I would definitely like to see the Hofbräuhaus, though not necessarily spend a lot of time there.

In charge? I defer to the professionals/residents. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Yes, please designate a leader. Spiff, fellow libertarian http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, I'll email my GSM number to you for now.

As mentioned, I'll probably be out of touch after Wednesday. German hotels often have digital PBXs from my experience.

I live mostly in Munich and will be there on the mentioned weekend. Friday 31st I am busy going to a birthday party, but on the 1st I will be in town. Please send me details about when you are all meeting. You can get my email from the profile. By the time you look my profile will be updated.

Thanks!

I will be leaving Munich just before your party but wish you good time and to Spiff happy Spiffing!

Thanks! My name is seldom used as a verb, so I'll have to come up with some kind of "action" for it... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Unfortunately, Counsellor, this little "l" libertarian will be firmly enconsed in seat 5C in room 401 of Cramer Hall, Portland State University, toiling over a Symbolic Logic midterm exam. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

So stop torturing me with visions of bretzeln and wurst and mushroom soup at the Nuernberger Bratwurst Gloeckl am Dom and the Augustiner already! Especially since fares to MUC dropped to $417 today.

(Shewt. Now I'm looking at red-eye options outta PDX. I really hate you guys ... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif )

as of Yesterday, I am IN. Got reservations at the Munich Renaissance. Whats on the agenda.

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AA member since 1981.

That's not the test you should be worrying about. You don't need to stay in PDX that weekend...

(The Jedi Mind Trick in action...) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Not Glöck'l, Bratwurstherzl am Viktualienmarkt, a different place, but still nearby. Click here for a view. Other links show where it is on the map.

In my experience, the wurst is better there than at the Glöck'l and although the beer isn't Augustiner, they do have an extremely smooth Hacker from a wooden barrel (Holzfaß).

It's worth a try.

Now, to bone up on your symbolic logic, reduce the following partial syllogism to Boolean mathematics and solve:

1. All persons who are libertarians and who like good beer and good company should be in Munich this coming weekend.

2. essxjay is a person.

3. essxjay is a libertarian.

4. essxjay likes good beer and good food.

5. ???? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Ergo .... stay tuned! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Any Hotel tips? I failed dismally on Priceline. The Marriott, which people usually get, is EUR 85 incl. tax so I was surprised no to get it for $55 (not incl tax). It looks like the hotel is in Schwabing.

I will have a rental car but that might not be a good idea on Saturday night. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Does anyone have an idea which hotels I might get in the Munich South zone and would I be able to get into town easily by S-bahn? Probably a bad idea, eh?

It looks like Unterhaching, Ottobrunn, etc. inside the motorway defined by E45 and E54. I remember staying at a hotel in Ottobrunn (The Atlantic) maybe 20 years ago when I was a kid. There was a strip of hotels with gaudy neon lights IIRC.

p.s 1860 is playing (soccer) at the Olympiastadion on Saturday afternoon.

If you really are having troubles getting a hotel room one of the two hotels in Starnberg (don't know names) should be quite cheap. They are right at the Starnberg S-Bahn station, not to be confused with the newer Starnberg-Nod station. It is a 25 ride from the center. The trains run every 20 minutes except after about 11 PM when they run fairly infrequently until 3, I think. If things are tough, it is an option. Plus you are right on the beautiful Starnberger Lake with the Alps in the background!

Thanks... but I am not having trouble but looking for a good deal. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif I booked the Marriott but not sure if I want to stay there. There is also the Olympiapark Four Points. Free parking and right on the U-Bahn for EUR 95. Any opinions on the two?

I stayed at the Marriott property in Schwabing on a PL stay. Terrific property! Very helpful staff, nice room with high-speed Internet connection and a 5 min. walk to the U-bahn, which is like two or three stops away from the Hbf. I'd stay there again in a heartbeat.

Ooh, hi-speed internet.... especially in the land of digital PBXs and ISDN. I saw your post on biddingfortravel and it inspired my $45-$55 bidding range.

However, I am leaning toward Four Pts cuz they have free parking & breakfast for EUR 85 (via tel res), and I just remembered that I have SPG Gold.

BTW, essxjay, I think the latest possible routing for you is via SEA-CPH on SK, which leaves at 19:00. Looks like 16:42 to connect from PDX.

