Page 24 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Germany

22 BACK ROADS GERMANY

Where to Stay

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
centres of larger cities. However, smaller towns located in the
tourist areas often have rooms to rent at reasonable rates.
Set amid country landscapes, charming, family­run hotels
offering comfortable rooms and local specialities reflect the Above Logo of Schloss Haigerloch, a luxurious
unique character of Germany’s back roads. three-star hotel, Baden-Württemberg, see p232

Hotels Guesthouses Accommodation is usually provided
Hotels in Germany are categorized Guesthouses (Gasthof) can be in double or triple rooms, as well
according to the number of stars found throughout the country, as in dormitories. In order to stay at
awarded for facilities, and not the usually located in private houses a youth hostel, guests must carry a
standards of service. However, the that function as traditional bed and membership card of the Youth Hostels
star rating is no guide to the more breakfast places. Often labelled Association (YHA), which can be
subjective charms of a hotel, such as Pension or Hotelpension, the obtained from the association in their
as the style of decor or the kind distinction between a small hotel, home country. Prices vary between
of regional cuisine served. In larger a pension and a private B&B varies €12 and €25 per day, depending on
cities, it is not difficult to find from region to region. Quite the choice of room and the region
accommodation in deluxe hotels popular, they offer good value for where the hostel is located.
that are often part of an intern ational money. Located in smaller towns
chain. Away from the cities, high and villages, they are cheaper than Camping
prices generally apply to rooms hotels; however, the standards of Summer is the best time for a
in comfortable hotels in beau tiful service and facilities offered are also camping trip to Germany, as most
locations or those provided within lower. The rooms are usually cosy camp sites close between November
historic palaces or villas. There are and comfortable, and equipped and March. These sites are well
many smaller hotels too, offering with TV and a bathroom. Guests equipped, and usually have access
good, affordable lodgings. Often can also expect a large German to a shared kitchen, bathroom and
the name Schlosshotel indicates a breakfast in most guesthouses. laundry facilities, as well as refuse
hotel within a palace. Many of these stations. Most offer power con nec­
hotels are members of organ izations Youth Hostels tions. Some also feature playgrounds
such as Historic Hotels of Europe, Youth hostels (Jugendherberge) and restaurants and organize sports
who can provide further information. represent the cheapest option for activities. A lot of camp sites also
A hotel labelled Garni suggests a stay and can be located in almost have additional cabins apart from
that there is no restaurant on the every town as well as major tourist pitches for tents, motorhomes or
premises, only a dining room where areas in Germany. Some are housed caravans. Visitors should reserve a
break fast is served. Apartmenthotels in very attractive historic buildings. spot well in advance if visiting during
offer suites with equipped kitchens While they offer cheap lodging, the the busy summer season, especially
or a kitchen annexe. standards are still surprisingly good. at popular destinations.

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