Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
small groups. Peer-to-peer rental communities like airbnb or its German competitors Wimdu
and 9flats have also made enormous inroads.
See boxed text, (
Click here
)
, for more.
Both commercial and private rentals, however, are being perceived not only as a threat to
the hotel industry but also to the availability of increasingly scarce affordable housing for
permanent residents. In response, a new law went into effect in May 2014 requiring holiday-
apartment owners to register with the local authorities in order to continue operating legally
until at least April 2016. The issue will be revisited by the local government and at this
point it remains unclear whether there will be a lasting impact on the availability or legality
of short-term apartment rentals in the medium term.
Rates
Fierce competition has kept prices low compared to other capital cities in Europe. Prices
spike during major trade shows, festivals and public holidays, when early reservations are
essential. Business-geared hotels often have good deals at weekends. In winter, prices often
plummet outside holidays, with five-star rooms costing as little as €100.
Amenities
Accommodation listings in this chapter are organised by neighbourhood and then by budget.
We have aimed to feature well-situated, mostly independent hotels that offer good value, a
warm welcome, charm and character, as well as a palpable sense of place. The bulk of our
listings are mid-range options, which generally offer the best value for money. Expect clean,
comfortable and decent-sized rooms with at least a modicum of style, a private bathroom,
TV and wi-fi. Our selection is also sprinkled with a few top-end hotels with the full spec-
trum of international-standard amenities and perhaps a scenic location, designer decor or
historical ambience. Budget places are generally hostels or other simple establishments
where bathrooms may be shared.
Overall, rooms tend to be on the small side. You'll usually find that BBC and CNN are the
only English-language channels on TV (nearly all foreign shows and films are dubbed into
German) and that air-con is a rare commodity. Wi-fi is commonplace, although some hotels
(especially international chains) still charge as much as €20 per day for access. In smaller
hotels, access may be restricted to the lobby. Few hotels have their own parking lot or gar-
age and even if they do, space will be limited and the cost as high as €25 per day. Public
garages are widely available, but also cost a pretty penny.
