Accomodations for 6

Where are you traveling??? You can still rent large apartments for 2-3 days in many places in Germany. Some have a 3-day minimum, some only one day, most charge 10% more or so or charge a flat fee for whatever they choose to call "for short stays." This site covers most of Europe with a focus on Germany. I checked the Franconia (Rothenburg, Dinkelsbühl, Bamberg) page and noticed that 9 of 11 listed apartments accommodate 6 or more. www.accommodation.de http://www.accommodation.de/List.asp?BLNr=2&Region=Franconia

In Germany, these are called Ferienwohnungen (vacation apartment). I think Germans use these when traveling a lot more than Americans do. They usually consist of a sleep-in living room, one or more bedrooms, one or more bathrooms, and a cooking/eating nook. You'll find the best choice of places (I found 15 FeWo in Dinkelsbühl), and the best prices, if you query the town's website, www townname.de. Many towns will have an English display. If not look for "Tourismus", then "Unterkunfte" or "Übernachten" and look for Ferienwohnungen, or FeWo, for short. For the town name, use ue for "ü", etc.

Thanks for the great info. I am still in the decision making process about deistination but Germany, Austria and Switzerland were the front runners for this trip so the advice is spot on.

You may be in luck. I've found that the German-speaking countries usually rent for shorter periods. Lee's advice is good.

My experience with family has been spouse, and I, plus 3 kids (we have four but about the time our youngest started traveling our oldest was independent). I like to travel outside of summer without reservations but we don't travel exclusively that way. I'll always book first and last night, and often book in places where I'm worried about lodging (popular festival going on, etc.). I'm also different from most American travelers because I don't mind a bathroom down the hall. My technique has always been to call a place I've researched, tell them what I need (in your case "accomodation for six, myself and my five children ages 11 to 23 for two nights"), let them recommend their options. If it sounds reasonable ask how much. If it's a decent price, book it. I normally book the morning before I arrive. You can do the same with reservations but it works best if you call the hotel rather than use only the limited options the web gives you. We have been in a family room at a hostel, an apartment, a two room hotel suite, two seperate hotel rooms, and yes sometimes in seperate dorms at a hostel.

We are family is 5 and we have succeeded in finding a FEW small hotels that can fit five in one room. I have a hard time imagining there will be ANY hotel rooms for 6, which means a double, if not triple room at a nightly cost that you would want to avoid. As others have said, some places (many in Germany) that rent cottages/apartments do so for shorter stays. We have found a few for as little as two nights. We also do many youth hostels & most of them have rooms for 6 (3 sets of bunks). Just ask. A typical price for a hostel would be around 22Euro/bed small-town or 28Euro city, or $187/$238 per night for all of you. An apartment/cottage would likely be about the same or slightly less depending on the amenities. If you have not stayed in a hostel before, I would highly recommend it. They are simple, but offer an experience that is likely much more interesting and enjoyable for the children. Take away the indoor pool and cable tv typical of American hotels and there is nothing much there of interest to children. But good for you for giving the children this wonderful experience!!!

Actually, an apartment will cost you about half that. In rural areas, you'll pay around 80 euro/night.

There are many apartments for 4. But fewer for 6. There are bargains, of course, but an average apartment for 6 would be at a bit of a premium.