Germany
Posted October 12, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Indulge in a relaxing break with a trip to Hannover. This German city is just starting to become a tourist destination, and for good reason. Public transport in Hannover is plentiful and efficient, so you’ll find very easy to navigate around the city. The colourful Great Garden of Herrenhausen is a must-see, especially in summer when the plants here are in full bloom. The Tiergarten is a lovely green space with a zoo, as well as a wooded area where you can spy deer and other wild animals. There’s no shortage of castles here either. Marienburg Castle, with its numerous turrets and spires, looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairytale. When your feet need a rest, grab a seat at a beer garden, and refuel with some tasty local brews.
See
Herrenhausen Gardens – These sprawling gardens are a Baroque wonderland, simply bursting with art and flowers. Stroll along the ornamental flower beds to take in the colours and scents, and admire the fantastic Great Fountain, rising to over 70 metres. Visit La Grotte, the dreamlike grotto created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle. This magical cavern has been decorated with mosaics, pebbles and coloured glass. Summer nights in the gardens are capped off with impressive illuminations and fireworks.
Eat
Lister Turm Biergarten – Set in an idyllic wooded area on the edge of Eilenriede Forest, this large beer garden is a great spot for a hearty meal, washed down with some local beers. Sausages and pretzels feature heavily on the menu, but some Greek dishes are available too. Order some tzatziki, salad and pita bread to go with your freshly cooked sausages.
Stay
Courtyard Hannover Maschsee – This comfortable hotel is located in Hannover’s city centre, right beside Lake Maschsee. Book a lake-view room to enjoy great views over the lake. Little touches, like complimentary coffee in the lounge, and a shoeshine service, help ensure you’ll have a great stay here. Room rates start from £75.
Check here for Hannover travel information.
(Photo: ihsgermany.com)
Posted August 4, 2010 by BookingBuddy
If work is taking its toll and you’re
feeling the need for a shirt break, why not hop on a cheap flight to Frankfurt?
Only a couple of hours away by plane, this is a city of contrasts. Its
futuristic skyline rivals that of New York or Hong Kong, but just a few streets
away are beautiful, historic old buildings, such as those on Romer Square.
Shopaholics should head towards the Zeil, one of the most crowded shopping
streets in the country. To get your fix of art and culture, simply go towards
the Museumsufer, crowded with a high concentration of museums featuring a huge
range of exhibits.
See
Stadtwald – In the south of the city,
not far from those shiny skyscrapers, you’ll find this magical little forest. The
Stadtwald is the city’s green lung, providing locals and visitors with a
convenient escape from Frankfurt’s noise and bustle. There are several ponds
and streams in here, and a short walk through its trails will convince you that
you’ve escaped into a fairytale forest.
Eat
Zum gemalten Haus – Discover traditional
Frankfurt dishes with a meal at this ‘Painted House’, named after the murals
covering the facade of this restaurant. It’s probably not the most
vegetarian-friendly place - there are lots of sausages to choose from here, mostly
served with sauerkraut and bread. You’ve also got a choice of pork shanks, pork
chops, beef brisket and meatloaf. Wash it all down with the local apfelwein, a regional cider-like
specialty.
Stay
The Pure – Billed as Frankfurt’s
first design hotel, The Pure certainly lives up to its name, with minimalist
decor and lots of white throughout. Despite the slightly clinical feel, the
rooms feel comfortable and serene, with the dark parquet floors adding a homely
feel to the space. Room rates start from £75.
Check here for cheap flights to Frankfurt.
(Photo: globosapiens.net)
Posted May 4, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Don’t just order a Hamburger the next time you take a trip to Hamburg. This pretty city is famous for a variety of local delicacies, including the Frikadelle – a tasty beef patty similar to the Americanised burger. Walk off the calories with a stroll by the picturesque River Elbe, and take in the beautiful buildings dotted throughout the city. You may be pleasantly surprised to discover that there are hardly any skyscrapers in this thoroughly modern city. Head over to Moenckerberg Strasse to indulge in some retail therapy, or take a walk on the wild side in the Reeperbahn, the city’s clubbing and red-light district.
Play
Lake Alster – Take a trip to this little lake in the heart of the city and have a break while mingling with Hamburg’s residents. The banks of the lake has scores of ‘Alsterchairs’ set out for visitors to lounge in while enjoying a glass of ‘Alsterwasser’ – a tasty little concoction of beer with lemonade, just perfect on a warm sunny day. You can also hire paddleboats, or even go for a little cruise around the lake.
