Hi. My wife and I are doing a RS Sicily tour in late April 2023 then a few days in Sorrento
(hotel recommendations in Sorrento?) then onto Bologna for 2 days ? Then Munich for 2 days? then Paris and Normandy for 5 days. Any recommendations for hotels in Bologna and Munich. Then we would appreciate any hotels and private guides for Paris and Normandy. Thanks Fred
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2545 posts
We very much enjoyed our stay at Hotel Metropol in Munich in 2018.
https://www.hotelmetropol.de/en/
The location is a block from the train station on a quiet side street. Rooms were spacious and clean. The hotel breakfast was the best I’ve had anywhere. Getting to Marienplatz was super easy, just one or two stops on the metro, or a short walk. Lots of stores and restaurants in the area.
In Normandy, we stayed in Bayeaux. We stayed in an apartment, so I can’t recommend a specific hotel. But the town is really charming. I recommend it as a base.
In Paris, we stayed at Hotel Residences des Arts. Perfect location. Large rooms (especially the jr. Suites).
Posted by
11569 posts
In Bologna, Art Hotel Novocento is centrally located in the historic district, and offers a nice breakfast. We would return there. There is a parking garage adjacent.
Posted by
Southeast US
4045 posts
A recent Normandy guide thread: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/normandy-tour-guide-6e3b4af6-6009-462d-be95-003f74b09093
I took the Matthias LeClere recommendation for 2 days of touring this spring. It was good to get a Frenchman's perspective after doing a private tour with a Brit for a couple of days a few years ago.
Posted by
Southeast US
4045 posts
In Munich, I really liked the Motel One at Sendlinger Tor. Great hotel. Great location. Motel One is a German hotel chain that provides simple rooms with a little design flare. The ground-floor common area is great and offers a good breakfast (for an additional fee). Sign up for the Be One program and get (1) one free breakfast one time and (2) a "free" fairly large bottle of water with each stay. I've stayed with them in Berlin, Munich, Leipzig, Bremen, Stuttgart, and even London. Consistently great stays.
In Normandy, I stayed at La Colline and liked it quite a bit. http://bayeux-la-colline.fr/?lang=en
Posted by
Austin TX after living in Boulder CO for 25 years
1174 posts
In the Normandy area, we stayed right outside of Bayeux at Chateau Damigny. The host was wonderful and we had a huge breakfast of eggs and seven types of homemade jam. We loved our experience there and were only a few minutes drive from all of the Normandy sites.
In Sorrento, we love Hotel Minerva. The views are resplendent and the balcony is massive. The breakfast was a delight and we walked into town every evening.
In Paris, we love the St. Germaine area, especially Grand Hotel de L'Univers off of Rue de Baci. It is convenient to restaurants, grocery stores, cafes, and walking distance to almost everything. The subway is around the corner. We loved the vibe of this area out of all of our 6 visits in the past.
Posted by
Indiana
925 posts
Highly recommend Sylvain Kast as a guide in Normandy. Extremely knowledgeable, personable and excellent communication with him before the tour. https://www.d-day-experience-tours.com/about-me/ One of the finest guides we have ever had on our travels.
We have stayed at Hotel de Londres Eiffel twice. The first stay was terrific. Our second stay left much to be desired.
Posted by
OP
Santa Rosa, CA
35 posts
Thank You for each response. We sincerely appreciate each post. Fred
Posted by
Vancouver, WA
522 posts
In Bologna: Be sure to take the city tour offered by Tourist Info (Bologna Welcome). You will also find great info regarding Bologna and the surrounding area on that same website.
Posted by
43 posts
If you are staying in Bayeaux, I recommend the Tardiff Noble House. It is a block from the Cathedral and is a delightful inn. In Paris, if you are looking at the St. Germaine area, we enjoyed the Madison Hotel.