Just Back from Beilstein, Bad Wimpfen, Hall in Tirol, Hallstatt and Iphofen - Hotel Reviews
May 25th, 2005, 11:51 AM
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Just Back from Beilstein, Bad Wimpfen, Hall in Tirol, Hallstatt and Iphofen - Hotel Reviews
Will try to post a trip report soon, but thought some hotel info might be helpful especially since some of these towns don't get a lot of American tourists. We were in Germany and Austria from 6 - 20 May.
Beilstein, Germany - Stayed at the Hotel Haus Lipmann. Everybody seems to like this hotel and we were no exception. Stayed for 3 days and were treated like family. Everybody we came in contact with was friendly and helpful. Only caveat, there is no elevator and the stairs can be murder with luggage but I'm sure you could get help if needed. The weather wasn't very good so we didn't get to enjoy the fabulous terrace overlooking the Mosel River, but this gives us a reason to return! Lovely breakfast, but serving doesn't begin until 8 AM.
Bad Wimpfen, Germany - Stayed at the Neckarblick Hotel Garni for 3 nights. Located on the Neckar River, this hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the Altstadt. It was the nicest hotel we stayed in as far as amenities and room size. We paid 82 Euro for one of their Panorama rooms which had a great view of the city and the Neckar River. Again, no elevator and we were on the 4th floor but the owners will help you with your luggage if needed. Great breakfast (the only place we had bacon and scrambled eggs), again with breathtaking views of the river and surrounding area but not served until 8 AM. Would definitely stay here again.
Hall in Tirol, Austria - Stayed at the Gasthof Badl which is recommended by Rick Steves, I believe. Anyway, this family run gasthof is located right on the Inn River. The scenery is awesome. The usual Austrian breakfast of cheese, meats and rolls was served along with cereal, juice and yogurt. As I remember, breakfast started at 7:30 AM here. Had lunch in their garden restaurant which was good, but the palatschinken with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce for dessert was amazing! Rooms are basic and "rustic" but were just fine for a couple of nights and only cost us 32 Euro per person per night including breakfast and taxes. Would definitely stay here again.
Hallstatt, Austria - This is where things get a little weird. We were suppose to have spent 3 nights at the Seehotel Gruner Baum, our favorite and usual spot in Hallstatt. However, due to water damage that occurred over the winter months when the hotel was unoccupied, they were unable to honor our reservation. They had hoped to have all of the work completed by the time we arrived but it just didn't happen. This was also a holiday weekend (Whit Monday).
So, the first night we stayed at the Hotel Zauner just across the square from the Gruner Baum. We had a large but basic room on the 4th floor (again, no elevator!) with a view to the lake and town square for 100 Euro including standard breakfast fare.
We had hoped to be in the Gruner Baum by the second night but instead we stayed at the Gasthof Simony (the Zauner was full). Many people, including Rick Steves, like the Simony because of its "charm" and the owner, Susannah, is very nice. But it wasn't really our cup of tea, especially since the toilet was around the corner, so we only stayed the one night for 60 Euro. The best thing about the Simony is the breakfast. Susannah had baked fresh Schnecken rolls that were delicious and she offered hot chocolate as well as the usual tea and coffee. Everything was wonderful.
Finally, our third night was spent at the Gruner Baum. We stayed in a lovely suite with a large terrace overlooking the Lake. Much renovating has already been done to the Gruner Baum, though you could tell a lot still needed to be completed. But our room was great, the linens, towels and toilet paper being much nicer than those at the Zauner or Simony! We only paid 115 Euro (less a discount for cash) for this room because of the trouble we'd been put through but I know the actual rate was much higher. The restaurant serves amazing food. The service at lunch left a lot to be desired but at dinner it was impecable. Because it is still our favorite hotel, we will be returning to the Gruner Baum on our next visit to Hallstatt.
Iphofen, Germany - This was the most pleasant surprise of the entire trip. We stayed two nights at the Gasthof Zum Hirschen, a 3* member of the Tip Top group of hotels for only 64 Euro per night. We had a lovely large room with a modern bath on the top floor (no elevator either, I'm afraid). Everyone was very friendly and spoke a little English. I don't think many Americans come to Iphofen but we managed nicely on the little German we know. The hotel is within the Altstadt and just around the corner from the lovely market square. A great value in a beautiful little town.
Frankfurt Airport - We stayed our final night at the Holiday Inn Express in Moerfelden, just off the A5 and about 10 minutes from the airport. It was only 65 Euro including a wonderful breakfast that is served from 5:45 AM until 10 AM (parking was an additional 8 Euro). The room had all the amenities you would expect from a Holiday Inn, including AC and an ELEVATOR! Just a few blocks across the street from the hotel is the Tomassi Italian Restaurant which serves some very good food and wine. All in all, not a bad place to spend our last night.
Anyway, hope this is helpful. I'll be happy to answer any of your questions.