Eat
Landhaus Scherrer – Set in quiet, park-like surroundings not far from downtown, this elegant dining room serves up tasty dishes based on quality ingredients. The classic menu feature delicacies such as crusty Vierlander duck n a bed of cabbage, served with cubeb sauce, followed by quark dumplings livened up with tangy rhubarb and vanilla ice cream. If you’re dining with a companion, you might want to tackle the crispy duck in four countries – a whole duck, roasted to juicy perfection, then carved at the table. The dessert menu ranges from familiar sorbets, to a very hip ‘molecular variation’ of fruit foams and sweet pasta.
Stay
Linden Park-Hotel Hagenbeck – Enjoy a family-friendly safari break without leaving the comfort of central Hamburg. This hotel is very close to the city’s zoo and aquarium, and the hotel’s interior is reminiscent of a colonial-style safari lodge. There are beautiful carved-wood panels in the lobby, while rooms are decorated in a comforting mix of solid dark wood and light, soft sheets. The hotel’s café and restaurant carry on the theme, and serves a selection of cuisine from around the world. To cool down and shape up, simply head to the fitness centre, decked out in ‘Arctic’ style, but without the cold. Room rates start at about £195.
Check here for cheap flights to Hamburg.
(Photo: ebmt.org)
Posted March 22, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Germany’s oldest city feels surprisingly modern these days. Make your way down the very streets that Romans walked on over 2000 years ago, and gaze skywards at the towering, ultramodern buildings scattered around the city. Pop into a restaurant and get a taste of Kolsch, the city’s own beer, or try some of Kohn’s special dishes.
See
Fragrance Museum Farina-Haus – There are many fragrances around these days with the name Eau de Cologne, but the original version can still be found right here. Visitors to the Farina-Haus will be able to see the different bottles used to display the perfume, notes left by Giovanni Maria Farina (the perfume’s original maker), and get a glimpse into the process of perfume production. The museum also conducts a special tour, with an actor dressed up as Giovanni Farina leading guests around.
Stay
Hotel Coellner Hof – This décor in this hotel may be a little dated, but its great central location is sure to win guests over. The rooms are mostly laid out in 1970s shades of avocado and brown, but they are spacious and very comfortable, with large fluffy pillows and crisp bed linen. The huge spread at the buffet breakfast give you a great start to the day – eggs, bread, cold cuts, smoked salmon and other delicious goodies are laid out in a pile for you to enjoy. Room rates start at around £60, and include breakfast.
Eat
Haxenhaus Zum Rheingarten– Housed in an 800-year-old building, this restaurant offers guests a taste of hearty Cologne fare. Those of you with a large appetite will be pleased to find out that most sausages are served in metre and half-metre portions – an archaic style of measurement left over from much older days. You’ll also find lots of pork and pork knuckles on the menu, served up in different styles and topped by a variety of sauces.
Check here for cheap flights to Cologne.
(Photo:connoisseur-travel.co.uk)
Posted March 11, 2010 by BookingBuddy
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You may not expect it, but Munich is one of the most romantic cities around. What else would you expect from a city that has “Munchen mag Dich (Munich Loves You)” as its motto? Combine that with fairytale castles, crystal clear lakes, towering churches, and scenic villages, and you have all you need for a romantic break with a loved one. Don’t forget to sample some Bavarian beer at one of the city’s famous Bierkellers, where you’re served huge pitchers of beer by buxom waitresses.
See
Nymphenburg Palace – This sprawling palace and its surrounding gardens used to be the summer residence of the Bavarian rulers. Explore the beautifully manicured park, with splashing fountains and hidden pavilions. The Badenburg pavilion boasts the first heated, indoor pool in Europe, and features ornate Chinese wallpapers in some rooms. The Amalienburg pavilion is an excessive, rococo creation, with a circular hall of mirrors decked out in gilt and blue.
Stay
Anna Hotel – You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve mistakenly walked into an art gallery when you enter this hotel. Drawings, paintings and sculptures are displayed all over the hotel and in the rooms, and the restaurant boasts a unique and very colourful lighting scheme. The hotel offers a complimentary mini-bar and breakfast buffet, and is located in the heart of the city. Room rates start at about £150, and include breakfast.
