We're travelling to southern Germany in mid-October. Have an itinerary pretty well mapped out, based largely on suggestions from this forum. The last night we want to stay within about 100km of Rhein-Main airport, and I have found rooms available at the Schwan Hotel in Wertheim and Gruener Baum in Michelstadt. We don't like big cities, wo we are leaning toward what appear to be somewhat less grand accomodations in Michelstadt. We're more interested in meeting "locals" than deluxe accomodations. Wondered if anybody had stayed at either place and could make a recommendation. We're driving, and don't want to stay in Frankfurt nor Heidelberg.

I don't know either of those places but I would suggest Rothemburg ob der Tauber if you haven't already included it in your trip.

oops, make that "Rothenburg".

Thanks, but we will have been there already - need a place closer to Frankfurt, but not in the city.

We always try to stay in Heidelberg, but you say no. The trip from Heidelberg to the airport is an easy drive, especially for weekend departures.

If we do not stay there, we have used the Sheraton at the airport. You just walk across to the terminal and leave. You do not meet any locals, but you sure get an easy exit from Germany.

check out Bens Bauernhof their are some places that might be of value in your planning, luck to you.

What about Oberwesel on the Rhine River? We stayed at the Auf Schoenburg Castle Hotel and loved it. It's less than an hour from the Frankfurt Airport so that should work for you.

Thanks to all for the suggestions. Think we've figured it out. I'll let you know if the experience turns out to be memorable.