Beilstein, Germany - Stayed at the Hotel Haus Lipmann. Everybody seems to like this hotel and we were no exception. Stayed for 3 days and were treated like family. Everybody we came in contact with was friendly and helpful. Only caveat, there is no elevator and the stairs can be murder with luggage but I'm sure you could get help if needed. The weather wasn't very good so we didn't get to enjoy the fabulous terrace overlooking the Mosel River, but this gives us a reason to return! Lovely breakfast, but serving doesn't begin until 8 AM.
Bad Wimpfen, Germany - Stayed at the Neckarblick Hotel Garni for 3 nights. Located on the Neckar River, this hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the Altstadt. It was the nicest hotel we stayed in as far as amenities and room size. We paid 82 Euro for one of their Panorama rooms which had a great view of the city and the Neckar River. Again, no elevator and we were on the 4th floor but the owners will help you with your luggage if needed. Great breakfast (the only place we had bacon and scrambled eggs), again with breathtaking views of the river and surrounding area but not served until 8 AM. Would definitely stay here again.
Hall in Tirol, Austria - Stayed at the Gasthof Badl which is recommended by Rick Steves, I believe. Anyway, this family run gasthof is located right on the Inn River. The scenery is awesome. The usual Austrian breakfast of cheese, meats and rolls was served along with cereal, juice and yogurt. As I remember, breakfast started at 7:30 AM here. Had lunch in their garden restaurant which was good, but the palatschinken with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce for dessert was amazing! Rooms are basic and "rustic" but were just fine for a couple of nights and only cost us 32 Euro per person per night including breakfast and taxes. Would definitely stay here again.
Hallstatt, Austria - This is where things get a little weird. We were suppose to have spent 3 nights at the Seehotel Gruner Baum, our favorite and usual spot in Hallstatt. However, due to water damage that occurred over the winter months when the hotel was unoccupied, they were unable to honor our reservation. They had hoped to have all of the work completed by the time we arrived but it just didn't happen. This was also a holiday weekend (Whit Monday).
So, the first night we stayed at the Hotel Zauner just across the square from the Gruner Baum. We had a large but basic room on the 4th floor (again, no elevator!) with a view to the lake and town square for 100 Euro including standard breakfast fare.
We had hoped to be in the Gruner Baum by the second night but instead we stayed at the Gasthof Simony (the Zauner was full). Many people, including Rick Steves, like the Simony because of its "charm" and the owner, Susannah, is very nice. But it wasn't really our cup of tea, especially since the toilet was around the corner, so we only stayed the one night for 60 Euro. The best thing about the Simony is the breakfast. Susannah had baked fresh Schnecken rolls that were delicious and she offered hot chocolate as well as the usual tea and coffee. Everything was wonderful.
Finally, our third night was spent at the Gruner Baum. We stayed in a lovely suite with a large terrace overlooking the Lake. Much renovating has already been done to the Gruner Baum, though you could tell a lot still needed to be completed. But our room was great, the linens, towels and toilet paper being much nicer than those at the Zauner or Simony! We only paid 115 Euro (less a discount for cash) for this room because of the trouble we'd been put through but I know the actual rate was much higher. The restaurant serves amazing food. The service at lunch left a lot to be desired but at dinner it was impecable. Because it is still our favorite hotel, we will be returning to the Gruner Baum on our next visit to Hallstatt.
Iphofen, Germany - This was the most pleasant surprise of the entire trip. We stayed two nights at the Gasthof Zum Hirschen, a 3* member of the Tip Top group of hotels for only 64 Euro per night. We had a lovely large room with a modern bath on the top floor (no elevator either, I'm afraid). Everyone was very friendly and spoke a little English. I don't think many Americans come to Iphofen but we managed nicely on the little German we know. The hotel is within the Altstadt and just around the corner from the lovely market square. A great value in a beautiful little town.
Frankfurt Airport - We stayed our final night at the Holiday Inn Express in Moerfelden, just off the A5 and about 10 minutes from the airport. It was only 65 Euro including a wonderful breakfast that is served from 5:45 AM until 10 AM (parking was an additional 8 Euro). The room had all the amenities you would expect from a Holiday Inn, including AC and an ELEVATOR! Just a few blocks across the street from the hotel is the Tomassi Italian Restaurant which serves some very good food and wine. All in all, not a bad place to spend our last night.
Anyway, hope this is helpful. I'll be happy to answer any of your questions.
May 25th, 2005, 03:41 PM
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Thank you, bettyk, for the hotel information. I'm planning a future trip to Germany (someday) and have printed your thread for my trip-planning book. We'll be using the train for transportation - are the hotels that you stayed at accessible via train?
It sounds like you had a nice time on your trip, despite playing "musical hotels" in Hallstadt.
