Does anyone have a recommendation for a nice hotel or pension in Berchtesgaden and Passau? <BR>We will be in German in September and have selected B'gaden over Garmisch. Any comments?

I tried to post twice earlier, but it didn't go through, so once more... I would recommend the Hotel VierJahrzeiten in Berchtesgaden. Not pretty on the outside, but nice inside - the more expensive doubles have huge balconies, minibar, seating arrangement and table, cute woodwork, comfortable beds, great view. There are neat antiques throughout the place, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the food is very good. It is also an ideal location, not far from anything. <BR>I much prefer B'gaden to Garmisch - B'gaden actually seems to like tourists! It is smaller, prettier IMO.

Ann, <BR>I just took a day-trip to Passau so I can't help you with a hotel. What I can do is recommend that you take a boat ride on the Danube. We had a great time! The the tour was in German and English (taped over the PA system-is that an old word?-). We also bought a small book that explained the sites we saw. <BR>Passau is a charming town from what I saw. <BR>Have fun! <BR>Kittie

We have stayed twice (1990 and again in 1995 ) at Hotel Frandorfer in Berchtesgaden. It was wonderful. ....request one of the rooms in the guest house in the back. Also, make a dinner reservation for dinner there. They have entertainment and lots of locals come and the food was great. I made all my reservations by fax and they responded very promptly.

We have been pleased with the Watzmann hotel in Berchtesgaden. Nice location, breakfast included. Around $100 per night. We stayed in a hotel in Passau that was near the convergence of the rivers. Found it in the Karen Brown series on German Inns and Itineraries. You may want to look there.