I stayed at the new Marriott while visiting Munich's Christmas markets

If you are in that Christmas camp, like me, you’re always looking for ways to retain the magic you felt when you were ‘wee’ on December 25.

And the closest thing - I think - you can get to it is just a short plane ride away to Germany’s Munich to experience a place where Christmas markets are intertwined with its long history.

I headed to the Bavarian capital via Edinburgh Airport where I took an easyJet flight full of optimism that something else could get me in the mood for mistletoe and wine - other than Mariah Carey.

In a short two hour flight I arrived at my destination - and it was snowing, what a way to kick off my quest for fuzzy feelings of festivity.

I stayed at the incredible Munich Marriott Hotel City West which just opened in September and despite its newness I instantly felt at home.

A lot of thought has gone into the development of this 398-room hotel and as a result, a stay there is an experience in itself.

In my hotel room, there were all these touches that made my visit more than memorable. I was grateful first of all for the quadruple glazing installed. Yes, there are tram and train lines outside the hotel. But you honestly don’t hear a thing.

With no sleep deprivation throughout my trip, I enjoyed some of the other features on offer including a touch pad system to control lights, a Japanese-style smart toilet - I believe this one can divide opinion - and a TV that allowed me to cast my Netflix favourites direct from my phone to the room’s big screen. The bougie girl in me also loved The White Company products dotted throughout the bathroom, they smelled amazing.

I know some people just want a hotel room as a quick base to explore a city but when my trip to Munich took a turn for worse with the highest snowfall in decades bringing the city transport system including the airport to a halt, I was grateful for a home away from home, and a heated bathroom floor also eased the pain on my cold feet when temperatures plummeted below zero.

You know it’s extreme weather when they call off a Bayern game but the staff at this hotel - many would have had a treacherous journey into work - still turned up for their shift with a smile on their face and showed nothing but professionalism.

This helped ease any worries I had and prepared me to dive into the Christmas markets - when the road was clear for me to do so of course.

There are at least six big Christmas markets dotted throughout the city. This is a city that loves the festive season.

I went to the Christmas market at Marienplatz which dates back to the 14th century. It is one of the more popular ones and has the stunning backdrop of the neo-Gothic town hall to provide you with those all-important selfie moments.

What struck me instantly walking through the market was the detailing on the wooden huts offering food, gifts and treats. There was even a sense of humour about a porky pig wearing a Santa hat on the stand that was serving a variety of Bratwurst.

A medieval Christmas market is another highlight of Munich’s festive trail. The stallholders dress up to amp up the atmosphere of the Middle Ages while offering mulled wine in old-fashioned wooden mugs. It was an experience to see a Christmas market done so differently.

You should also check out the Pink Christmas market which has been held since 2005 in celebration of the LGBTQ* community. There is a small stage featuring drag artists and other performers. I sadly never got a chance to experience it due to the adverse weather conditions, but it is firmly now on my bucket list.

The traditions surrounding Christmas are incredibly important to the Germans, they have various key dates throughout December to celebrate. There is even a rule in Munich that any market proclaiming to be a Christmas one must go by an alternative name, usually Winterfest, if it opens too early. I was told by a local there is a day to pay tribute to the dead and once that has passed, everyone can start looking forward to Christmas celebrations. During my time there, I really got a feel for Bavarian culture as locals told me of some wonderful traditions they still do to this day including baking a variety of Christmas cookies to give to friends, family and even the postie throughout the holiday.

While I am not a cook, I did test my culinary skills with some guidance from the Munich Marriott Hotel City West’s chef Marco De Cecco. He heads up the hotel’s swanky Assoluto Ristorante which serves breakfast if you book your room with that option and now offers group pasta-making classes. A complete character with a real passion for food and fresh ingredients, Marco actually taught me how to make pasta from scratch. I still can’t believe I did and more importantly enjoyed it. The classes provided me with a holiday memory I won’t be quick to forget.

If making your own food isn’t your thing, I would encourage you to try Marco’s food at the hotel restaurant. I was lucky enough to get a taste of a sample menu from the restaurant which was simply spectacular.

For more traditional cuisine, a visit to Augustiner Braustuben really allows any tourist to immerse themselves in Bavarian culture. With a menu packed with beers and traditional dishes, and an electric atmosphere, the traditional beer hall is the starting point to a great night out.

If I have to recommend one thing, order their pretzels with cream cheese dip, I still think about how good they were.

There are plenty of other attractions in Munich and I definitely wanted to see more but was somewhat limited by the weather. If you are planning a visit, consider getting a Munich card which gives you discounts on attractions, restaurants, shops and museums and if you choose a sightseeing package you will get free travel on public transport.

On my final day when the weather improved, I did get to visit the incredible Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art which is hosting Damien Hirst's The Weight of Things exhibition.

Featuring over 40 works by the British artist including installations, sculptures and paintings, the exhibit was thought-provoking throughout. I am not an arty person in any way but I was really taken aback but what he has created through his career and a really helpful guide at the museum also explained the story behind each of the pieces, which added to the experience for a novice like me.

Munich might not be a city said in the same breath as other popular European destinations but it is one which really has a uniqueness and charm like no other.

I didn’t know what to expect from Munich but I really enjoyed my trip and it has left me with a thirst to explore more of Bavaria.

And I promise, it is not just the pretzels I am craving.

Rooms at The Munich Marriot City West Hotel I stayed in cost €250 (euros) per night, including breakfast. I stayed in an Executive Room.

The hotel plans to open the M Club on the 7th floor from mid-January.

For more information, visit www. munichmarriottcitywest.com or https://www.munich.travel/en