It's my first trip to Germany and I'm not trying to see everything. I will fly into Frankfurt around July 2, then plan to take the train to Karlsruhe to meet German relatives near there. A couple of days there, then train to Munich where my goal is to see the art museums, sketch architecture and take train to tour Dachau Munich (3 days?). Then train back to Frankfurt for a Urban Sketchers event July 12-14. I've traveled in Europe solo and with friends before. I don't need expensive comfort, but I do want safe and comfortable hotels (with AC), within walking distance of main train stations, museums in Frankfurt, Munich, perhaps Karlsruhe. Any additional suggestions for sites to see along these routes? I'm afraid of adding additional 1-day stops (see Berlin and other cities another trip!). thanks!
Posted by
California USA
4103 posts
There are Motel Ones that meet your criteria in most of the cities you mention. My favorite one in Munich is Motel One-Sendlingertor. I’ll stay there for the fourth time this September.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9224 posts
Frankfurt has a large, brand new Motel One that would fit the bill. It is next to our Alt Stadt and all the museums along the river. About a 5-10 min. walk from the main station, or a quick ride on the #11 or#12 trams with a stop right in front of the hotel. They also offer AC which you may want in July. The past couple of years, it has been brutal here as well as in Munich.
Posted by
898 posts
Here's the Tripadvisor page for the Motel One recommended above -
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187337-d14922897-Reviews-Motel_One_Frankfurt_Romer-Frankfurt_Hesse.html
Good location. The reviews are positive, main negative is small rooms.
The areas around the main train stations in most big towns are sometimes somewhat seedy. Interesting, probably safe, but seedy. You might feel more comfortable looking at least 2,3, or 4 blocks away. Here's one review of the area around Frankfurt's train station. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/04/travel/frankfurt-red-light-district.html
Posted by
California USA
4103 posts
Small, efficient, functional, relatively inexpensive, super clean and well decorated rooms are Motel Ones forte. Any review that mentions the small rooms doesn’t get the successful business model.
I probably wouldn’t want to do a week long stay in one but I’ve spent 3 enjoyable nights in a row at the Munich hotel and not been bothered by the size of the room, where I’m not spending much time in my room. They are reliable but not boring.
Posted by
TX
980 posts
Another vote for Motel One Frankfurt-Römer and Motel One Munich Sendlinger Tor. I'll be staying at both the Franfurt-Römer location and the Munich Ost locations later this year.
One tip is to make sure you take advantage of the great lounges at Motel One. They are just a nice place to sit and take a break. That is part of the business model is to encourage you to not just hide in your room the whole time.
DJ
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thank you all. The Motel One Munich Sendlinger Tor appears to be booked for the dates I need. Any additional suggestions for Munich in similar location (less expensive than Motel One would be good)?
Tiny rooms are okay: I stayed in one West End London that didn't have a closet, just hangers on hooks on the wall and I had to climb over the bed to get to them because there was less than 12 inches between bed and wall and anyone of "average" size would've been challenged not to bump their head in the tiny bathroom.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
@Going234 thanks for the link to NYT article. I'd heard of Frankfurt's red light district near the train station but wasn't sure which direction it was. Very helpful!
Posted by
TX
980 posts
Try Motel One Munich Ost near the Ostbahnhof station or Motel One Deutsches Museum in Munich near the Rosenheimerplatz S-Bahn station as an alternatives. In Munich there is no reason to limit yourself to areas within walking distance of the main train station as public transport is excellent, particularly if you stay near one of the stations on the S-Bahn trunk line between Donnersbergerbrücke and Ostbahnhof. Both of these are in nice areas of town with good access to transport and restaurants.
DJ