German hotels, what to expect

Hotels we recommend can be very different from one to another, so we've tried to provide some basics to help you know what to expect from our recommended hotels in Germany.

Staff- Our recommendations are smaller hotels, where you will find that the owner, manager, or desk clerk usually speaks English. This may not be the case for other staff members. Particularly in small towns, but even in cities you will find that the hotel employees are very friendly and ready to help you in any way possible You will not find a concierge in these smaller properties.

General Guidelines- Most small German hotels take reservations by phone, fax, or email. They often require only a credit card to guarantee the room, but hotels in large cities may require a deposit. Some hotels prefer that you pay in cash. Breakfast and tax are included in your room rate. Typical check in time is after 3:00 PM and checkout is before 11:00 AM. At check in, many hotels will ask for your passport, some may even hold it during a portion of your stay.

Bathrooms- A typical German bathroom will have a toilet, sink and bathtub. Enclosed showers are becoming a bit more common in German bathrooms, but many will have a bathtub with a hand shower. The biggest question for you is how to use it without soaking the entire room, since there is rarely a shower curtain. The only positive here, is that usually bathrooms are tiled from floor to ceiling and have plenty of towels.

Rooms- Remember that charm is our goal, not standardization . We look for rooms that have things like antiques, wood beamed ceilings, traditional pine wood furniture, or modern classics. A typical room will either have a queen bed or two twins which can be put together and made up as one. It is very common to find that the bed will have two down comforters, one for each person, and wonderful down filled pillows. Your room will have all the typical amenities such as TV, telephone, luggage rack or closet, etc. Although heat waves are not common, if you plan to travel in the summer, you'll want air conditioning.

Breakfast- Breakfast is a feast in a German hotel. A typical hotel will have breakfast in their restaurant or in a breakfast room. Usually the breakfast is a large buffet where you help yourself to all you can eat. The only thing that will be served by someone is the coffee. The buffet will include a variety of lunch meats, cheeses, breads, fruit, yogurt, cereals, juices and sometimes small salads such as cucumber in sour cream. The inclusion of this meal in the room price makes it a great value.

Dinner- The hotels we recommend in small towns often have a restaurant, beer garden or lounge. City hotels are usually within an easy walk of dining options. Hotel restaurants are usually casual. When weather permits, there will often be seating outdoors. Dinner is served from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Most restaurants offer typical German fare, heavy on the meats and potatoes. A menu is always posted outside with prices, and there is often an English menu available.

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What to expect from Hotels in Germany