Where to Stay in Germany
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of Germany
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
Germany's most visited region offers everything from world-class luxury resorts in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to traditional family-run Gasthöfe in picture-perfect villages. Accommodation here emphasizes Bavarian charm with wood-paneled rooms, hearty breakfasts, and Alpine wellness facilities. Expect higher prices in Munich and ski resorts, but excellent value in smaller towns.
The capital region offers Germany's most diverse accommodation scene, from cutting-edge design hotels to communist-era relics turned boutique properties. Berlin's excellent public transport means you can stay in residential neighborhoods for better value while easily accessing attractions. Brandenburg's lakes and forests offer rural retreats within easy reach of the city.
This romantic region is famous for castle hotels, vineyard estates, and riverside properties with stunning views. Accommodation ranges from converted medieval fortresses to modern business hotels in Cologne and Düsseldorf. Wine villages offer intimate family-run inns where local vintners often host guests in rooms above their cellars.
Germany's legendary forest region specializes in wellness tourism with numerous spa hotels and health resorts. Traditional half-timbered guesthouses and farm stays (Bauernhöfe) offer authentic experiences, while Baden-Baden provides grand belle époque luxury. The region is known for exceptional hospitality and hearty Black Forest breakfasts with local specialties.
Germany's maritime region combines sophisticated urban hotels in Hamburg with beach resorts on the North and Baltic Sea coasts. Accommodation ranges from modern harbor-view properties to traditional thatched-roof houses in coastal villages. The region's islands (Sylt, Rügen) offer exclusive resort experiences, while the Hanseatic cities provide historic merchant house hotels.
Eastern Germany's cultural heartland offers excellent value with restored baroque hotels in Dresden, creative spaces in Leipzig's artistic quarters, and mountain lodges in Saxon Switzerland. The region has seen significant hotel development since reunification, blending historic buildings with modern amenities. Christmas market season sees dramatic price increases.
Germany's financial center is dominated by business hotels and international chains, with prices fluctuating dramatically around trade fair dates. The surrounding Rhine-Main region offers better value in smaller towns like Wiesbaden and Mainz. Airport hotels are plentiful and convenient for transit stays, while the city center provides luxury options near the banking district.
This picturesque region is quintessential Germany with medieval walled towns offering charming accommodations in historic buildings. Family-run hotels and guesthouses dominate, many occupying centuries-old structures with modern comforts. Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Würzburg provide the most options, while smaller villages offer intimate, authentic experiences often including home-cooked dinners.
The prosperous southwest combines business hotels in Stuttgart with charming accommodations in university towns like Tübingen and Heidelberg. The region is known for cleanliness and efficiency, with many properties catering to both business and leisure travelers. Wine regions around Stuttgart offer vineyard stays and wine estate accommodations with excellent local cuisine.
Germany's northern mountain range offers affordable hiking and winter sports accommodation in traditional mountain hotels and wellness resorts. The region specializes in multi-day hiking packages and spa treatments, with many properties offering half-board arrangements. Historic towns like Quedlinburg and Goslar provide medieval charm with timber-framed guesthouses.
Germany's southern lake region offers upscale lakeside resorts, historic island hotels, and spa properties with Alpine views. The area attracts wellness tourists and families, with many hotels featuring lake access, water sports facilities, and extensive breakfast buffets. Accommodation tends toward traditional comfort rather than cutting-edge design, with emphasis on outdoor recreation.
Germany's steep-sided wine valley specializes in intimate vineyard accommodations and wine estate guesthouses where vintners offer rooms with river views. The region is perfect for wine-focused travel, with many properties including wine tastings and cellar tours. Accommodation is often family-run, personal, and excellent value, though advance booking is essential during harvest season.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Germany
International chains like Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental, and Accor have strong presence in major cities and business centers. German chains including Steigenberger, Maritim, and Lindner offer reliable mid-to-upper range options nationwide. Budget chains like Ibis, B&B Hotels, and Motel One provide excellent value in urban areas, while NH Hotels and Mövenpick serve business travelers. The Dorint chain specializes in resort and wellness properties.
