Hi
My husband and myself will be traveling to Germany the 4th of Sept thru the 14th of Sept. We are flying into Dusseldorf. We would like to go through the Rhine area and see as many castles as possible. We have eurrail passes, but have not rented a car. What would you reccomend as the best way to see the sights? We also will stay the first two nights in Amsterdam. Are there any recommendations for hotels around Koblenz,Mainz, or Heidleberg. These look like very good jump off places to see everything. Has anyone gone on a day cruise from either of these cities?

Thanks

Betty

Betty, We are honeymooning in Germany next month and are staying in Frankfurt and in Munich, except one night in St. Goars at Villa Rheinfels, which is right on the Rhine. Originally, we were going to stay in nearby Bacharach, which has good accommodations from what I'm told. This would be a good spot if you want to day-trip to say, Heidelburg or Trier or all along the Rhine. You can ferry from side to side. We are renting a car and not adhering to any timetable, except to fly home. I lived in Frankfurt for 2 1/2 years and this region is beautiful enough for me to return with my sweatheart. Be careful in Amsterdam, pickpockets, theft, etc., but not what is considered dangerous. Have an enjoyable time!

Betty, We are arriving in Amsterdam July 28 and are staying at the Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and they guarantee no rooms over $129 in Holland and not over $99 in Germany. Met a friend who just returned and he said Crowne Plaza is very nice.
Just call 1-800-HOLIDAY AND ASK FOR EUROPE FOR LESS. They have a website but not sure if rates are guaranteed at this price. http://www.hoiliday inn.com. Also traveling to Germany but am now going to follow a route we found in Image Tour Inc, called 15 day Heart of Europe Tour. In Germany they go through Cologne, Heidelberg, Rothenburg and Augsburg.
They have pictures of each hotel and talk about one in Manneim that is at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers. Its Hotel Wartburg.

I noticed they stay outside of Amsterdam, in Lelystad at the Hotel Mercure or the Tulip Inn in Heerleen. If you want the book, its really helpful and you call 1-800-968-9161

Just retd from Germany. Made many trips there and lived there in Army. Best way to see Rhine is car. Best way to stay and enjoy is German hotels, not Holiday Inns. We stayed in Cochem this trip, close to big city of Koblenz. The Alte Thorschenke was very quaint. Tel: 0114926717059. This is on the Moselle River. On the Rhine try the Krone in Assmannhausen. Right on the river and close to boat tours. In Heidelberg: the Zur Backmulde is close to everything. Completely remodeled from our first stay in 1990. Tel: 01149622153630. The Rhine and the Mosell can both be explored together. Dont miss the Mosell because u have heard more of the Rhine..it is very quaint and nice area..less commercial also.

Be very careful in Amsterdam- there are many unsavory characters walking or should I say casing- around. Pickpockets galore so much so that without anybody telling me anything my sixth sense the moment I got off the train was that this is indeed a very unsafe place!!!

Betty, I would agree with Bob and recommend staying at small German hotels or pensions. You can't experience the culture or the people in a Holiday Inn. I would recommend a boat trip for part of the tour on the rivers. We took a trip for a couple of hours on the Rhine and that was plenty. It started to get boring to me after more than a few hours. The railroad does run along the Rhine so you can stop at castles but the best way is to have a car. You can stop when and where you want if a certain castle interests you.

Could Bob Ricks give some idea as to the price range of the hotels he suggested in Germany? That would be very helpful. Thanks.
If others know of inexpensive bed and breakfasts in Germany -- particularly in southern Germany, please post them. Thanks. Kristin

CASTLES, PENSIONS ETC IN RHINE VALLEY;This is out of Rick Steve's Europe 97: (Rhine Valley,)" by Train, stop at Km543 Bacharach- it is a great stop with several preserved 14th century fortifications. One of the old towers is my favorite Rhine hotel. The train screams within 5 yards of Hotel Kranenturm. This is my choice for the best combination of comfort and privacy with Zimmer warmth, central location, and medieval atmosphere. Run by hardworking Kurt and Fatima Engel, this hotel is part of the medieval fortification.
Db 80 DM with his book.Dinner is also served and family suites available. A youth hostel and pension also in town, Jugendherberge Stahleck is a y.h and a 12th century castle, newly redone gem with 8 beds and a private modern shower. Easy parking. Just call and they will hold a bed ph 1266 or Pension Letties has 4 cheery new rooms, bike rental AND A LAUNDROMAT, ph 2115 and he goes on to list many more, some cheaper, some more. "