ira

Hi RL,

>I would walk the streets too but how much could a 45 year old fat man make?

You'ld be surprised. Wear red wig.

Enjoy your visit.

Roger_Lisa

MUNICH:
"Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: US$200.00
Subtotal: US$400.00
Taxes & Service Fees: US$77.22
Total Charges: US$477.22"
I assume the FEES are for their service?

FRANKFURT:
"Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: US$100.00
Subtotal: US$100.00
Taxes & Service Fees: US$23.00
Total Charges: US$123.00"
What travel service do you know that doesn't charge a FEE?

ira I think we'll be ok with the budget we have planned. I am still looking at things to see and places to go.

J_Correa

I second the recommendation for the Hirschgarten - and the Hotel Laimerhof for that matter Since your hotel in Munich is already set up, you are set there, but the Hirschgarten is worth a tram ride outside the city center. We visited the Chinese Tower beer garden in the English Garden, but we liked the Hirschgarten much better - just a more friendly, relaxed atmosphere. I think the beer and food was a bit cheaper too.

Roger_Lisa

Thanks J_Correa and sherhatfield. That's a great tip. I believe the Hirschgarten is close to the palace we wanted to visit?

Zermatt2

Too bad you're only staying 2 nights in Munich...you can't see the whole city in a week, and there are many, many day trips you could take. I've been there many times, but I was there when the exchange rate was much more favorable for U.S. travellers. It is very crowded and more expensive during Oktoberfest. You might try outside of Munich....I've stayed in Augsburg before (30 minutes by train) during Oktoberfest. If you have time, try Andechs Monastery....30 minutes via the S5; get off at the Hersching end station. Monks brew their own beer....great place. On your way towards Frankfurt, you might see if Rothenberg on der Tauber is on your way....best preserved medieval town in Germany, maybe in Europe...fantastic place.

Zermatt2

Just a follow up....while you can't change some of your hotels, in those locations you have yet to book, try a bed and breakfast or maybe an apartment. They usually are cheaper and probably nicer than a hotel. I've often found hotels in travel books (Fodors, Frommers, etc.); you might want to try Karen Brown's Germany book....she has a series of nice books with nice places to stay. You might also try Earl Steinbicker's Daytrips in Germany book...I've used two editions of his books for my travels in Germany over the years.

Roger_Lisa

After our visit to Munich we are heading down to Mittenwald for the night of Spetember 26 at the Post hotel. Then we will make our way toward Frankfurt at our hotel there for the night of September 29 ( hotel is already paid for) I am looking into Iphofen or Nordlingen for the 2 other nights we have in Germany. Is Andechs Monastery in the same area we will be driving in? I think I have heard of it. Does it have a bridge over the road from one side of the Monastery to the other? and they brew very strong beer?

janisj

No - you really are not paying any fees to priceline. VAT in Europe is that high. Your "taxes/fees" are taxes (VAT) plus probably some sort of small hotel fee or local tax of some kind at the Frankfurt property . . . .

Roger_Lisa

I guess they get their service fee from the property then? Thanks for the info.
Do you think I should try PL for our hotel in Paris? Our reservations are for the Hotel Bellevue et du Chariot D'or at 39 Rue de turbigo in the 4th for 70 Euro per night or about $96.00 (not including breakfast) Do you think I could do better using PL again? Thanks

janisj

PL is not that great for Paris - the bidding zones are just to spread out to get a specific area. And since hotels are relatively reasonable priced in Paris it is usually better to just book directly.

Roger_Lisa

Our hotel list a price of 6 Euro PP for breakfast of just bread,juice and coffee. Do you think we can beat that price at a little cafe in the area around rue de turbigo and sebastopol? Thanks.

Zermatt2

Andechs Monastery is south of Munich, but I don't think there is a bridge there. I have never driven there, and, if you intend to drink beer, I would recommend that you do not drive....drunk driving laws are usually a lot more strict in Europe than here. I have always taken the S-Bahn (above ground) train, in this case, the S5 from the main Munich train station (Hauptbahnoff) to the Herrsching end station. From there, you can either hike up the hill (kind of steep, about 1.5 to 2 miles), or take a bus....10 minutes. It really is a nice place, especially in the fall...and, yes, the beer can be strong! The dark beer in particular I think is the strongest. I've never been to Mittenwald....it also is south of Munich, near the Austrian border....supposed to be a really nice place. I've never been to the other two places, Nordlingen and the other one. I did check a map....Rothenburg is a little more than half way between Munich and Frankfort, closer to Frankfort. If you haven't completely made up your mind on Nordlingen and the other place, you might look at websites on Rothenburg. It really is very nice.

