leahinsc

I just returned from a week plus in Germany where I stayed for a week in Wiesbaden - about 25 min from Frankfurt by car/around 35 by train and a couple of nights at the Schloss Hotel Kronberg outside of Frankfurt.
On Wiesbaden. Here is a town that gets missed in favor of the big ones like Munich and Stuttgart and is worth a day or more. I won't be able to recommend hotels since I have family there but will strongly recommend strolling or biking through Kur Park, wandering around the pedestrian zone and Market platz and indulging in a part of a day in one of the thermal baths(Kaiser Fredrich or Thermal bad) . The former just underwent renovations and is spectacular though "textile free" which means no clothes! You are also a close to the Rhine.
The Schloss Hotel Kronberg is spectacular - like going back in time to another elegant century.

_jinx_

I agree on both counts. I used to stay at the Hotel Nasseur Hof in Wiesbaden for a week at a time when traveling on business (1989-1995). The pedestrian mall was a favorite as well as the beautiful casino.

I spent a weekend at Kronberg. Played the golf course there. Very delightful.

Cheers,

Jinx Hoover

Bob_KY

I'm glad to see Wiesbaden mentioned. My family spent our first 2 days of a ten day Germany trip there last April, mainly because my mother had lived there in the 50's. It is not mentioned in guidebooks very often, but is a very pretty and interesting town. It has nice churches, outdoor cafes, and parks. I would recommend it as a good spot to spend your day of getting over jet lag before heading to the Rhine. We stayed in the Hotel Ibis - Kranzplatz on the main square of the old town.

_jinx_

Wiesbaden was spared from destruction by the Allies in WWII in order to use it as a headquarters. Therefore most of the historical structures are intact--as opposed to Frankfurt which is almost totally rebuilt.

Wiesbaden does get ignored in most travel advisories. U.S. military families can attest to its vibrancy and attractiveness. It is a very cosmopolitan and upscale city. A great gateway to the Rhine and its attractions.

Jinx Hoover

leahinsc

Glad to see there are others who like Wiesbaden. I also enjoyed Mainz - both provide easy access to the Rhine and have great pedestrian zones.

maggie_f

The new gemut.com newsletter is all about Wiesbaden. There are also suggestions there for hotels and dining. It's worth checking out!!