Dusseldorf
 

I'm going to a very large trade show in February at the Dusseldorf fairgrounds, but hotels are incredibly expensive in the city at that time due to the high demand. I've never been to Dusseldorf before. I can get a reasonably priced hotel in the city of Essen (a Sheraton), but am not sure whether it will be convenient to travel from there to Dusseldorf every day. I've faxed the hotel with the question, but they haven't responded (not a good sign!). Can anyone help me?

I was lodged at hotel Ambassador, in the city center and 15 min driving to the Messe. It was within walking distance to the Könning Strasse. Affordable, clean and very friendly staff. Try this website: <BR>http://www.dus-online.de/. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps, <BR> <BR>Cristina

Steve, <BR> <BR>what should I answer...Of course it`s not convenient, but doable. The public transportation system in the "Ruhrgebiet" is very efficient and among the best in Germany. The total time you need by train is 1:22hrs with changing trains once. It can take nearly as long by taxi if you book a hotel in Düsseldorf on the other end of the city. <BR>I would advise to try http://www.hrs.de <BR>If they don`t show hotels to book, give them a call. They have a special department for trade show bookings and are very reliable and efficient. No problem to speak English with them. The number for trade shows is on their website. <BR> <BR>Write me if I can help further <BR> <BR>Miriam

Thanks for your advice Cristina and Miriam. I've checked the websites that you both suggest, but it seems that with this huge trade show in town there is nothing available closer to Dusseldorf that isn't at least twice the price of the Sheraton in Essen. <BR> <BR>I did receive a response from the hotel this morning saying that it is a 25 minute drive to the fairgrounds from the hotel without traffic, but that in the morning and late afternoon it will take an hours. They say that the train is much faster, which contradicts what Miriam has said. Any comments on that?

Any chance you could stay in Cologne? It's only about 15 minutes away by train. Would recommend the Hotel Alstadt in Cologne. Plus, you gotta see that cathedral!

Steve,<BR><BR>I don`t see the contradiction. <BR>You are likely to visit that trade show at the time everybody else does-so you will be stuck in major traffic jams. That`s why I didn`t even consider telling you how much time you need to drive from Essen to Duesseldorf. You would be crazy to even try. If you really want to go for that Hotel in Essen by all means-take the train. You can`t beat 1:22 during rush-hour.<BR>And don`t miss the Volkwang-Museum in Essen and while in Duesseldorf head for a pub in the "Altstadt" and try "Altbier-Bowle". That`s a local speciality made with dark beer and different fruits, a bit like a Punch. For shopping go to "Koenigsallee", expensive, but nice. If you need more information drop me a line...<BR><BR>Miriam

Thanks so much for the help Miriam. I may email you for more information as the time for the trip gets closer. I really appreciate your assistance.

Steve, I think I'm headed to the same trade show as you. I've booked myself into the Courtyard Dusseldorf at a rate of 228 Euros/night. I've since heard that it is not a very good hotel though. If anyone has any comments on the Courtyard I'd appreciate hearing them.