Oberammergau Dream Apartment: Bad Bayersoien Luxury Awaits!
Oberammergau Dream Apartment: Bad Bayersoien Luxury Awaits! - A Messy, Human Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the Oberammergau Dream Apartment in Bad Bayersoien, and honestly? My brain is still trying to unpack the whole experience. "Luxury awaits," they said. Did it? Well, let's just say it was more like "Luxury… sometimes waits.” This is going to be a long one, because I'm still processing, and I'm going to try and be as honest as possible, warts and all (because, you know, life!).
Accessibility:
Okay, let's start with the basics. Accessibility is actually pretty crucial for me – I’m not in a wheelchair, thankfully, but I have knees that like to throw tantrums. The apartment itself seemed alright – I didn't notice any major red flags. But the elevator… well, it wasn't exactly the swiftest. Sometimes it felt like I was waiting longer for the elevator than for the actual train to arrive! Thankfully, there was another way up and down, which brought me to another point, the stairs seemed to be pretty walkable which was a plus, not just for me either, so that's good.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges, Wheelchair accessible: Didn’t see much of that stuff, so I can't comment. That's a bit of a problem in itself, right? If you need it, you'd hope it would be obvious…
Internet Access & Wi-Fi Chaos (AKA, The Great Bandwidth Battle):
Alright, let's talk Internet. Because, in the modern world, if your Wi-Fi sucks, you might as well be living under a rock. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" they boasted. They also promised internet access – [LAN]… which, honestly, felt like a relic from the dial-up era!
- Internet Access – Check. Technically.
- Internet [LAN] – Didn’t even bother. Too retro, man.
- Internet Services – Hmmm. Let's say "limited" and "sporadic."
- Wi-Fi in public areas - Yep, it existed, you could find it in places like the lobby, or at spots where you can get a coffee or tea. I swear I felt like I was in a Wi-Fi Hunger Games sometimes, battling for a signal!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – The battleground. The epicenter of frustration. The signal would come and go like a moody teenager. One minute, I'm streaming a movie; the next, I'm staring at that dreaded buffering symbol! On the plus side, it usually worked for basic browsing. Trying to upload photos? Forget about it.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (and My Attempt at Zen):
Okay, this is where things get interesting. They offered a LOT. Truly a lot. And I tried to experience a lot of it.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: Sounded tempting, but I chickened out. Too much commitment to relaxation, I guess?
- Fitness center: Oh, yes! I'm that guy who says he'll hit the gym and then just looks at it from the window with a weary sigh. Well, I did go, eventually! It was… functional. Not exactly the "peak performance" environment, but it had the basics. (A couple of treadmills that looked like they were surviving on sheer willpower, a few sad little weights…) I managed to walk on one one and didn’t have to use the emergency stop button!
- Foot bath: Mmm. Yes. The epitome of “treat yourself.” It was bliss.
- Gym/fitness: Already covered that.
- Massage: This was the highlight! Seriously, after a day of hiking, my muscles were screaming. The masseuse was amazing – found all sorts of knots I didn’t even know I had. I walked out feeling like a new person. Worth every penny.
- Pool with view: They had a gorgeous outdoor pool – and oh boy, the view! Mountains everywhere. It was like swimming in a postcard. (Except, you know, wetter.)
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: I'm a sucker for a good sauna. The spa area was generally pretty luxurious. Felt like a mini-vacation within the vacation.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Mentioned above. Divine.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, Germs Are Real):
Okay, this is where I was genuinely impressed. They clearly took COVID seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays: All the buzzwords were there, and they seemed to be living up to them. You could tell they were trying hard.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Individually-wrapped food options: (More on that later)
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Enforced.
- Safe dining setup: Again, more on that.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Important!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed like it. Folks wore masks, and there was very much a sense of “we’re doing our best”
- They had Sterilizing equipment, but I didn’t touch it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Culinary Rollercoaster):
…Alright. So, the food. The food was… an experience.
A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: The sheer volume of options was overwhelming. It felt like they were trying to cater to every single possible taste, and sometimes, the quality suffered.
Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet was… a mixed bag. Some days, it was amazing – fresh pastries, delicious coffee, everything you could want. Other days? Let's just say the scrambled eggs seemed to have a personal vendetta against flavor. The individually wrapped pastries did make it easier to go in and grab a bite!
Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service: Okay, so this was a lifesaver some days. Especially when the buffet was "off." The takeaway option was perfect for early morning adventures.
Alternative meal arrangement: I always appreciated having this, given I have to make some adjustments to my diet.
Room service [24-hour]: Now this was my jam. After a long day of hiking, there's nothing better than ordering something and having it delivered right to your room. The menu was pretty extensive, and the food was generally good.
Happy hour: A must-have!
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things):
- Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: The sheer volume and depth of services was really impressive.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient.
- Concierge: Helpful, but sometimes a little… vague. When I asked about hiking trails, I got a lot of pamphlets.
- Daily housekeeping: Fine, and clean. No complaints.
- Elevator: Mentioned.
- Food delivery: A definite plus!
- Laundry service: Very needed!
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Didn't use them, but they seemed… professional.
- Safety deposit boxes: Good for peace of mind.
For the Kids (Not Applicable, But I Saw Things):
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Didn't need any of these, but I saw plenty of families. Seemed kid-friendly.
Access:
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Very secure. Felt safe.
- **Check-in/out [private
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-polished travelogue. We're diving headfirst into Bavaria, and trust me, it's gonna get… well, let's just say it'll be an experience. Here's the tentative, probably-gonna-fall-apart-at-the-seams itinerary for my Bavarian adventure, centered around this ridiculously fantastic apartment near Oberammergau and Bad Bayersoien:
Day 1: Arrival & Bavarian Bliss (or, The Great Luggage Fiasco)
- Morning (ish): Landed at Munich Airport! Hooray! Except, and I knew it was too good to be true, my luggage… MIA. Typical. Spent a solid hour explaining to a bewildered airport employee that yes, my suitcase did contain the entirety of my Bavarian wardrobe (read: only slightly oversized hiking pants and a questionable amount of fleece). Cue immediate existential panic. How was I supposed to conquer the Alps looking like I just rolled out of a dumpster?
- Afternoon: Managed to wrangle a rental car (a tiny, suspiciously-pink Fiat, which felt utterly wrong in Bavaria, but hey, beggars can't be choosers). Finally, finally hit the road. The drive to Bad Bayersoien was… breathtaking. Seriously, the Alps looming in the distance, the rolling green hills, the ridiculously picturesque villages. It was as if someone had hand-painted a postcard and then just decided to make it real.
- Evening: Found the apartment! And oh. My. God. It's even better than the pictures. Cozy, charming, with a balcony overlooking… well, whatever magic they put in the air in Bavaria. Spent a good hour just wandering around, touching everything. The kitchen is practically a work of art. The fridge is empty. Sigh. Grocery store run, and trying not to look like the lost, confused tourist who has absolutely no idea how to decipher German food labels. Dinner: instant noodles. Triumph. (I am clearly not a foodie).
- Late Night: Luggage Update: Still missing. Currently contemplating borrowing a pair of lederhosen from a passing cow. Or the hotel owner. He had a strong look and was friendly, I had a strong feeling it could work…
Day 2: Oberammergau & The Power of Paint (and Possibly, More Noodles)
- Morning: Woke up to the sound of cowbells! Literally. Cowbells! This place is pure magic. After some reflection about my suitcase, I decided to embrace the local spirit, borrowed a scarf from the apartment and set off.
- Daytime: Oberammergau! The Passion Play town! Absolutely amazing. The buildings are covered in these incredible frescoes. Like, all the buildings. Seriously, the entire town is a work of art. Spent hours just wandering around, gawking. The detail is mind-blowing. Learned a little bit about the Passion Play, felt a little overwhelmed by the history, and completely captivated by the artistry.
- Afternoon: Found a tiny bakery, which was a mistake. (Not really.) The Bretzel. The fluffy, salty, carby perfection. I ordered two. Possibly three. Don't judge. Needed the fuel. Wandered around a bit more with a stomach full of bread.
- Evening: Dinner at a local Gasthof. Ordered something that sounded familiar. It wasn't. It was okay. But the beer… oh, the beer! Crisp, refreshing, and maybe a little too easy to drink. Feeling… relaxed? Possibly too relaxed. Might have to rethink my plans for tomorrow.
