Planning on a trip to Germany, Switzerland and Austria in July & August 2019 with our two teen children. Question is we will book some hotels in advice in major cities but while we are touring (driving) from location to location is it possible to book small Zimmer Frei or Gasthof etc last minute? My wife and I did this 15 years ago with no problems but things do change over time.
Posted by
Reading, PA, USA
1637 posts
We did the same thing 15 years ago, but when we went to Italy 3 years ago we found that many places we were thinking of staying at were booked 5 months in advance and that was for May. I can only believe Germany will be no different, especially in July and August. The internet has made traveling easier but it also means people are reserving ahead of time.
Posted by
Washington DC
28120 posts
I have no experience traveling by car in Europe, which I think would make things a bit easier since you wouldn't be tied to places that are reasonably accessible from the local train or bus station. However, it makes quite a difference that you will now need either a quad (family) room or two rooms. Finding last-minute availability of either option in small lodging places could be tricky even if you were not traveling during peak season.
Posted by
Berlin
3016 posts
Good question because the tourist numbers increased significantly in last 15 years.
In general possible but in some regions at certain dates you find no or only high-priced accomodation, e.g. during German summer vacations at North and Baltic Sea, at Berlin marathon in Berlin, at Oktoberfest around Munich, at Hamburg port anniversary in Hamburg, at IAA fair in Frankfurt etc. Not all of them in July / August. Also some other cultural and sports events play a big role.
Besides all these ocasions it shall be possible especially if your budget is not too tight.
Posted by
OP
Canada
2 posts
Thanks for the replies so far everyone. Greatly appreciate the information.
Now to find smaller Gasthof etc places which website would be better to use and book with?
Posted by
8248 posts
Plan ahead, determine where you are going and what you are seeing. Book your hotels or B&Bs in advance.
Posted by
Reading, PA, USA
1637 posts
"Now to find smaller Gasthof etc places which website would be better to use and book with?"
I would start with RS's books. Booking.com is my favorite site and Trip Adviser is second for looking for lodging. I then book directly with the hotel/B&B. If you do not see a link, just Google their name and location. You usually can find it that way.
Posted by
Germany
268 posts
I would not recommend driving to a town and start looking for a hotel once you are there. If you are somewhat flexible concerning the location, you could still book online while on the trip (e.g., book a hotel for the evening in the morning). Sometimes, all hotels in your destination of choice may be booked - so you would have to go somewhere else.
You can use booking websites like hrs.de, hotels.com, and booking.com, or online travel agencies for this approach; but a lot of small hotels are only listed on the tourism website of the respective town or area. That is where you should definitely look.