Eat
Paulaner Brauhaus – Eat and drink to your heart’s content at this popular old brewery. The building’s interior is filled with a gleaming maze of copper pipes and barrels, serving beer fresh from the tap. Don’t miss out on the edibles here as well – the menu features typically Bavarian meals that compliment the liquid nectar flowing out of the taps. Try classics such as potato soup, pork knuckles, or a wiener schnitzel – hearty and delicious, and you don’t have to be a beer aficionado to enjoy them!
Check here for cheap flights to Munich.
(Photo:bugbog.com)
Posted July 16, 2009 by BookingBuddy
If you’re looking to get away for a break but can’t do without the comforts of city life, then why not head for Dusseldorf? This bustling city on the Rhine is an economic and cultural centre, and with events galore, you’ll never have a dull moment during your trip. Whether you appreciate a good beer or a pretty frock, you’ll find something to suit your taste in this bustling city.
Stay Stage 47 Hotel – Less than 10 minutes away from the Konigsalle strip, this stage-themed hotel makes for a memorable stay with its eclectic décor and luxurious rooms. With only 27 rooms in this boutique hotel, you won’t feel like you’re jostling for elbow space with other guests. The rooms are larger than you’d expect – maisonette suites have separate dining and living spaces. Prices start from around £95.
Eat Fuschen – The draw at this crowded brewery in the Aldstadt is undoubtedly its Altbier – a clean, crisp ‘old style’ beer. If the thought of beer before noon doesn’t make your stomach churn, then order up a tasty glass of Alt to go with your breakfast – a plate filled with liverwurst, ham, bier wurst, raw pork, cheese and some bread. Of course, there are other breakfast options available too if you can’t face so much meat so early in the day. For lunch or dinner, the Altbier also goes well with typically German fare like pork knuckles, or bacon with mashed potatoes.
SeeSchloss Dyck – A glimpse at this beautiful moated castle will convince you that you’ve wandered onto the pages of a fairytale. The castle has been here since 1094, although it underwent extensive rebuilding in the 17th century. These days, you can spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the extensive gardens, and find out about the history of the castle from the Siftung Schloss Dyck foundation. There are also occasional markets and concerts within the castle grounds. Entrance tickets cost about £5, with concessions available.
Check here for
flights to Dusseldorf.
Posted May 19, 2009 by BookingBuddy
Next time you’re thinking about escaping somewhere for a short break, why not find a
cheap flight to Dusseldorf? This bustling city on the banks of the Rhine is a well-known fashion and cultural centre. Head there for a spot of weekend shopping, or visit some of their famed museums. You’ll need somewhere to rest after all that activity, and we’ve got some suggestions for you to consider.
Splurge – Capella Breidenbacher HofPrepare to be spoiled rotten at this luxury boutique hotel right on Konigsallee, the main shopping strip. This 95-room property features a private lobby area specially reserved for guests, with personal assistants on hand to take care of every detail of your trip. If all that shopping on the ‘Ko’ takes it toll on your body, then retreat into their beauty lounge for a pampering session, before popping into to Brasserie 1806, their in-house restaurant, for a gastronomic treat. If you feel like staying in, why not order room service and have a drink from the complimentary mini-bar, while listening to music from the built-in iPod dock?
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Capella Breidenbacher HofMidrange – Hotel ExcelsiorThis place is perfect for those of you who need some peace and quiet but are unwilling to sacrifice the convenience of being in the centre of the city. Located right beside the famous Hofgarten, the Hotel Excelsior is a quick stroll away from the ‘Ko’, the Old Town and many museums. The hotel’s proximity to the renowned Christmas Markets is a bonus for those of you intending to visit around Christmas.
Find rates for
Hotel Excelsior Dusseldorf
Budget – Max Hotel GarniWith only 11 rooms to choose from, this hotel is for those of you who prefer some intimacy while on holiday. This cute little boutique hotel is only about 5 minutes away from the ‘Ko’, and easily accessible by public transport. The proprietor Christian Rosenstengel has also thoughtfully included little details - such as a free self-service drinks bar and free travel pass on the key card – that ensure guests have a great time during their stay.
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Max Hotel GarniHave you got any recommendations for
cheap hotels in Dusseldorf? If so, we’d love to hear from you, please leave us a comment!
(Photo: directrooms.com)
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