I've always communicated with the hotel itself, through email. I hope they get back to you.

Here's a link of some of my photos of the hotel from our more recent trip. They show the room, bathroom, view over the bar to the river, and all of the river and cityscape pictures are the view from our room. The few random ones at the end are of the city. There is one that shows the hotel on its island. The weather was cloudy/snowy, but we thought it was very pretty.
share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8DZsmzZuzURlg

Maybe you would be returning to your room before any youths would be in full swing... but maybe the winter weather will keep them inside.

imo, it would be hard to pass up the best breakfast spread in the world!

Thanks for the photos. I want that view! I have emailed the hotel direct in Regensburg twice now. If no response, I'll call them tomorrow. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, perhaps they are having computer problems??? I prefer to deal directly with the hotel whenever possible. I won't pre-pay and need flexibility with cancellation policy.

It is nice to be forewarned about possible punks. Not too concerned if there are other people out and about. If this should prove to be a problem, I could take bus or taxi. I do have slight concern about slipping and sliding on the bridge if it is snowing or icy. Looks pretty flat, though.

Thanks for all the great feedback!

One of the main reasons that I like the HRS.COM is that they clearly state the cancellation policy in a return email. You can also cancel through them.

Your credit card is not charged until you check out. Sometimes a credit card is not required to reserve. I check the Hotel Insel Sorat on HRS and it does not require a credit card for a standard reservation where they can re-let the room if you do not appear by 6pm. You only need to give them a credit card if you want them to hold the room after 6pm.

I have found the HRS easier to deal through where the option was available.

Regards, Gary

Barbara, hope you can get a room because I am sure you would love being there. I can't imagine the group being in the park in December and if so you are aware. The hotel also gave us a laptop from the front desk to use in the lobby.(Sept, 2007) I have lots of good photos, but don't know how to post them, only email. Sorry!!!!!

pef1234, thanks for the apology. I was feeling a bit persecuted. :)

Barbara, there's something else I thought I'd mention about the Insel Sorat: It's on the opposite side of the downtown from the train station. I'd say about a 15 minute walk (we've done it with out luggage, but we've also taken a taxi).

Since you're thinking of Regensburg as a base for visiting other markets, in planning for those excursions, you might want to think about a taxi between the train station and the hotel.

The town is pretty flat for walking (a little incline from the bridge to the Dom) and the bridge is also flat. Unlike Prague's pedestrian bridge which we found nearly impassible in an ice storm.

I did hear back and the hotel truly is full for my dates. Perhaps there is a convention in town or something. Not able to change dates with my FF ticket. I reserved a superior room at Grand d'Orphee, which appears to have a good location in the old town. Certainly nice reviews on Tripadviser, and prompt answers to all my questions. I'll check the Sorat from time to time, though, in case something opens up. Thanks for the affirmation about Regensburg as a good choice for my Christmas Market home base.

I have never been to Regensburg Christmas market, but have been to Munich, Berlin and Dresden. I heard Dresden has the largest Christmas market in Germany, it literally takes the whole town, although it would be a little bit of a hike from Munich for you.

We could name at least two dozen other towns with great Christmas markets all over Germany. One has to make a choice.

Dresden is splendid, sure. Flying into Munich, though, staying in Bavaria makes sense. Regensburg is one of many options, but according to how Barbara describes her wishes, it's a perfect option for her that fits everything.

Regensburg with its undestroyed old town is a jewel. Luckily mass tourism has not yet discovered it. This will change all too soon. Since they got the World Heritage status the city is advertising like mad. I hope it won't turn into a second Rothenburg. See it now.

P.S. Barbara, one hint if you plan a day trip to Nuremberg for the Christkindlesmarkt: Go on a weekday. Avoid weekends, esp. Saturdays when all the shopping tour buses are there.

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