Help Please - Germany/ Switzerland
May 28th, 2022, 12:50 PM
#41
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Thank you sooo much, I'm going to check these now.. I did hotels.com, booking.com, Expedia and I thought when it says AC they really do have AC but apparently not... I have never seen this before about amenities description, IDK what it is about Switzerland.
So I have to keep verifying with hotels and it is not easy to get a hold of them.
So I have to keep verifying with hotels and it is not easy to get a hold of them.
May 28th, 2022, 12:55 PM
#43
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My friend did one of those tours and I can't believe how much they were shown in such a short time. I hate to generalize but you are right the cities get very crowded with tour groups from overseas, especially Asian countries, and I have the worse experiences with these tour groups. One time they ran over my mom in Paris and pushed her down the stairs .. another time they ran over my son literally to get to the seine cruise while we were in line. When do these tour groups usually come to Italy ?
May 28th, 2022, 12:57 PM
#44
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We thought about Venice but I read it was too hard to maneuver for handicap bc of the bridges and cobblestone ? also we thought 4 days maybe too much in Venice.. we are going to stay in Florence 4 days, 2 days see Florence and 2 day trips... I'm going to take a second look into Venice though.. good think is our return is flexible if there is room. I had to book with Condor which scares me.. but the other options were soooo $$$
May 28th, 2022, 01:05 PM
#45
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bilboburgler I don't understand the rating system.. usually in the US we look for a hotel that is 4 stars and above comparable to a Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, or holiday inn.... 3* is like comfort inn or red roof inn more motel types.. so I had put 4* and above in my search. I also had put pool so maybe that's why .. when I walk a lot my left swell up from injures really badly and when I do PT in a pool it reduces the swelling.. (too much info lol ... but that's why). However, with these prices I don't think a pool will work out.. AC is most important.
May 28th, 2022, 01:43 PM
#46
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https://www.booking.com/searchresult...tel_68762-back
Is Lausanne too far from your family. It says 20 minutes. It looks as if some hotels in Lausanne would work. Some have pools and AC. I am betting you will not need it at night though. Booking.com always works well for me to find places, but then I often book directly with the hotel.
You will definitely need AC in Florence! There may be a charge for usage too, added to the hotel cost. Do not try to drive in
Florence unless you are very familiar with the zones. Making a mistake can lead to big fines.
Now, to explain the star rating in most places in Europe. It is completely different from the US. In the US, it is as you said, more classes of hotels from budget to upscale. In Europe, it is rated on amenities provided. Example, a cheap, two or three story hotel with elevator, in-house restaurant, bar, etc. may get more stars than a gorgeous, old hotel with no elevator, no restaurant, etc. There is another system of tourist class, two star, three star, etc. It is hard to correlate any other ratings with US. You have to look at reviews, websites, etc. Booking sites like Trip Adviser and Expedia give ratings according to reviews, so they are more about quality rather than amenities. You can better judge the quality by those stars, but then you have to check amenities because a high quality does not necessarily mean they have an elevator.
Here is an example: One of my favorite hotels in Venice is in an old place with beautiful frescoes right on the Grand Canal with the most magnificent views imaginable. The rooms are lovely. Breakfasts are wonderful, served in your room. Service is perfect. Location is perfect. This hotel gets 4+ star ratings on Expedia and TA. However, by Italian board ratings, it is a 1 star hotel because it has no elevator. It has no bar, restaurant, etc. You may have to tote luggage up a long flight of steps to the Lobby.
Is Lausanne too far from your family. It says 20 minutes. It looks as if some hotels in Lausanne would work. Some have pools and AC. I am betting you will not need it at night though. Booking.com always works well for me to find places, but then I often book directly with the hotel.
You will definitely need AC in Florence! There may be a charge for usage too, added to the hotel cost. Do not try to drive in
Florence unless you are very familiar with the zones. Making a mistake can lead to big fines.
Now, to explain the star rating in most places in Europe. It is completely different from the US. In the US, it is as you said, more classes of hotels from budget to upscale. In Europe, it is rated on amenities provided. Example, a cheap, two or three story hotel with elevator, in-house restaurant, bar, etc. may get more stars than a gorgeous, old hotel with no elevator, no restaurant, etc. There is another system of tourist class, two star, three star, etc. It is hard to correlate any other ratings with US. You have to look at reviews, websites, etc. Booking sites like Trip Adviser and Expedia give ratings according to reviews, so they are more about quality rather than amenities. You can better judge the quality by those stars, but then you have to check amenities because a high quality does not necessarily mean they have an elevator.