By any chance, when you where in Bad Wimpfen, did you tour through the Schwinemuseum (Pig Museum)? I have a collection of pigs, so I definately want to visit there.
Thank you for taking the time to post. Peace.
Robyn
>-
It sounds like you had a nice time on your trip, despite playing "musical hotels" in Hallstadt.
By any chance, when you where in Bad Wimpfen, did you tour through the Schwinemuseum (Pig Museum)? I have a collection of pigs, so I definately want to visit there.
Thank you for taking the time to post. Peace.
Robyn
>-
May 25th, 2005, 04:37 PM
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Robyn, you definitely need to go to Germany. It's so beautiful. On this trip we only visited the smaller, less touristy cities and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. No hordes of people to jockey with!
There is no train station in Beilstein. The closest is in Cochem about 6 miles away, but there is boat and bus service to Beilstein I believe. All of the other cities have train stations but I don't know about the connections needed to get there. But driving in Germany is really easy, especially on the autobahn, as long as you stay to the right! The only times we got lost were on the smaller roads but it was never a problem.
We took a picture of the Pig Museum sign but didn't go in. I'm sure it would be a hoot!
There is no train station in Beilstein. The closest is in Cochem about 6 miles away, but there is boat and bus service to Beilstein I believe. All of the other cities have train stations but I don't know about the connections needed to get there. But driving in Germany is really easy, especially on the autobahn, as long as you stay to the right! The only times we got lost were on the smaller roads but it was never a problem.
We took a picture of the Pig Museum sign but didn't go in. I'm sure it would be a hoot!
May 28th, 2005, 03:29 PM
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Hi bettyk - Thanks for your response. What I really need to know is how close are the hotels to the train station? Are they right in town, accessible by walking, public transport, or short taxi ride; or, are they outside of town where driving a car would be a better option?
I am interested in the hotel in Bad Wimpfen, Hall in Tirol, and Iphofen.
Hotel Haus Lipmann is a definate when we stay on the Mosel. One way or another, whether we take a train, boat, bus or taxi to get there, we'll be eating one of the fine meals that we've read about on this board.
Can you tell me a little more about Iphofen? I can't locate it in my travel guides.
Thanks for any info you can provide. Peace.
Robyn>-
I am interested in the hotel in Bad Wimpfen, Hall in Tirol, and Iphofen.
Hotel Haus Lipmann is a definate when we stay on the Mosel. One way or another, whether we take a train, boat, bus or taxi to get there, we'll be eating one of the fine meals that we've read about on this board.
Can you tell me a little more about Iphofen? I can't locate it in my travel guides.
Thanks for any info you can provide. Peace.
Robyn
>-
May 28th, 2005, 05:28 PM
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Robyn, I'll try to help as much as I can.
The owners of the Neckarblick Hotel in Bad Wimpfen will pick you up at the train station when you arrive so that's no problem. In Hall, the Bahnhof is just across the river from the Gasthof Badl and doesn't appear to be far from the foot bridge leading right to the Gasthof. However, I'm sure there are also taxis. In Iphofen, the Bahnhof is not close to the Altstadt but the hotel may provide transportation.
For more info on Iphofen, check out their website, www.iphofen.de (this will also work for www.badwimpfen.de and www.hallintirol.at). Look under Tourimus for a city map (Stadtplan) and there is a pdf file on hotels and restaurants under Zimmernachweis with links to the hotels, etc. Also you can contact the tourist information bureau at [email protected]. We stopped in there and got a brochure in English. They can probably tell you about transport from the train station. Here's the website for the hotel: http://www.hirschen.iphofen.de/.
Hope this helps. If you have anymore questions, don't hesitate to ask.
The owners of the Neckarblick Hotel in Bad Wimpfen will pick you up at the train station when you arrive so that's no problem. In Hall, the Bahnhof is just across the river from the Gasthof Badl and doesn't appear to be far from the foot bridge leading right to the Gasthof. However, I'm sure there are also taxis. In Iphofen, the Bahnhof is not close to the Altstadt but the hotel may provide transportation.
For more info on Iphofen, check out their website, www.iphofen.de (this will also work for www.badwimpfen.de and www.hallintirol.at). Look under Tourimus for a city map (Stadtplan) and there is a pdf file on hotels and restaurants under Zimmernachweis with links to the hotels, etc. Also you can contact the tourist information bureau at [email protected]. We stopped in there and got a brochure in English. They can probably tell you about transport from the train station. Here's the website for the hotel: http://www.hirschen.iphofen.de/.
Hope this helps. If you have anymore questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Jun 6th, 2005, 07:01 AM
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Your trip sounds fantastic. We'll be doing almost the exact itinerary the first two weeks of September -- we can't wait! One question, do you know if there is a bus service from the Holiday Inn Express to the airport in Frankfurt? Our plan was to drop our car off in Frankfurt (city) and use public transportation for the two days that we're planning on spending in Frankfurt.
