B & B's IN GERMANY
 

How can you find out about Bed & Breakfast places in Germany. Do you make reservations through a travel agency? Any information or resources would be appreciated.

L Wolters

Try Charming Small Hotel Guides-Germany
by Duncan Peterson Guides Edison, NJ
(980) 225-1900 Fax (908)417-0482
-Its in better travel bookstores

Also the Michelin Red Guide for Germany has many b&bs listed. They are called gasthauses in Germany and as listed as such in the Michelin Guide. AAA will Fax your reservations there at no charge if your are a member

Make it easy on yourself. As you drive along the road, you will see little signs. Most often the sign will show a green bed or twin green beds. There may also appear the words "Zimmer frei" -- or "Room Free." These are private homes and the signs show how many they can sleep. When the rooms are rented, someone goes down to the signpost and turns them around so that red beds show; the place is full. Breakfast is always included, and we are talking about a REAL breakfast, none of this bread-butter-and-maybe-marmalade stuff -- we're talking ham, cheese, fruit, eggs, rolls, etc., etc.
Go up to the house, knock, step back, smile, and say
"Haben sie ein zimmer frei fur heute nacht?" Do you have a room free for tonight? If a kid comes to the door, most likely he/she speaks English. Mom and Pop may speak some, a little, or none. Makes no difference; you've broken the ice and are in for a genuine treat. And save a lot of $$$.

I have been told many times that you do not need researvations to stay at B & B in Germany, but all from couples traveling during off seasons only. How about for those with family needing two rooms in August?

I have been told many times that you do not need researvations to stay at B & B in Germany, but all from couples traveling during off seasons only. How about for those with family needing two rooms in August?

I live in Stuttgart, Germany. Usually, you can stay very cheap in so called "jugendeherbergen", like YMCAs. Don't expect B&Bs or YMCAs in bigger cities. There, you can stay in e.g. Best Westerns which you can book from your US travel agent. Also, write to the Tourist Service of the city you go near to for index about B&Bs and cheap hotels. You call the morning before you arrive to make sure they are vacant. "Zimer frei" shows that.
mail me if you need addresses or phone #s.