- Late Night: Luggage Update: Still nothing. Beginning to suspect foul play. Or, you know, the airline just really, really, really doesn't like me.
Day 3: Hiking (and Possibly, Regret) & Reflections
- Morning (early): Okay, hiking. I signed up for it. This was a mistake. The trail was steep. I was tired. The scenery, though, was absolutely gobsmacking. The lakes gleamed. The mountains soared. The air was crisp and invigorating. I was also pretty sure I was going to die.
- Daytime: Hiked for a few hours, until my legs begged for mercy. Sat by a little alpine lake, ate the energy bar that I bought at the store and just listened. The silence was amazing. Feeling a strange sense of peace. Reminded myself that I am very, very lucky to be here. Even though I'm still wandering around wearing the same jeans.
- Late Afternoon: Found a quaint little village and sought out a coffee place. I think I needed the caffeine, or maybe it was the friendly woman running the place. Anyway, chatted with her for a little while. She recommended the "Apfelstrudel". I am glad for her advice. It was just perfect. A cozy place to sit and think about the suitcase situation…
- Evening: Back to the apartment, slightly sunburned, very tired, and ridiculously happy. Dinner: leftovers from yesterday's "okay" meal (with a liberal dose of beer). Considering writing a strongly-worded letter to the airline. Or just disappearing into the mountains and becoming one with the cows.
- Late Night: Luggage Update: crickets. I think I've officially entered the "acceptance" stage. (Or maybe it's the beer talking.) I think I'm going to stay here a few more days.
Day 4 - 5: More Random Adventures & The Final Suing Stage
- Day 4:
- Explored Bad Bayersoien. It's so charming, it should be illegal.
- Visited a church. The paintings in it were phenomenal.
- Bought a Bavarian hat. I think it looks good on me. Or I'm just really, really desperate for some sense of normalcy.
- More hiking. Less death.
- Dinner: Pizza. Because, you know, balance.
- Day 5:
- Tried to learn how to make pretzels. Failed miserably. Covered in flour.
- Drove to another breathtaking lake. Swam in the ice-cold water. Cried a little.
- Wrote my strongly-worded letter to the airline. Started the lawsuit.
- Packed my suitcase for my departure. Sigh.
- Another dinner out.
- Considered another night out. Maybe. I'll see.
Departure Day (Probably):
- I'll Miss Bavaria
- I'll take everything I learned and bring it back home with me
- …and my luggage…
- I hope to return one day, and that is the truth.
So there you have it! My chaotic, imperfect, yet utterly wonderful Bavarian adventure. It's been a whirlwind of breathtaking scenery, questionable food choices, and the eternal mystery of the missing suitcase. But hey, that's life, right? And honestly, even with the missing luggage, it's been… incredible. I'm already planning my return. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to drink some more beer and dream of lederhosen. Prost!
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Vintage Holiday Home in Zierow, Germany (Sauna!)
Oberammergau Dream Apartment: Bad Bayersoien - Let's Be Honest (and a Bit Messy!)
Okay, So... Is This Apartment *Really* a Dream? I'm Suspicious of All That "Luxury" Talk.
Look, let's get real. "Luxury" is a word that gets thrown around more than a Bavarian beer stein after a few too many rounds. But... yeah, it's pretty darn dreamy. It ain't the Ritz, mind you – thank God, because I can't afford the Ritz! – but it's got that "ahhh" factor. Picture this: I walked in, fresh off a train (which, side note, was *late* – classic German efficiency, eh?), and BAM! Huge windows framing the mountains. My jaw actually dropped. Dramatic? Maybe. True? Absolutely. The heated floors? Bliss. My feet, after a day of hiking, were in heaven. Okay, I'm getting a little carried away. But a dream? Yeah, close enough.
The Location: Bad Bayersoien vs. Oberammergau. What's the Deal? I'm Here for the Passion Play!
