FEATURED Munich hotels

About fifty kilometers north of the Bavarian Alps, you'll find the capital of the German state of Bavaria. The capital is Munich and it is one of the most interesting, beautiful and visited cities in the world. This is a place of not only history, but well preserved history. At the same time is also a place of progress and modernism. It is considered, in the top ten list, one of the cities with the best quality of life in the world, it has low pollution, high levels of education and low crime. It seems the highs and lows for this city are really all in the plus column. As one of the world's most important business destinations and with its art, culture and profound history, it is filled with highly-rated hotels of just about every incarnation.

For all its business and political visitors, it's probably those with a sense of history who will get the most from their visit. This city's motto is, after all, "München mag Dich", which means Munich likes you. And hospitality is an ingrained part of the local heritage.

It's quite easy to find yourself in a hotel near or overlooking Marienplatz, which has been there since the city was first founded. It is testament to the special care taken by locals over their heritage that three of the medieval gates, which once were the entrances into the since ruined medieval square, remain for all to see. In fact there are hundreds of wonderful things to see in the city. If you're staying near Marienplatz, then you'll be close to the iconic Rathaus-Glockenspiel, which chimes at 11 in the morning and tells the story of love and champions of the old Duke, his love and the Bavarian knights.

It is really a matter of personal preference where you choose to stay, although a large event like Oktoberfest can greatly affect room availability and, if you haven't booked in time, you may have to settle for your second or third choice of accommodations. There are those to be enjoyed in buildings with their own heritage, and which have opted for an interior with a classical tone; then there are those which offer a period building but with the latest in style and contemporary design in the rooms and the other portions of the interior. Last but not least, there are dramatic modern establishments which have entirely eschewed any notion of classicalism other than perhaps in their attention to service. From these grand shining towers of glass and post-modern elegance to the charming boutiques which speak of the myriad ages which have influenced the city, there is something for everyone. More than that, you're likely to have a combination perfect your 21st century needs and nostalgic tastes. Most of the top-bracket hotels, at east those which offer a large accommodation capacity, have a full array of in-house leisure and fitness facilities. For those who aren't used to the big hotels, you can expect large, beautiful swimming pools, perhaps of 20 meters or more. In some places you'll have more than one pool, perhaps even one for the younger travelers, which may be part of their own play area. Don't forget to spend a few revitalizing hours in the in-house spa. Spas are a popular feature of all the princelier hotels, and you can enjoy everything from massages and basic cosmetic services to impressive private treatment rooms.

The concierge and front desk of all good hotels will enable guests to get the most out of their trip, be it business or pleasure. Those looking to enjoy art and culture in a city which was has been the occasional home for many legends of music and literature, can have tickets booked for performances at the National Theater, home of both the State Orchestra and State Opera. The theater is rife with heritage appeal, perhaps most famous for being the theater in which legend of classical music, Richard Wagner, premiered a number of his works.

Stay near the English Garden and you'll be poised for not only spectacular views from your room, but you'll be close to one of the largest public parks in the world, even larger than New York's Central Park. The park also has a number of Beer Gardens and, if you're in a sun loving mood, an area for naturists, which, if nothing else, might be worth a look.

Good food is something of a local sport, so enjoy all those marvelous sausages, dumplings, soups and, of course, the famed apple strudel. Such dishes may very well be available in your hotel, although many hotels have left guests to discover the local culinary wonders for themselves and, instead of serving local food, have created in-house eateries which offer everything from casual Italian dining to French fine dining that may well have been prepared by a chef with a Michelin star to his credit.

Head to Hofbräuhaus, which is the city's most famous beer hall, for a sampling of the finest local beer in a city which has turned the holding of a krug, or tankard, into something of collective obsession.