Here is an example: One of my favorite hotels in Venice is in an old place with beautiful frescoes right on the Grand Canal with the most magnificent views imaginable. The rooms are lovely. Breakfasts are wonderful, served in your room. Service is perfect. Location is perfect. This hotel gets 4+ star ratings on Expedia and TA. However, by Italian board ratings, it is a 1 star hotel because it has no elevator. It has no bar, restaurant, etc. You may have to tote luggage up a long flight of steps to the Lobby.
May 28th, 2022, 02:22 PM
#47
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Sassafrass Wow thank you so much for explaining this.. so if the hotel says 2 or 3* I should not eliminate it thinking it is equivalent to an American 2 * 3* ... I do look at TA it's my most reliable source, but not much about AC on there. The only way to get accurate info seems to be calling them, which is hard and expensive. I'm still trying ... you're all sooooo helpful and I can't thank you enough... My family is mad at me for "sitting at the computer" but they don't understand what is involved with all the planning and that you can't just wing it in Europe in July. We were just going to drive to Florence from Geneva and then only use to car to drive to Tuscany .. is this a bad idea ? should we return it as soon as in Florence. Should we not even drive to Florence ? We live in the country in upstate New York, so not really used to city driving.
May 28th, 2022, 03:35 PM
#48
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Airport
https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/galleria.html
Look at the little hotel above as an example, the one I said is a favorite. It is beautiful. You can see the booking.com rating is 8.6, very good. The government rating is only 1 star.
So, you kind of look at both, if you need amenities. Since I rarely care about bars, restaurants, etc, stars are not important. Reviews are more important to me.
Now, driving. It has been years since we have driven in Europe. We are big on trains. I no longer enjoy car trips. I would consider leaving the car in Switzerland and getting a flight from Lausanne or Geneva to Pisa or Florence. It is around 7 hours from Geneva to Florence in regular traffic and I have no idea about Summer. Hope someone else can advise.
This is important though. Most towns and cities have ZTL zones, places where driving and parking is restricted and limited to specific residents, taxis, etc. with authorized permits. Parking may be scarce. Many hotels have no parking. Sometimes you may be allowed to unload, then park in a further away lot, but not always, and getting to the hotel, you must not go through an unauthorized zone. There are cameras, you will be fined. You absolutely do not need a car in Florence. I don’t know what day trips you are considering. You may not need a car for some of those, certainly not for Lucca, Pisa or Siena. For others you might. You could just hire a car for a day, take a tour or hire a driver. Below link has info.
https://www.visitflorence.com/touris...-ztl-zone.html
Also, check drop off fees of car if you rent in Germany and drop elsewhere.
See what others advise.
You are so right. Planning takes a lot of time, especially if it is a new area to you. Researching hotels, auto routes, flights all take time and you have had to do it last minute. That is much, much harder.
Would a nice hotel in Lausanne work? I saw one that looks wonderful.
You will need info for getting into city from the airport in Berlin.
https://airmundo.com/en/airports/ber...ransportation/
Assume you could not get a direct flight to Berlin, that you have to go through Frankfurt? Is it all one ticket? Is that all set?
If not, check out train versus plane options from Frankfurt to Berlin. Of course, flight is shorter, but with layover and flight, plus travel from airport into city, it might actually be longer.
Look at the little hotel above as an example, the one I said is a favorite. It is beautiful. You can see the booking.com rating is 8.6, very good. The government rating is only 1 star.
So, you kind of look at both, if you need amenities. Since I rarely care about bars, restaurants, etc, stars are not important. Reviews are more important to me.
Now, driving. It has been years since we have driven in Europe. We are big on trains. I no longer enjoy car trips. I would consider leaving the car in Switzerland and getting a flight from Lausanne or Geneva to Pisa or Florence. It is around 7 hours from Geneva to Florence in regular traffic and I have no idea about Summer. Hope someone else can advise.
This is important though. Most towns and cities have ZTL zones, places where driving and parking is restricted and limited to specific residents, taxis, etc. with authorized permits. Parking may be scarce. Many hotels have no parking. Sometimes you may be allowed to unload, then park in a further away lot, but not always, and getting to the hotel, you must not go through an unauthorized zone. There are cameras, you will be fined. You absolutely do not need a car in Florence. I don’t know what day trips you are considering. You may not need a car for some of those, certainly not for Lucca, Pisa or Siena. For others you might. You could just hire a car for a day, take a tour or hire a driver. Below link has info.
https://www.visitflorence.com/touris...-ztl-zone.html
Also, check drop off fees of car if you rent in Germany and drop elsewhere.
