Booking a Hotel On Line

The only place I had tax added on top of my hotel bill in Europe is in Barcelona, and it was clearly stated in the online booking website. Usually European sites quote the price and say "including VAT" which is the tax. Most items in Europe in general already have the tax included - when people say Europe is "more expensive" than the US I always laugh because our prices almost never include the tax and theirs basically always do!

As for booking online, it's the only way I've booked a hotel anywhere in the past 10 years or so. I would go with a reputable booking site or do it at the hotel's own website, but otherwise I don't think there are potential problems you need to know about. Just make sure you confirm the cancellation policy because like here, every place is different.

In 10 years traveling in German (8 two week trips), I have never had anything added to my hotel bill except a Kurtax (resort tax), usually a couple of Euro, at most. I think it is a law in Germany (Europe?) that the final charges must be shown. Traditionally, German hotels include breakfast with your room and the final price includes this, but I don't think the law requires them to do this. Big booking website, in order to appear competitive, show the price without breakfast, but hide the fact. If breakfast is included, there will be a statement with the advertised room price, such as "Frühstück ist inclusive" (or "inbegriffen"), or they might just show the initials Ü/F (Übernachten mit Frühstück). Be aware of the difference when making price comparisons.

Dear Shirley,

I registered with (1)Hilton in Chicago and Vienna and the confirmation says that tax is included; (2) Sacher in Salzburg: confirmation says tax is included; (3) Kempinski in Budapest: confirmation says tax is not included (but the daily rate is below the others. If the web site does not say, why not send it an e-mail. Best wishes,
joseph

No added tax, you get what it says.

If you are using www.hrs.com (my favorite) it is very clear whether you are getting breakfast, you can pick your neighborhood, pick if you want parking, A/C, how near to the city center, etc.

If you let me know your choices for Frankfurt, I can tell you if they are good ones. There are some really lovely B&B's and pensions in the pretty neighborhoods.

You are aware that there is a big trade fair in town from 14-19 Sept. that will make hotel rooms prices skyrocket. 1-10 Sept. though, is the Wine Fest on the Fressgasse. That is a popular one with lots of yummy food and about 600 wines from 30 vinyards from the Rhein region.

Hi Jo,

We're flying in from Italy on Sept 14 (arrive at 11am) and have one night (and half a day) to spend in Frankfurt before flying out the next morning back to the US.

I've appreciated your helpful responses on this forum. Would you recommend a couple of hotels in pretty, central neighborhoods within easy walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the metro?

Also, what are the must-sees in Frankfurt?

Thanks,
Sonia

Thanks for the recommendations, Jo. Both look good, and I think Wiesbaden is just our speed to explore that afternoon before we fly back to the US.

Thanks,
Sonia

Hi, this is Sonia again, and I shouldn't have addressed my reply just to Jo but to the helpful community at large... does anyone have thoughts about a safe central neighborhood to stay in, and what are the must-sees during our half a day in Frankfurt?

Unfortunately, the Auto Mechanika Trade Fair begins on the 14th. Hotel rooms, if you can find them in Frankfurt, will be very expensive. Just checking now, there is nothing under 160 € per night, and most are over 200 €
Look in Mainz, Wiesbaden, or any other small towns near by. Checking www.hrs.com I found a few that look really nice and that are not smack dab on the train station, so something with a bit of charm.

In Mainz - Hotel am Römerwall - 76 €

In Wiesbaden, Fuerstenhof City Partner - 103.50 €

or Kochbrunnen Garni - 105 €

or Das Kleine Hotel - 130 €

Good luck!