Oktoberfest: To sleep or not to sleep?

One thing to consider is that if you are going to the actual Oktoberfest location, you'll need to take the train no matter where you are staying (it's about 20 minutes out of downtown Munich) You could probably find more reasonable accomodations if you look further out of town on the same rail that services the Oktoberfest location. Another option would be closer to Dachau (to the north) because it has an excellent train/bus link to Munich for the travelers.

If you are going to Oktoberfest, stay at Pension Westfalia. http://www.pension-westfalia.de/

It is literally right across the street from the festival, and about 2 blocks from the nearest U-Bahn station. You can get to the main train station and the city center in about 5 minutes from that station.

My girlfriend and I stayed there last Oktoberfest and it was great. The owner, I believe his name was Peter, spoke perfect English and was a perfect gentleman. And best of all, it would only about $100 a night.

However, you better hurry up and make reservations if you are going this Fall.

The Thesewisen is to the west of downtown Munich. Stay somewhere west. 99% of hotels in Munich are sold out by now. Look at a train map and look west of munich for a town there. You can also just start sending emails to all the hotel you can find. Don't wait for one to reply. I book my Oktoberfest trip and hotel at least 9 months out. The rest of the time is used for practicing German. Prost!

Nicole- I was at Oktoberfest in 05..I stayed at the hotel Royal right across the street from the main train station..it was reasonably priced too..if you don't mind staying 2 doors down from a strip club..I did not feel unsafe at any time..it was about a 15 min walk to Oktoberfest sight..Best of luck..-Kim