Everybody looking for hotel rooms - why you have trouble succeeding on Priceline etc. is because of the ISPO WINTER trade show - one of the major shows at the Messe München.

If you can find a decently priced hotel room through "regular" channels, I'd suggest you grab it... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

If you're looking to check out Sunday (i.e., not overnightiong Sunday) you miss the rush of folks for the Messe.

I'm showing the Arabella Sheraton Westpark Hotel (on the U-bahn a few stops past the 'Wiese) with rooms at 73 and 74 Euro excluding breakfast.

Go to the Sheraton/Starwood site, check for rooms in Munich Germany arriving 31 Jan or 1 Feb, checking out 2 Feb, and be sure to click "leisure".

When the list comes up, select the Westpark, then rearrange the list "Average Daily rate - low to high" and those should be on the top.

(That's where I'm staying. It's a nice place, better than the 4-points in Olympic Park, but not as nice as the Marriott Ren in Schwabing.)

I reserved at the Four Points München Central on Schwanthalerstrasse using SPG points - only 2000 points.

I'll be driving to the Bodensee on Sunday and it seemed like this hotel was close to the road to Lindau. However, if anyone knows if this isn't such a great hotel or location, then I still have time to change my reservation.

I am staying in Munich a couple of extra days on this run, I was here last year on work. I would like to take in some of the near by sights. Any recommendations on a day trip to Neuschwanstein, how accessible is it during the winter? Any other suggestions and is any one else interested?

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AA member since 1981.

That sounds pretty good.

So I'd do UA PDX-SEA .... SK SEA-CPH ..... LH CPH-MUC??? Izzat right? Next question: can I do that as award travel from Mileage Plus?? In C???

How good do you already know Munich? Since a few months is the Pinakothek der Moderne open, fun museum.
Within Munich is the Nymphenburg castle, also has a wonderful exhibit of old carriages and such.
Take the S-Bahn to Schleißheim, another castle plus a branch of the Deutsche Museums - airplanes.
The Deutsche Museum itself is fun also, just a short walk from Isartor.
The only problem of driving to Neuschwanstein on weekends is the traffic (skiing, sightseeing), so bring some time and patience.
There is in Munich the Residence (where the Opera is next doors), they have right now a big exhibit on royal furniture, the building itself is pretty impressive too, not sure how much they show you on normal tours.

Complete list of all castles that belong to the government:
http://www.schloesser.bayern.de/deut...loss/index.htm

What is fun is driving out to the lakes, maybe going for a walk and either drive up or walk up to Andechs, drink some of their famous beer.
In summer its a fun trip to drive to the Chiemsee, take the ferry to Schloss Herrenchiemsee, walk around, see the castle, eat lunch. Lake is now probably frozen.
Also fun is driving to the Bodensee, take the ferry to Insel Mainau, its a beautiful flower island. Again, more a summer option, right now its a white winterisland.

I am in for something, as long as it does not involve Neuschwanstein (I was so bored there, we fled through the emergency exit...)

It's in central city, a couple blocks from the main train station. I've walked past there before (curious) but never been inside. It looks about 3-star, but at 2,000 points (~$40) per night, sounds as though the price is right.

You probably won't spend too much time in the hotel room anyway. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Driving out of Munich on Sunday mornings is usually quite easy. Not much traffic then.

I recommend the *A timetable that you can download from their website. However, it's not clever enough to think of this routing. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif You have a one hour layover in CPH and arrive 16:20 in MUC. (CPH-MUC is on SK 1661.)

You can book it in theory but whether it's available is the issue.

If there is a decent fare then you should be able to secure an exit row in Y as a *G. Or maybe charm them into the 38" pitch Y+. However, SK has become strict about op UGs because they sell Y+ UGs for 10k pts at the gate and C for 20k pts on any Y fare. That's why I joined Eurobonus last Dec when I didn't need any more UA miles for the year.

I think I saw some flak on the SPG forum. Sunday night makes a difference -- this hotel is sold out on that night. And Counsellor's suggestion would cost EUR 130 with a Sunday night.

BTW, is there any street parking on weekends near the Marriott? Having to pay for parking and breakfast adds EUR 30-40 per day, which ia annoying.

On top of how badly jet lag gets me, that's all I need to hear from y'all. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

If the weather is great Saturday & Sunday, I'm up for a little sightseeing. For those that don't know, I'm a photographer that works with travel publications (magazines, books, guides, etc.). I'm always looking to photograph things that tourists want to see. BTW, regarding Neuschwanstein, a picture that I took of it is my favorite photograph that I've taken in Germany. A really great (IMO) image I took using black & white infrared film. The lighting was very dramatic.

