Back Roads Germany (Dk Eyewitness Travel Back Roads)

22 BACK ROADS GERMANY

Guesthouses

Guesthouses (Gasthof ) can be found

throughout the country, usually

located in private houses that

function as traditional bed and

breakfast places. Often labeled as

Pension or Hotelpension, the

distinction between a small hotel,

a pension, and a private B&B varies

from region to region. Quite

popular, they are a good value for

money. Located in smaller towns

and villages, they are cheaper than

hotels; however, the standards of

service and facilities offered are also

lower. The rooms are usually cozy

and comfortable, and equipped

with TV and a bathroom. Guests

can also expect a large German

breakfast in most guesthouses.

Where to Stay

Youth Hostels

Youth hostels (Jugendherberge)

represent the cheapest option for

a stay and can be located in almost

every town, as well as major tourist

areas in Germany. Some are housed

in very attractive historic buildings.

While they offer cheap lodging, the

standards are still surprisingly good.

Camping

Summer is the best time for a

camping trip to Germany, as most

camp sites close between November

and March. These sites are well

equipped, and usually have access to

a shared kitchen, bathroom, and

laundry facilities, as well as refuse

stations. Most offer power con nec-

tions. Some also feature playgrounds

and restaurants and organize sports

activities. A lot of camp sites also

have additional cabins apart from

pitches for tents, motorhomes, or

trailers. Visitors should reserve a spot

well in advance if visiting during the

busy summer season, especially at

popular destinations.

Above Logo of Schloss Haigerloch, a luxurious

three-star hotel, Baden-Württemberg, see p232

Accommodation is usually provided

in double or triple rooms, as well

as in dormitories. In order to stay at

a youth hostel, guests must carry a

membership card of the Youth Hostels

Association (YHA), which can be

obtained from the association in their

home country. Prices vary between

€12 and €25 per day, depending on

the choice of room and the region

where the hostel is located.

Germany, like many other countries, has numerous hotels

converted from palaces, castles, and other historic buildings.

The range of prices for a night’s accommodation is wide,

and depends on the services offered and the location of the

establishment. Lodgings can be particularly expensive in

the centers of larger cities. However, smaller towns located

in the tourist areas often have rooms to rent at reasonable

rates. Set amid country landscapes, charming, family-run

hotels providing comfortable rooms and local specialities

reflect the unique character of Germany’s back roads.

Hotels

Hotels in Germany are categorized

according to the number of stars

awarded for facilities, and not the

standards of service. However, the

star rating is no guide to the more

subjective charms of a hotel, such

as the style of decor or the kind of

regional cuisine served. In larger

cities, it is not difficult to find

accommodation in deluxe hotels

that are often part of an intern ational

chain. Away from the cities, high

prices generally apply to rooms in

comfortable hotels in beau tiful

locations or those provided within

historic palaces or villas. There are

many smaller hotels, too, offering

good, affordable lodgings. Often the

name Schlosshotel indicates a hotel

within a palace. Many of these hotels

are members of organ izations such

as Historic Hotels of Europe, who can

provide further information.

A hotel labeled Garni suggests

that there is no restaurant on the

premises, only a dining room where

break fast is served. Apartmenthotels

offer suites with equipped kitchens

or a kitchen annexe.