Germany's accommodation strength lies in its independent Gasthöfe (traditional inns), Pensionen (guesthouses), and Ferienwohnungen (holiday apartments). Family-run properties often span multiple generations, offering personal service and local knowledge. Privatzimmer (private rooms in homes) remain popular in tourist areas and offer authentic experiences. Many historic buildings—from monasteries to manor houses—have been converted into characterful hotels. The Biohotel association represents eco-certified properties emphasizing sustainability and organic food.
Germany offers distinctive accommodation types including Schlosshotels (castle hotels) in medieval fortresses along the Rhine and in Bavaria, some operated by historic noble families. Klosterhotels (monastery hotels) provide peaceful retreats in active or converted religious buildings. Baumhaushotels (treehouse hotels) have emerged in forest regions. Hausboats on rivers and lakes offer unique floating accommodation. Alpine huts (Berghütten) provide rustic mountain experiences for hikers. East Germany's Plattenbauten (concrete apartment blocks) have been converted into design hotels celebrating GDR aesthetics. Wellness hotels with extensive spa facilities and medical treatments are a German specialty, particularly in designated health resort towns (Kurorte).
Booking Tips for Germany
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Major trade fairs (Messen) cause dramatic price increases and limited availability in host cities. Frankfurt, Hanover, Cologne, Munich, and Berlin host dozens of industry events annually that can triple hotel rates. Check fair calendars before booking and consider staying in nearby cities with good train connections. Business hotels often have minimum stay requirements during major fairs.
Many German hotels, especially in rural areas and mountain regions, offer Halbpension (half-board) including breakfast and dinner at significant savings versus dining out. This is particularly worthwhile in remote areas with limited restaurant options. Breakfast (Frühstück) is typically extensive with cold cuts, cheeses, breads, and hot items—often the best meal value of the day.
German hoteliers often reward direct bookings (via phone or hotel website) with room upgrades, flexible cancellation, or included parking. Family-run properties especially appreciate direct contact and may offer local tips and arrangements. Many smaller hotels aren't on major booking platforms, requiring direct research through regional tourism websites or Google searches in German.
Many regions offer Gästekarte (guest cards) provided by your accommodation that include free public transport and attraction discounts. Black Forest, Bavaria, and spa regions commonly provide these. Ask about included benefits when booking, as they can offer substantial savings and are usually free with your overnight stay.
Vacation rental regulations vary significantly by city. Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg have strict rules limiting short-term rentals, potentially affecting availability and legality. Always verify that properties are legally registered for tourist use. Rural areas and smaller towns generally have fewer restrictions and apartments offer excellent value for families or longer stays.
Designated spa towns (Bad prefix in name) and resort areas charge Kurtaxe (resort tax) of €1-4 per person per night, often not included in quoted rates. This tax typically includes a guest card with benefits like spa facility access, public transport, or beach entry. Budget an extra 5-10% for these mandatory local taxes when calculating total costs.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Germany
Book 3-6 months ahead for summer travel (June-August), Christmas market season (late November-December), and Oktoberfest (reserve 6-12 months ahead). Alpine ski resorts require 2-3 months advance booking for winter holidays and school vacation periods. Major city hotels during trade fairs should be booked as soon as fair dates are announced, often 6+ months in advance.
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer more flexibility with 4-8 weeks advance booking usually sufficient. These periods provide the best value-to-weather ratio with 20-30% lower prices than peak summer. September is ideal for avoiding crowds while maintaining good weather, though Oktoberfest affects Bavarian availability.
November (except Christmas market weeks) and January-March (except ski areas) see the lowest prices and most availability. Last-minute deals are common, particularly in business hotels on weekends and city hotels during winter. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for best selection, or even shorter for spontaneous travel. Rural areas and some tourist towns close seasonally, reducing options.
For Germany, book 6-8 weeks ahead as a standard approach for most travel outside major events. Business hotels offer better weekend rates, while leisure destinations discount weekdays. German efficiency means cancellation policies are clearly stated and generally fair, with many properties offering free cancellation until 24-48 hours before arrival. Consider booking refundable rates during trade fair seasons when unexpected events can dramatically impact availability and pricing.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Germany