidays.com/

Travel Savvy Mom Reviews Haus Sterr Maria in Bayerisch-Eisenstein, Germany from TravelSavvyMom on Vimeo.

Written by Kayt Sukel

Property
A stellar wellness hotel nestled at the base of the Bavarian Alps. When you walk in, you’re swatched in aromatherapy with a hint of woodsmoke from the crackling fire. Rustic, yet noble ambiance.

Location
The town has winter fun attractions – from beginner skiing to more athletic romps down the slopes. Fun for all ages.

Sleeps
Your best bet is to book two rooms as the accommodations themselves are best suited for smaller families. They have suites for up to four people.

Highlights
The service was the best I have ever had (and I’ve stayed at the Four Seasons). You can spend three nights and four days in the white robe they give you, if you’d like. Beware of the fitness instructor.  She may be nearing retirement age, but she’s got a killer instinct for the flabbier ones among us!  Sauna, pool and steam rooms are to die for.

Good to know
It is certainly fun for your tween and you.  A few toddlers were there, but the ambiance is clearly upscale so unless you care to calm your wee ones between courses, it might be best to reserve this resort for your older kids.

Contact
http://www.lindner.de/en/PHO

Written by Christine Hohlbaum

Property
A family-friendly hotel with vacation apartments with or without kitchenettes.  Ignore the gas station in front of it.  As soon as you step onto the property, you are in an enclave facing the Alps with nary a traffic sound.

Location
The hotel is located 2 kilometers from the center of town, home to one of the oldest former Benedictine monasteries in Germany. Right on the Tegern Lake, the area hosts low-key attractions, hiking opportunities, and even a library with fabulous children’s books. The Indian restaurant off the main drag has a huge selection for young and old.

Sleeps
The hotel can accommodate up to 7 people in one apartment, depending on the size you select.

Highlights
The best part of our restful visit were the amenities. Although the hotel itself has no pool, they had free Internet access, a spacious game room, and the best food for a very reasonable price.

Good to know
The doggy at reception barked at us each time we walked into the building. He was about the size of my seven-year-old son so it was a bit daunting. I finally had to ask the owner to remove him, which he did. He must have interrogated the poor animal because he never did it again.

Contact
http://www.ledererhof.de/Englisch/index1.htm

Written by Christine Hohlbaum