Hertz Car Rental - Munich, Rothenburg, Fussen, Salzburg

Check Auto Europe and Kemwell ( both part of the same company) Their rates are usually much better than going through Hertz, Avis, etc. They have discounted rates with several rental companies , including Hertz. Having a car in Salzburg could be a problem unless your hotel has parking. Parking is very scarce in the city. We took the train from Salzburg to Munich where we picked up our car to tour the Romantic Road and Bavaria. Can you adjust your itinerary to avoid taking the car to Salzburg?

Thanks for the tip on those sites. Did you end up using Hertz on your trip? How was your experience?

Our itinerary is pretty set in stone at this point...a few days in Munich, then the Romantic Road, and then Fussen. We are only returning to Munich because flights from there were way cheaper than out of Salzburg. Our hotel in Salzburg is in New Town, and they do have parking available for us, so that's a plus.

Thank you!

I have used Hertz before, but on any given day any one of the rental companies can be cheapest... that is the way I always go. I do not use a consolidator but rent directly as I do not want to prepay for my car, in case something changes. I go to Priceline and check out the rates, compare all, and book the cheapest of the bigger companies (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Budget, etc.) Then I will check back every few weeks and compare new rates... if there is something cheaper I will book it and cancel the other one. Rates almost always change and I will often make a new reservation a couple of times to get the best rate. I have never had any problems with the companies I have used and I rent frequently. I will use whoever is cheapest.

Not all rental car companies are created equal, and often "famous name" rental companies in Europe are franchises. Hertz is not franchised in Europe and they operate (for the most part) like they do in the U.S.
I've rented a number of times from Hertz and got a Hertz car through AutoEurope.com. I would suggest comparing prices between them.
I do have a Hertz Gold Card through my company, and it comes with rate discounts. You can also join their Gold Plus program for free, and receive discount PIN numbers online.

For some reason I would always trust well known consolidators like AutoEurope or Gemut Travel more than booking directly with rental companies. Car Rental companies are easily poised to take advantage of renters with hidden fees and charges and forcing extra insurance...but with AE it's all prepaid before you get there and in case the rental company pulls any stunts with you at least you've got AE to intercede.

I don't usually recommend rental vehicles in Europe, but Fussen is definitely a place where a rental car makes sense. I hope you spend several days there with daytrips to Linderhof, Ettal, Oberamergau and Mittenwald.

Rothenburg - I'm not crazy about, but there IS a castle nearby Castle Colmberg http://www.burg-colmberg.de/ that is a VERY nice castle hotel if you've never spent the night in a castle it's rather interesting. It's very near Rothenburg and easy to get there by car.

Hofbrauhaus - a place to see once and check off your list. It's not a place to be guaranteed of a good time / good meal. We've been taking small groups there for years and last year was the absolute worst experience I've ever had. We have permanently marked it off our list.

Hopefully your hotel is the Platzl which backs up to the Hofbrauhaus. It's a great hotel.

I have always used AutoEurope or Kemwell for my rental cars. You can check their rates online and then call them to reserve your car. If you find a rate cheaper somewhere else, they will match it. Make sure you check the "terms and conditions" for Hertz, Avis, Europcar, etc. There are differences between the companies and added on charges. Example would be that with Europcar, an additional driver is free of charge if that person is a spouse or family member. Personally, I avoid Avis and Hertz since on previous rentals they try to charge me more either at the beginning or end of the rental.

Additional suggestions would be: request a diesel for better gas mileage; take pictures of any damage and take video of the car when turning the car in; note any scratches/dings at pick up

Even though a gold credit card can provide insurance for your rental car in Europe, I also purchase inexpensive travel insurance from Travel Guard or Travel Insured. In addition to accident coverage, this insurance covers "loss of use", tires (no spare tires are in rental car's trunks), side mirrors, undercarriage, etc.

GPS. I take my own TomTom GPS with European maps which is a lifesaver. Renting a GPS from the rental company is more expensive than buying your own GPS. Many European cars come with the GPS installed so I would not pay for a GPS.

Make sure you take copies of your contracts. I have had Avis try to do a switch on charges on me.

For Salzburg, I stay on the outskirts, park the car and take the bus into town. Haus Ballwein is a beautiful B&B with a great buffet breakfast and peaceful surroundings. Just a suggestion.

I have rented a car at the Hauptbahnhof in Munich and it was fine driving out of the parking garage and finding the autobahn. It'll be that much easier with a GPS.

Enjoy your trip.

I rented a Hertz car for pick-up at the Munich airport and drop-off at Hauptbahnhof through Costco. The rate was better than I could find anyplace else. Rented a mid-size with wi-fi in the car as well as GPS (didn't feel like bringing our own) for 6 days for $300 in July (peak season).