See what others advise.
You are so right. Planning takes a lot of time, especially if it is a new area to you. Researching hotels, auto routes, flights all take time and you have had to do it last minute. That is much, much harder.
Would a nice hotel in Lausanne work? I saw one that looks wonderful.
You will need info for getting into city from the airport in Berlin.
https://airmundo.com/en/airports/ber...ransportation/
Assume you could not get a direct flight to Berlin, that you have to go through Frankfurt? Is it all one ticket? Is that all set?
If not, check out train versus plane options from Frankfurt to Berlin. Of course, flight is shorter, but with layover and flight, plus travel from airport into city, it might actually be longer.
Last edited by Sassafrass; May 28th, 2022 at 03:55 PM.
May 28th, 2022, 03:58 PM
#49
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Thank you sassafras I don't need a car for Pisa and Luca? I thought we would save money to drive and can go at our own pace.... There is a 190$ fee fro dropping from Geneva to Florence. We are not renting in Germany.
Yes , my cousin said Lausanne would work for sure but it's just won't have the lake Mountain View he said.
Yes , my cousin said Lausanne would work for sure but it's just won't have the lake Mountain View he said.
May 28th, 2022, 04:45 PM
#50
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No, you absolutely do not need a car for Pisa or Lucca! They are short, cheap, easy train trips from Florence. Trains run often. Both Lucca and Pisa stations have lifts, so no tiring steps. Pisa station is a 20 minute walk from the tower, but you can save yourself the walk and get a taxi, about 10 euro. Lucca station is about a 5 minute walk to the entrance to Lucca. You could actually see both in one day. check train schedules. Go early to Pisa. Stay late and have dinner in Lucca. Lucca is flat, easy walking.
With cost of car rental per day, gas and parking, you would for sure not save money with a car, plus traffic to/from Pisa can be a bear.
The train station in Florence is near city center. With your mobility issues, if you get tired, you can grab a taxi, but it is all flat in Florence and only a ten to twelve minute walk from the station to the Duomo, so everything there is close.
You might actually want to reconsider Florence and spend a night or two in Lucca, perhaps a tour of the countryside during the day. I say this because Lucca (as well as Florence and Pisa) can be suffocatingly crowded during the day, but peaceful and quiet at night after day trippers leave. You can walk the wall around Lucca for views of the lovely countryside. You can also get away from the crowds on the main shopping street by going to the area where the Roman arena once stood. The area today is built in the same oval with little shops, etc. and mostly not crowded.
With cost of car rental per day, gas and parking, you would for sure not save money with a car, plus traffic to/from Pisa can be a bear.
The train station in Florence is near city center. With your mobility issues, if you get tired, you can grab a taxi, but it is all flat in Florence and only a ten to twelve minute walk from the station to the Duomo, so everything there is close.
You might actually want to reconsider Florence and spend a night or two in Lucca, perhaps a tour of the countryside during the day. I say this because Lucca (as well as Florence and Pisa) can be suffocatingly crowded during the day, but peaceful and quiet at night after day trippers leave. You can walk the wall around Lucca for views of the lovely countryside. You can also get away from the crowds on the main shopping street by going to the area where the Roman arena once stood. The area today is built in the same oval with little shops, etc. and mostly not crowded.
Last edited by Sassafrass; May 28th, 2022 at 05:04 PM. Reason: More info.question
May 28th, 2022, 10:48 PM
#51
Sassafrass is offering good and solid advice.
Lausanne hotel: Forget the mountain views at the moment. You will get plenty once you are out of the hotel. Find a hotel that offers an elevator (lift) and AC. Instead of calling, write emails to save money. If you are renting a car, be sure to ask about parking. Lausanne is located on a hill so you may be walking up and down a bit. Rent a wheelchair or mobility scooter in Florence: https://www.moveris.it/rent-wheelchair-florence.html
For trains, use sbb.ch or trenitalia. You can also book directly at the train office in Lausanne.
Other useful advice for Switzerland:
- Tips: Do not give 15% tips to waiters. Just round the price up a bit. For example, SFr. 25 could become SFr. 27.
- Ask for maps at the hotel desk.
- upload Whatsapp on your phone so you can call or video call your cousins for free.