This is where things get a *little* complicated, like navigating a crowded beer garden after, well, a few beers. The Passion Play is in Oberammergau, and the apartment is in Bad Bayersoien. It's a short, pretty drive (like, 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic – which, let's be honest, is minimal unless you're visiting during a major festival). Bad Bayersoien itself is a quieter village, which is a plus if you value peace and quiet after all the Oberammergau hubbub. It's got a lovely lake, the "Soiener See," perfect for a stroll (or a post-Schnitzel coma recovery). It’s a trade-off: You sacrifice *being* in the middle of the action, but you gain tranquility. I'd say it worked out. Though, I did almost miss a Passion Play rehearsal because I got lost trying to find a decent bakery in Bayersoien. "Rural" and "Google Maps" do not always play nice, FYI.
The Apartment Itself: Is it Actually *Nice*? Like, Not Just "Clean and Functional", but Actually *Worthy* of a Vacation?
Okay, so I HATE when websites overhype things. I'm a cynical, world-weary traveler. But... yes. It's nice. The decor is a tasteful mix of modern and traditional Bavarian (no kitschy cuckoo clocks, thank God!). The kitchen is well-equipped (I even attempted to make a strudel! Disaster, but entirely my fault). The bed? Oh, the bed. I slept like a log. Or maybe it was all the fresh mountain air. Probably both. One minor gripe: the Wi-Fi was a *little* spotty at times. Annoying when I was trying to update my Instagram with pictures of the view. First World problems, I know. Overall, though, definitely vacation-worthy. I felt... well, pampered. Which is something I rarely experience!
Any Hidden Fees? What's the Fine Print I Should be Aware Of?
Ah, the dreaded fine print. I always read it, and I *still* miss things. The usual suspects apply: check-in/check-out times, cancellation policies (READ THEM!), and if they're going to charge you extra for cleaning (usually a given, but I think I got dinged a bit more than I anticipated). They might have a local tourist tax (Kurtaxe) that isn't included in the initial price, usually a few euros per night. It adds up! Don't be me; *read* the booking confirmation *carefully*. And for the love of all that is holy, check your credit card statement afterward. I tend to discover hidden fees weeks later, like a particularly nasty travel souvenir.
Okay, Let's Talk Passion Play. Is it Easy to Get to Oberammergau from the Apartment for the Show?
Yes, relatively. It's a short drive. The real challenge? Parking. Oh. My. God. Parking in Oberammergau is a nightmare. Seriously, I spent a solid hour circling the town before I found a spot. I recommend either arriving *very* early, using public transport, or being prepared to walk a significant distance. The Passion Play itself? Worth it. Absolutely. But the parking? The stuff of nightmares. I parked a mile and a half away and, by the time I got back to the car I was so tired, I just wanted to lie down in the middle of the parking lot.
What's the Deal with the Kitchen? Can I Actually COOK there?
Absolutely! The kitchen is well-equipped. And I mean *well-equipped*. They've got everything you need, from pots and pans to a decent coffee maker (essential!). I actually tried my hand at cooking a traditional Bavarian dinner one night. Now, I'm no chef. I'm more of a "microwave enthusiast." Let's just say the kitchen survived, but my attempt at making *Schweinshaxe* (roasted pork knuckle) was, shall we say, *rustic*. It tasted... okay. But the kitchen? Solid. You have a great chance of not burning the place down, which is more than I can say for me.
Anything I Should Bring That Isn't Obvious?
Besides the obvious (toothbrush, passport, etc.)? A Universal adapter (if you're coming from outside Europe - trust me). A good pair of walking shoes (mountains, people!). Maybe an eye mask, if you’re sensitive to light in the mornings. And, this is crucial – a little German phrasebook. Even if you don’t speak German, knowing a few basic phrases (please, thank you, where's the bathroom?) goes a *long* way. Believe me, my butchered attempts at German caused a lot of laughter (mostly from the locals, but hey, they were friendly!). And maybe, just maybe, bring a small bottle of something to celebrate after your Passion Play experience. You'll need it.
The Balcony/View: Is it As Good as the Pictures? (Because Those Photos Always Lie!)
Okay, look, here's the deal: the view in the pictures is spectacular. And the real-life view? It's even better. I spent a significant amount of time on that balcony, drinking coffee, reading, and just... staring. The mountains are breathtaking. Seriously, breathtaking. The air is clean and crisp. You'll find yourself taking deep breaths and feeling… content. So yes, the balcony is worth it. It's a majorHotel Deals Search
