We plan on visiting Stuttgart's Beer Festival in 2004. Need advice about our lodging. Would you stay closer to the festival, or closer in town and take transit? All advice about lodging and easy access to the festival and other sites much appreciated.

As to the specifics of your quesion, I really can't answer. But we stayed at the Intercontinental in Stuttgart and thought it was wonderful. You know those spectacular and huge Sunday bruch buffets they have some places? That's what breakfast was like every day -- included in a very reasonable price. I don't know where the beer festival activities are being held, but there is a subway right by the intercontinental which should make transportation anywhere pretty easy.

hi there,

thats right, there is a very good and easy to use public transportation in Stuttgart. So perhaps it is better to stay near the center of town (if You wanna do same actions there). The Interconti would be not too bad, if ... it would not close end of this year. I' not shure whether it will run again by annother owner. Take a look at www.stuttgar.de, there is an english site with hotels and nore informations. If the Interconti is not too epensive for You I would prefer The Park Hotel. If You wanna save a little money try the Hotel Pflieger (they do a renovation right now so they will be in a very good standard after this) or the IBIS. They are 5 / 7 minutes from main station.
have fun and drop me a line when You are in town - I thank everyone for a reason to visit the Volksfest.
Gar

Gargamel - refresh my memory, the Stuttgart fest is at Bad Canstatt right? In which case would Danna be better off staying outside of the city and using the s-bahn to get to the fest...may save some money and provide a better perspective...I just can not remember where would be good . I used to live in Boeblingen (IBM in the early 80's), but that is too far.

Seafox

Thanks to Patrick, Gargamel (loved your work in The Smurfs!) and Seafox. We are pretty good about using transit, but like the easy way as well. I can't tell from my investigations if we will be limited to afternoon visits as the tables will be reserved at night. All hyelp much appreciated.

hi there,
seafox, yes, You are right. The beerfestival is the "Cannstatter Volksfest". But Stuttgart is know better so most of the people talk about the Stuttgart festival.
Where to stay depends on the people. You just save a little money when staying outside town. Hotel will be about 10 to 30 Euro cheaper than in the city. On the other hand You are in the center and can walk to most of the main things. But if YOu dont wanna stay in a bigger city, there are a lot of places arround.
Danna: Sorry, my english is too limited so I dont understand Your last posting. If You still need more information, drop me a line.
have fun
Gar

Gargamel... thank you so much for your reply. My aside was based on a cartoon character we enjoyed (when our adult daughter was young) whose name was Gargamel. The name brought a happy smile to my memory. I think that in town for the price is the way to go.

gargamel - my compliments on your English....I wish my German was as good!

thanks for compliments, have had a longer business talk with a few guys from the USA yesterday ... that are the moments when I wish not sleeping that aften at school. Anyway: I try my best. Have a good time in Germany - and drop me a line when visiting Stuttgart.
Gar