- upload the SBB app so you can see trains and buses if you need them in Switzerland
- grocery shops are open from anywhere between 9 am - 8 pm but there are some convenience stores that are open longer. Meals are expensive in Switzerland but the price of groceries is comparable to the US so you might want to picnic a lot of you're interested in saving money.
Most people under the age of 40 can speak some English so you'll be fine.
Lausanne hotel: Forget the mountain views at the moment. You will get plenty once you are out of the hotel. Find a hotel that offers an elevator (lift) and AC. Instead of calling, write emails to save money. If you are renting a car, be sure to ask about parking. Lausanne is located on a hill so you may be walking up and down a bit. Rent a wheelchair or mobility scooter in Florence: https://www.moveris.it/rent-wheelchair-florence.html
For trains, use sbb.ch or trenitalia. You can also book directly at the train office in Lausanne.
Other useful advice for Switzerland:
- Tips: Do not give 15% tips to waiters. Just round the price up a bit. For example, SFr. 25 could become SFr. 27.
- Ask for maps at the hotel desk.
- upload Whatsapp on your phone so you can call or video call your cousins for free.
- upload the SBB app so you can see trains and buses if you need them in Switzerland
- grocery shops are open from anywhere between 9 am - 8 pm but there are some convenience stores that are open longer. Meals are expensive in Switzerland but the price of groceries is comparable to the US so you might want to picnic a lot of you're interested in saving money.
Most people under the age of 40 can speak some English so you'll be fine.
May 29th, 2022, 06:45 AM
#52
I have to disagree with this statement "the price of groceries is comparable to the US" .
We usually spend a month a year in Switzerland, and self-cater many of our meals - groceries there cost a lot more than they do where we live in the US. And I suspect they've gone up, just as they have in the US in recent months.
I do agree that you will save money by self-catering, but you should still be prepared for sticker shock. Bakeries are a good option for an inexpensive breakfast and lunch.
Most restaurants offer a set price menu at lunch that often includes soup or salad, a main and coffee (or water), which is also good value. And keep in mind that many restaurants (especially outside of cities) close their kitchens around 2 pm and stay closed until dinner.
As expensive as Switzerland is, we still find it good value, weirdly as that sounds.
Have a good trip, whatever you decide.
We usually spend a month a year in Switzerland, and self-cater many of our meals - groceries there cost a lot more than they do where we live in the US. And I suspect they've gone up, just as they have in the US in recent months.
I do agree that you will save money by self-catering, but you should still be prepared for sticker shock. Bakeries are a good option for an inexpensive breakfast and lunch.
Most restaurants offer a set price menu at lunch that often includes soup or salad, a main and coffee (or water), which is also good value. And keep in mind that many restaurants (especially outside of cities) close their kitchens around 2 pm and stay closed until dinner.
As expensive as Switzerland is, we still find it good value, weirdly as that sounds.
Have a good trip, whatever you decide.
May 30th, 2022, 07:07 AM
#53
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kleeblatt Thank you so much
I have become in a total panic state right now... and I can't sleep.. I am shocked at these prices !
I'm looking at Lausanne too... apparently there is a jazz festival the week we are going and so thats why the prices are quadrupled.
that link to the scooter is sooo helpful .. od you know if I can rent one in Switzerland different cities too ?
I have become in a total panic state right now... and I can't sleep.. I am shocked at these prices !
I'm looking at Lausanne too... apparently there is a jazz festival the week we are going and so thats why the prices are quadrupled.
that link to the scooter is sooo helpful .. od you know if I can rent one in Switzerland different cities too ?
May 30th, 2022, 07:12 AM
#54
Lilly2016
You are in a challenging situation. There are air bnb vacation apartments available a bit farther away from Lausanne, especially in the mountains. I've found some small apartments that offer three beds in two rooms and a swimming pool. https://www.airbnb.ch/rooms/40147213...B1qluYuC8VvHRC
If you stay at a higher elevation, you will not need air conditioning because it cools off in the evening. Good luck.
You are in a challenging situation. There are air bnb vacation apartments available a bit farther away from Lausanne, especially in the mountains. I've found some small apartments that offer three beds in two rooms and a swimming pool. https://www.airbnb.ch/rooms/40147213...B1qluYuC8VvHRC
If you stay at a higher elevation, you will not need air conditioning because it cools off in the evening. Good luck.
