Amsterdam / Germany / Alsace Bed and Breakfasts

The term "Bed and Breakfast" is irrelevant in Germany as almost every place offers breakfast as part of the overnight package. In Germany, the equivalent of the American type bed and breakfast, an intimate accommodation, often the owners home, is called a Privatzimmer (private room). This kind of accommodation is not, as some think, Frau Schmidt's spare room. An entire floor of a large home is often remodeled to incorporate private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Treis-Karden is one train stop away from Moselkern, from which you begin the hike to Burg Eltz. It is also the starting point for a bus that runs to near the castle on weekends. In 2008, I stayed here, in an apartment on the top floor of a private home in Treis, just across the river from the train station in Karden. The owner and his family speak excellent English. In 2009, rather than stay in Füssen, I stayed in nearby Pfronten. Pfronten is a pretty little town, much prettier, IMO, than Reutte, and generally less expensive than Füssen. The half hour bus trip to the castles is free with the bus pass you get when you stay in Pfronten. Where I stayed, they didn't speak English, but I believe they will here. I dropped in at Aggenstein while passing by, and it looked very nice. The bus stops right across the street. Although not strictly a B&B, they do include breakfast with the room.