Zermatt2

Another comment, this time about the Oktoberfest: it is very crowded in Munich, especially at the "fest." The "fest" is particularly crowded at night and even more so on weekends. However, it is some of the best fun I have ever had in my life. As a matter of fact, I have been there 6, 7, or 8 times...lost track. I first went in 1987, when one of my sisters was studying in Munich for the year. 14 breweries set up these huge tents, each one holding something like 6000 to 8000 people. There are also all sorts of carnival rides, games, and food....try the spit roasted chicken...this is so good! Each tent has an oompah band playing. At night, you might have to walk around for awhile until you find a table to sit down at; it would be easier during the day. But, it is more "wild" at night; at night, even though you're not supposed to do so, people stand up on top of the tables drinking beer, singing, and in general participate in much merry making. People generally do not stand up on tables during the day. I don't know if I would necessarily go to the Hofbrauhaus restaurant/beerhall, although there is a Hofbrauhaus tent. The reason I say that is because the Hofbrauhaus will tend to have a lot of Americans....might make you feel more at home, but I kind of like mixing with the locals when I travel....but there are all sorts of foreigners at the "fest"...many Americans, many Italians, many Irish, many Australians, etc. The Hofbrauhaus restaurant/beer hall, however, is still a lot of fun.

bettyk

Roger_Lisa, we are staying in Noerdlingen in September at the Braunes Ross. It's in the center, looks nice and the price is right -- we're paying 60E for a double.

http://www.hotel-braunes-ross.de/

However, I agree that if you haven't yet been to Rothenburg you might want to look into staying there. It is one of our favorite places, especially after all the daytrippers leave. That's why it's nice to spend the night. There are a lot of good, reasonably priced hotels and B&B's, so you should find something to fit your budget.

http://www.rothenburg-online.de/hotels/index_eng.html

Narnya

You could save a few dollars/euro by booking your Paris airport transfer through Bee Shuttle. You can reserve online. Used them before -- and will again -- and liked their service. The rate is 17 euro/pp w/ a 10% discount for the return (15,30 euro/pp). BTW, we'll be in Paris the 19th-21st. Have fun!

Roger_Lisa

Hello Narnya. I have already pre-paid our transportaion through Paris-shuttle but thank you for the suggestion.

bettyk. When will you be there? Maybe we can meet in person? Lisa and me are regular people ( not rich ) and we think you sound/advise very cool. what is your age and are you married?

Zermatt2 Thank sooo much I am looking into all of your suggestions.
Roger and Lisa Barton.

Roger_Lisa

Narnya, Let's meet in person and have a drink on us ok? We'll be in Paris from September 18 to the 24th. We're cool down to earth people and always ready to meet fellow travelers. Email us and we'll set up a place to meet. Cheers.

bettyk

Roger & Lisa, thanks for the nice comments. We leave the US from Houston on Sept. 12. Noerdlingen is actually our last stop before we return home on Oct. 4th. We'll be there on the 2nd and will spend our final night somewhere close to the Frankfurt Airport -- probably the Holiday Inn Express. So, unfortunately, you'll be home before we get to Noerdlingen.

My husband and I are in our 50's. I've been retired for a couple of years but my husband just retired in May. We've always loved to travel, but since we aren't rich either, we try to pick and choose where to spend our money. Some things are more important to us than others. We're not into fancy restaurants but like a comfortable, central place to stay. When we can, we use miles and a few extra $$ to upgrade from coach to business class on American Airlines. When you get older, comfort is everything!!

We lived in England for a year and in Vienna for 2 years in the early 1980's so we got to travel around alot then. We learned a little German so we feel more comfortable in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, altho you can get by with German in the upper parts of Italy too.

Bentonville isn't so far from us. We've been to the Hot Springs area a couple of times on our motorcycle.

If there's anything else you think I can help you with, feel free to send me an email to [email protected].

Zermatt2

Hi, Roger and Lisa.

I have been to Europe many times, especially Germany. Don't remember if I mentioned it, but I lived in The Hague for 4 years. I absolutely love travelling. If there are any more questions you have about Germany, please let me know....be happy to try to answer them.

Richard

Roger_Lisa

Thank you all for the tips and suggestions. I am sure I will have a few more questions to ask before we go.
BTW. We are down to 51 day until we leave. yipeeee. R&L