In our 15-day European road trip last summer, we have stayed overnight in 8 different places. While I absolutely love putting together an itinerary of cultural and fun attractions, choosing where to stay is a daunting task (and the amount of time spent looking for that perfect hotel for your budget does not directly relate to how much you will like the place.) So, what’s the solution? I’d say follow the advice of the travelers you trust, with similar tastes (and budgets!)
There were a couple of good finds on our trip and I would like to share them with you.
Part 1: Hotels or Apartments? Aparthotels!
On this trip we found the perfect combination of our hotel “wants” in an aparthotels: they offered the space and kitchens of the apartments with hotel luxuries of a 24-hour concierge and access to recreation facilities on site.
ETTAL, GERMANY
The best deal of our trip was a €85 a night Hotel Klosterhotel Ludwig der Bayer, in a small town of Ettal, in the Bavarian Alps (Germany).
Other than visiting a 14th century monastery, there is not much to do in the town of Ettal itself, but it is a convinient base to explore nearby Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castles, the towns of Obermargau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Lake Plansee.
The Monastery is right across the street from the hotel (hence the hotel’s name: Kloster means a “monastery” in German.)

Main Klosterhotel building connects to Bavarian-style cottages; our 1-bedroom apartment was located in one of the cottages.

The rustic-style apartment (think wood paneling everywhere) had large living/dining room with pull out coach and a balcony, that connected via a hallway to a spacious bedroom with 2 beds (a queen and single) and a separate fully equipped kitchen.




There was an onsite restaurant with half and full board options which we did not partake in. (We did pick up a very tasty schnitzel on Sunday night when we did not realize that German supermarkets are closed.) Freshly baked bread buns were delivered daily to your door free of charge.
We took a daily advantage of the onsite swimming pool and hot tub. Spa area offered free of charge for those aged 14+ was also a welcome treat after a very busy day of sightseeing.


RIBEAUVILLE, FRANCE
Our other countryside “find” on this roadtrip was Hotel le Menestrel in Ribeauville, France (Alsace). This being France, everything was pricier than in Germany, but for a comparably reasonable €150 we had ourselves a modern and spacious one-bedroom apartment. If hotel Klosterhotel Ludwig der Bayer was the best deal of our trip, Hotel le Menestrel was the most comfortable (but still budget) accommodation of our trip.
We chose the village of Ribeauville as a base for our visit to Alsatian countryside because of its picturesque “looks” and also due to its convenient location “in the middle” of the wine route.

Hotel le Menestrel is located an easy 10-minute walk from the center of the village. The vineyards (and wine tasting) are right outside of the hotel which is convenient for a quick parents-only mid-day break.

Our apartment was part of the condominium apartment building next door to Hotel le Menestrel.

We had a full kitchen opening to a living room, a bedroom, a large bathroom (with separate toilet,) and a terrace with the view onto the vineyards.



We enjoyed a daily cleaning services provided by the hotel, but did not take advantage of the on site gym and hot tub.
Choosing Family Accommodations in Europe. Part 2: City Stays with a Character.
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Now that we are a family of 5, we look more and more to apartments or Air BnB type rentals as hotels rarely let us all stay in one room (even though the latest addition is still a baby). I love the look of these “ApartHotels”, especially the balcony in Ettal!
I agree that finding lodging is the most daunting part of vacationing! I’ve got five kids and it’s just plain hard sometimes. Love the idea of an “ApartHotel.” I’ve used AirBnb and been happy too, but it’s nice to know I’ve got options to explore.
I like that term – aparthotels! Never heard of it before but sounds absolutely perfect for family travellers. We tend to go with AirBnB most of the time these days, but these all look lovely 🙂
How fab! I’ve never heard of apart-hotels. Now I know what to look out for!
This looks amazing! I’ve never heard of aparthotels before but it does look like one step above AirBNBs when it comes to luxury. I will definitely try it next time I’m in Europe. Thanks for the recommendations! 🙂
Great recommendations for places to stay if you go on a road trip in Europe. I wish I could take such a trip. It’s the best way to see the different countries. I think I’ll make a note of your suggestions for future reference. I love that last photo of your little daughter behind the flowers. She is adorable!
Wow! I just ate lunch in that Ettal hotel…yesterday! It was delicious! We are planning a trip back and were thinking of staying there. yay!
I also love Ribeauville and have stayed a few places there. I agree getting an apartment is so much more comfortable than a full on hotel.
Corinne, what a coincidence:) Be sure to go to the hotel spa- it’s small but cozy.
Hey Victoria,
Wonderful article. 🙂
Never thought or rather saying never came across the thought of getting in ApartHotels, definitely will plan to have one in my future trips most probably in the month of May will be planning with my family,this time will be having a new member in the family 🙂
Victoria, keep posting, such information’s are really helpful.
Cheers!!!