May 30th, 2022, 07:52 AM
#55
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Hi Everyone ... one more thing
We were planning on catching the train from Darmestadt Germany to Zurich rent a car and drive to Chexbres where my cousin lives.
Then driving also from Geneva to Florence .. but they are telling us to fly because we have 2 big luggage and 2 carry ons - needed for medical supplies.
There is a train from Darmestadt to Geneva and one to Zurich but it seems too long and too many changes ? the flights are not that long if we leave on certain days .. but I keep thinking about lines in the airport.. .. I need advice on what is best and easiest for us.. We have not driven in Europe before and we want a route that is least stressful. My husband loves trains and my son has a lot of work to get done.. but I don't think it will be the leisurely train ride I think it will be.
Please let me know.. thanks so much.
We were planning on catching the train from Darmestadt Germany to Zurich rent a car and drive to Chexbres where my cousin lives.
Then driving also from Geneva to Florence .. but they are telling us to fly because we have 2 big luggage and 2 carry ons - needed for medical supplies.
There is a train from Darmestadt to Geneva and one to Zurich but it seems too long and too many changes ? the flights are not that long if we leave on certain days .. but I keep thinking about lines in the airport.. .. I need advice on what is best and easiest for us.. We have not driven in Europe before and we want a route that is least stressful. My husband loves trains and my son has a lot of work to get done.. but I don't think it will be the leisurely train ride I think it will be.
Please let me know.. thanks so much.
May 30th, 2022, 10:56 AM
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https://www.booking.com/searchresult...mfacility%3D11
Don’t know if the above links work, but they are all through booking.com.
When I plug in your requirements, there are only four or five hotels that come up with availability in your price rage. Four are Novotel and Ibis. They are usually pretty simple, just a place to put your head, but might work. Some have two queen beds in one room. Some have three twin beds. They have AC, but only one has a pool.
July - the area of Switzerland you are going does get warm during the day, but cools at night. They just do not need AC. It is a waste of money to install for the few days it might be used. Same with pools that would be used for only a month or two. You might have to settle for windows that open and a tub for soaking.
Seeing how much of a concern the heat is, Florence, most of Italy actually, will be a huge issue. You may get weak AC, but few hotels in the city have pools. You might want a more rural place that is geared to vacation rather than sightseeing, but it may be hard to find availability so late in the game.
Don’t know if the above links work, but they are all through booking.com.
When I plug in your requirements, there are only four or five hotels that come up with availability in your price rage. Four are Novotel and Ibis. They are usually pretty simple, just a place to put your head, but might work. Some have two queen beds in one room. Some have three twin beds. They have AC, but only one has a pool.
July - the area of Switzerland you are going does get warm during the day, but cools at night. They just do not need AC. It is a waste of money to install for the few days it might be used. Same with pools that would be used for only a month or two. You might have to settle for windows that open and a tub for soaking.
Seeing how much of a concern the heat is, Florence, most of Italy actually, will be a huge issue. You may get weak AC, but few hotels in the city have pools. You might want a more rural place that is geared to vacation rather than sightseeing, but it may be hard to find availability so late in the game.
May 30th, 2022, 11:29 AM
#58
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https://www.booking.com/hotel/ch/lau...otal;ucfs=1&#_
This hotel does have AC and a pool. Don’t be confused by the website. Two rooms, each with a queen size bed is a total of 1149 for four nights, so just under 600.00 per room for the total of four nights, 150.00 per night per room. Do check it. It gets good reviews for a basic hotel. If the link does not work, let me know.
I just checked. It works. If this is still available, I would snap it up.
This hotel does have AC and a pool. Don’t be confused by the website. Two rooms, each with a queen size bed is a total of 1149 for four nights, so just under 600.00 per room for the total of four nights, 150.00 per night per room. Do check it. It gets good reviews for a basic hotel. If the link does not work, let me know.
I just checked. It works. If this is still available, I would snap it up.
Last edited by Sassafrass; May 30th, 2022 at 11:32 AM. Reason: More info.
May 30th, 2022, 09:53 PM
#60
Montreux Jazz Festival is July 1-16, 2022. That fills up the hotels in Montreux, Vevey, and even Lausanne every year at this time.
Royal Plaza Montreux hotel has a pool. Hotel Eden Palace Au Lac has a pool. Hotel Fairmont Le Montreu Palace has a pool.
Royal Plaza Montreux hotel has a pool. Hotel Eden Palace Au Lac has a pool. Hotel Fairmont Le Montreu Palace has a pool.
