Easy to ignore ads in German, I guess, unless they quiz me. However, just as easy to use SIP or Skype if I have a good connection. In hotels, you don't always have direct dial in.

Sounds like if I go with a rental car, I will want to reserve it soon, since in a strike they will all be gone. Recommendations of specific restaurants etc. are also good -- or what's the best restaurant rating site for Munich? (I see that Zagat only has 40 restaurants and others sites I know don't cover it. (I like Zagat's combination of food quality and cost ratings so I can find the best food that isn't astronomical in price for most meals.)