Hotels & Food
We always look forward with anticipation to receiving our Hotel List. We know these are often locally-run places in the center of town, often with lots of character and a friendly staff. They aren't 5-star Ritz Carlton-type establishments, but you should already know that. They are, however, comfortable and safe, and you're rarely in your room anyway. We admittedly don't have as many hotel pictures as we do food pictures, but we've included the website to see photos of the room without bags dumped in them. We did, however, list unique features of each hotel and room, as well as walking distance to the main sights (though your time may vary depending on age, health or apple strudel intake).
Part of the fun of a tour is that after a long day of sightseeing, you can enjoy dinner with your tour buddies and discuss your day or get to know each other. The group meals stay true to the local cuisine. We don't go to restaurants that simply "feed the masses" of tourists; the chefs here take pride in their work and may even come out to visit. All breakfasts are included with the tour, as well as half your dinners and a couple lunches. That gives you freedom to sample the culinary scene yourself. Both your guidebook and tour guide can give you suggestions, but be a "temporary local" and avoid ultra-touristy places.
Have a look below to see where we rested our heads and filled our stomachs. Click the name of the hotel to visit its website, and click each photo to see a bigger version. The food slideshows have more photos than you initially see on the side; hover over the bottom of the icons to scroll down further.
Part of the fun of a tour is that after a long day of sightseeing, you can enjoy dinner with your tour buddies and discuss your day or get to know each other. The group meals stay true to the local cuisine. We don't go to restaurants that simply "feed the masses" of tourists; the chefs here take pride in their work and may even come out to visit. All breakfasts are included with the tour, as well as half your dinners and a couple lunches. That gives you freedom to sample the culinary scene yourself. Both your guidebook and tour guide can give you suggestions, but be a "temporary local" and avoid ultra-touristy places.
Have a look below to see where we rested our heads and filled our stomachs. Click the name of the hotel to visit its website, and click each photo to see a bigger version. The food slideshows have more photos than you initially see on the side; hover over the bottom of the icons to scroll down further.
LOCATION: London, England (pre-tour)
HOTEL: Parkwood at Marble Arch WALKING DISTANCE: One block to Hyde Park; 5-7 minute walk to the Tube UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: Historical Regency townhouse building, around the corner from the Prime Minister's house in a safe, quiet part of London. Affordable! Friendly staff. Free full English breakfast each morning. Nice outdoor terrace on the third story from which you can hear the concerts in Hyde Park. UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Rooms can be small and some share bathrooms (as ours did), but it's clean, safe, basic, and only 115GBP a night! |
LOCATION: Broadway (in the Cotswolds), England (pre-tour)
HOTEL: Olive Branch Guesthouse
WALKING DISTANCE: In town. A short walk to cute shops and restaurants, but you'll need a car to discover more of the area.
UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: Very charming inn! Owned by super-friendly Pam and David, who welcome you like family, prepare a free full English breakfast (plus whatever Pam is baking that morning!), and are helpful in every way possible. Reception room with literature, newspapers, snacks, and spirits. Charming yard and garden in the back.
UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Huge room! David upgraded us when he heard it was our anniversary. Our room overlooked the garden, and was stocked with all amenities you might need, like maps, adapters, shoe horns, a scale, snacks, and more! Comfortable bed and cute country decor. Big bathroom and shower.
**WINNER: April and Justin's favorite non-tour hotel!**
HOTEL: Olive Branch Guesthouse
WALKING DISTANCE: In town. A short walk to cute shops and restaurants, but you'll need a car to discover more of the area.
UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: Very charming inn! Owned by super-friendly Pam and David, who welcome you like family, prepare a free full English breakfast (plus whatever Pam is baking that morning!), and are helpful in every way possible. Reception room with literature, newspapers, snacks, and spirits. Charming yard and garden in the back.
UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Huge room! David upgraded us when he heard it was our anniversary. Our room overlooked the garden, and was stocked with all amenities you might need, like maps, adapters, shoe horns, a scale, snacks, and more! Comfortable bed and cute country decor. Big bathroom and shower.
**WINNER: April and Justin's favorite non-tour hotel!**
LOCATION: Trier, Germany
HOTEL: Residenz am Zuckerberg, Trier
WALKING DISTANCE: ~5-7 minutes to the center of town; add another 5-10 minutes for further sights like the Roman ruins or Porta Nigra.
UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: It's part hotel, part retirement community! I bet most European travelers don't get this experience. The residents are very friendly and happy to see us.
UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Rooms are huge! Mini suites. You have a separate bedroom; living area with couch, chairs, tables, desk and TV; a kitchen; and a small dining area. Open the doors and you've got your own spacious, private patio, possibly with views of the gardens.
HOTEL: Residenz am Zuckerberg, Trier
WALKING DISTANCE: ~5-7 minutes to the center of town; add another 5-10 minutes for further sights like the Roman ruins or Porta Nigra.
UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: It's part hotel, part retirement community! I bet most European travelers don't get this experience. The residents are very friendly and happy to see us.
UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Rooms are huge! Mini suites. You have a separate bedroom; living area with couch, chairs, tables, desk and TV; a kitchen; and a small dining area. Open the doors and you've got your own spacious, private patio, possibly with views of the gardens.
LOCATION: Baden Baden, Germany
HOTEL: Heliopark Bad Hotel zum Hirsch
WALKING DISTANCE: ~5-10 minutes to the casino or spas (in different directions); if you like shopping or dining, the action begins right outside your door and continues on for several blocks.
UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: Location! Where else can you get German chocolates and your morning mocha practically right outside your door? Hotel amenities also include a bar, sauna, and massage therapy, though we didn't have time to use them.
UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Rooms are big and very elegant, as is much of the hotel. You'll feel like royalty. And, if you can't make it to the spas, the pipes are connected to the famous thermal spring water, so you can cure your ills right in your own bathtub.
HOTEL: Heliopark Bad Hotel zum Hirsch
WALKING DISTANCE: ~5-10 minutes to the casino or spas (in different directions); if you like shopping or dining, the action begins right outside your door and continues on for several blocks.
UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: Location! Where else can you get German chocolates and your morning mocha practically right outside your door? Hotel amenities also include a bar, sauna, and massage therapy, though we didn't have time to use them.
UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Rooms are big and very elegant, as is much of the hotel. You'll feel like royalty. And, if you can't make it to the spas, the pipes are connected to the famous thermal spring water, so you can cure your ills right in your own bathtub.
LOCATION: Murren, Switzerland
HOTEL: Hotel Jungfrau
WALKING DISTANCE: In town! The entire town doesn't take more than 10-15 minutes to walk across. The gondolas to get back down into Lauterbrunnen or up to the Schilthorn are 5-7 minutes away; the funicular to Allmendhubel is right next door. Hiking trails can range from 1-4+ hours, depending. Trummelbach Falls is a 30-minute scenic stroll from the Lauterbrunnen gondola station.
UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: Location and scenery! If you're lucky, you may get a room with a view and a balcony, as we did! There is an extensive lounge area right off the lobby, with books and a piano, plus a bar and restaurant. Hotel Jungfrau is also family run, so you'll have the chance to meet its friendly owner, Martin, and family.
UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Many rooms come with a view.
HOTEL: Hotel Jungfrau
WALKING DISTANCE: In town! The entire town doesn't take more than 10-15 minutes to walk across. The gondolas to get back down into Lauterbrunnen or up to the Schilthorn are 5-7 minutes away; the funicular to Allmendhubel is right next door. Hiking trails can range from 1-4+ hours, depending. Trummelbach Falls is a 30-minute scenic stroll from the Lauterbrunnen gondola station.
UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: Location and scenery! If you're lucky, you may get a room with a view and a balcony, as we did! There is an extensive lounge area right off the lobby, with books and a piano, plus a bar and restaurant. Hotel Jungfrau is also family run, so you'll have the chance to meet its friendly owner, Martin, and family.
UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Many rooms come with a view.
LOCATION: Munich, Germany
HOTEL: Hotel am Viktulienmarkt
WALKING DISTANCE: One block to the Viktulienmarkt. That's your springboard for exploring the rest of old Munich. Most other sights are 10-15 minutes from here; more distant sights, like certain museums or the English Gardens, can be a 30+ minute stroll, but the Metro is a convenient option.
UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: Friendly staff. Only one block to the markets. Munich is a very walkable city; it is especially enjoyable at night.
UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Big showers.
HOTEL: Hotel am Viktulienmarkt
WALKING DISTANCE: One block to the Viktulienmarkt. That's your springboard for exploring the rest of old Munich. Most other sights are 10-15 minutes from here; more distant sights, like certain museums or the English Gardens, can be a 30+ minute stroll, but the Metro is a convenient option.
UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: Friendly staff. Only one block to the markets. Munich is a very walkable city; it is especially enjoyable at night.
UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Big showers.
LOCATION: Salzburg, Austria
HOTEL: Hotel am Mirabellplatz
WALKING DISTANCE: Across the street from Mirabell Gardens. A ten minute stroll to Old Town.
UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: Beautiful lobby! Excellent breakfast! Right across the street from Mirabell Gardens -- wonderful if you're a "Sound of Music" fan, as it allows you to visit before or after the tourists invade it. Since Old Town is nearby, you have the option of walking along the river: very pretty on a nice day!
UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Rooms are very spacious and elegant.
HOTEL: Hotel am Mirabellplatz
WALKING DISTANCE: Across the street from Mirabell Gardens. A ten minute stroll to Old Town.
UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: Beautiful lobby! Excellent breakfast! Right across the street from Mirabell Gardens -- wonderful if you're a "Sound of Music" fan, as it allows you to visit before or after the tourists invade it. Since Old Town is nearby, you have the option of walking along the river: very pretty on a nice day!
UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Rooms are very spacious and elegant.
LOCATION: Hallstatt, Austria
HOTEL: Hotel Gruner Baum
WALKING DISTANCE: In town! You can walk across Hallstatt in 10-15 minutes, but since it's a hilly town, add some time if you plan to hike up and down through the back lanes.
UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: Perfect location! The front of the hotel opens right up to the charming, colorful main square. The back opens up to the lake, with al fresco dining, lounge chairs, and a dock to dive off. Nothing like enjoying nature at its finest with a cold beer on the edge of Lake Hallstatt.
UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Rooms are very well-appointed. Bathrooms are big and come with nearly a dozen amenities like comb, toothbrush, loofah, toiletries, and more! If you're lucky, you may have a view of the lake or the square.
**WINNER: April and Justin's favorite hotel!**
HOTEL: Hotel Gruner Baum
WALKING DISTANCE: In town! You can walk across Hallstatt in 10-15 minutes, but since it's a hilly town, add some time if you plan to hike up and down through the back lanes.
UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: Perfect location! The front of the hotel opens right up to the charming, colorful main square. The back opens up to the lake, with al fresco dining, lounge chairs, and a dock to dive off. Nothing like enjoying nature at its finest with a cold beer on the edge of Lake Hallstatt.
UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Rooms are very well-appointed. Bathrooms are big and come with nearly a dozen amenities like comb, toothbrush, loofah, toiletries, and more! If you're lucky, you may have a view of the lake or the square.
**WINNER: April and Justin's favorite hotel!**
.LOCATION: Vienna, Austria
HOTEL: Hotel Savoy
WALKING DISTANCE: 15-20 minutes to Old Town; 5 minutes to the Spittelberg district (great for dining)
UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: Very classy. Located in a non-touristy part of Vienna, away from the crowds. Close to the Spittelberg district, which is great for dining and shopping with the locals. The owners have worked with Rick Steves Tours for many years and have a strong relationship.
UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Rooms are a good size AND have air conditioning (though the hotel asks that you turn it off when you're not in the room). You're greeted with little ladybug chocolates on your pillow upon check-in.
HOTEL: Hotel Savoy
WALKING DISTANCE: 15-20 minutes to Old Town; 5 minutes to the Spittelberg district (great for dining)
UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: Very classy. Located in a non-touristy part of Vienna, away from the crowds. Close to the Spittelberg district, which is great for dining and shopping with the locals. The owners have worked with Rick Steves Tours for many years and have a strong relationship.
UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Rooms are a good size AND have air conditioning (though the hotel asks that you turn it off when you're not in the room). You're greeted with little ladybug chocolates on your pillow upon check-in.
LOCATION: Lausanne, Switzerland (post-tour)
HOTEL: Hotel du Port WALKING DISTANCE: Right across from Lake Geneva! A couple blocks from the Metro and ten minutes from the Olympic Museum. UNIQUE HOTEL FEATURES: Right across from the lake and CGN cruises to other Swiss or French destinations. Near restaurants and Metro. Affordable. Helpful staff. UNIQUE ROOM FEATURES: Clean and basic, but spacious. Some rooms have great views of the lake! |
Let's eat! ~ germany
SPECIALTIES: sausages*, bread, pretzels, schweinhaxe (breaded pork knuckle), kartoffeln (potatoes), Spatzle, fish, sauerkraut; beer* (too many to name, but some helpful terms: helles - light; dunkles - dark), and wine (particularly whites, such as Riesling and Gewurztraminer).
*Consult your Rick Steves guidebook for a more in depth look at these items. |
Let's eat! ~ SWITZERLAND
SPECIALTIES: cheese, fondue, raclette (melted cheese scraped over potatoes), rosti (hashbrowns with cheese and egg), sausages, chocolate. Swiss food is diverse, with French, German, and Italian influences. It's wine is very good, albeit not-well-discovered outside the country.
Let's eat! ~ AUSTRIA
SPECIALTIES: schnitzel (breaded pork or veal cutlets), goulash, sausages, various beef and pork dishes, open-face sandwiches, fish, apple strudel, Sacher Torte (a chocolate cake especially famous in Vienna); coffee, wine (especially whites), schnapps.
Let's Eat ~ England
SPECIALTIES: Classic pub items like fish and chips, Sunday roast, Yorkshire pudding, Shepherd's Pie, bangers and mash. Many pubs are going hip with more upscale offerings. Food in England isn't as great as in, say, France, but it's improved a lot!
Indian food is huge in England, especially London, so be sure to try the new "national dish": chicken tikka massala. Like all of Europe, England is increasingly becoming diverse, so you'll find a variety of other ethnic cuisine as well.
We were surprised at how diverse the markets in England were. We've included lots of photos from London's famous Borough Market.
If you're a beer lover, you'll be very happy in England. And don't forget afternoon tea.
Indian food is huge in England, especially London, so be sure to try the new "national dish": chicken tikka massala. Like all of Europe, England is increasingly becoming diverse, so you'll find a variety of other ethnic cuisine as well.
We were surprised at how diverse the markets in England were. We've included lots of photos from London's famous Borough Market.
If you're a beer lover, you'll be very happy in England. And don't forget afternoon tea.