I haven't had any trouble in the past. There are many places on the side street near the hotel, and there is a parking area (free last time I was there) that supports a schwimmbad that won't be open this time of year, so you shouldn't have much trouble finding a place.

Be advised, though, that there is an open-air produce and food market they put on Saturday mornings (until about 1300) near the hotel, and that can affect parking if you arrive when it is in full swing.

As to breakfast, if you're a Platinum with Marriott, the Ren comps breakfast, even on weekends.

I can't believe you said that! Infared is my favororite medium. Pain in the butt now b/c of the TSA b*llsh*t. Would love to hear more about your artistic efforts offline. E-mail me privately.

Ok, so whats the plan?

Meeting on Saturday, maybe some sightseeing, Hofbräuhaus, maybe a Museum or Nymphenburg castle, then bavarian dinner?
Nymphenburg has some very nice photo-opportunities.... and its supposed to snow, so the churches and so will be with more or less white powder covered.

Snow???? What's that? For a boy from the Deep South, that does not compute. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

As far as plans on Saturday during the day, if anyone wants to get together to see some sights, I should be ready to go by 11 AM. My flight gets in at 8 AM, and I'll need time to get a rental car and check into the Four Points München Central. Phone there is 089/510830. I won't be registered under FLYMSY, try the name of Les Riess. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Ok I am game for whatever everyone decides for Saturday nite...... Hofbräuhaus, works for me.

As for Neuschwanstein, Panaroma tours has a bus run up there on Sunday, but not Monday for 41 euro's. Open to other options, any one want to drive?

http://www.autobusoberbayern.de/eng/...hwanstein.html

I am staying at the:
Munich Renaissance
THEODOR-DOMBART-STRASSE 4
MUNICH, 80805
tel: 4989-360990

Bring on some more ideals, I'm open to more options still..... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

------------------
AA member since 1981.

OK, this is one option:

Saturday, 1100 AM: Marienplatz (in front of the Rathaus) I'll be there for the Glockenspiel performance. I'll stand near the column with the statue (Mariensäule) in the center of the Platz. The Glockenspiel ends about 1115.

circa 1200 hours: Bratwurstherzl am Viktualienmarkt (see map in link earlier this thread) for early lunch of Nürnbergerwürstchen and Hacker from a Holzfaß.

circa 1300 hours: Hofbräuhaus for a beer. I'll be in the Schwemme (ground floor communal drinking hall) and will try to find a table near the Pretzel kiosk, (past the band, near the door leading to the toiletten). Everyone should visit the Hofbräuhaus at least once in his (her) life, and while it does have some food it really isn't "Bavarian" food as in evening meal. (There is a proper restaurant upstairs, though, and the Orlando nearby.)

From here, we could go to a museum, wander around or whatever. It should be reasonably light until 1700, depending on the weather maybe nearly to 1800.

Probably not enough time to get to Schloß Nymphenburg and see anything (maybe save that for Sunday AM?). If we wanted to do that, we should start in the morning, I would think, or right after the Glockenspiel finishes, but some of the folks arriving on Saturday won't be around before about noon.

For Bavarian food, there's lots of good places. If you don't mind a bit of cholesterol, Haxenbauer is a good choice (you *must* try the haxen, particularly with what the Münchners are pleased to call "white" beer - everyone else calls it "wheat" beer). There are others.

If I don't see a better proposal on the thread (or by e-mail), that's the route I'll follow. I hope to meet up with some or all of you.

I'm 6'4" (~194 cm) tall, weigh about 110 kg (~240 lbs), and have a short white beard. There's a picture of me in markbach's rogue's gallery that is still a reasonable likeness, except that the hair is thinner and the beard is almost white. Also, I'll wear a blue baseball cap with the words "BEER - it's not just for breakfast anymore". Even Inspoector Clouseau should be able to spot me with that on!

Friday afternoon through Sunday I'll have a cell phone 0170-560-6975 with me (if I remember to turn it on), so call if we misconnect.

Other suggestions?

Sounds good. I'll try to hook up with you guys in the evening for dinner. I am going to be in Garmisch skiing thru Sat afternoon.

OK, finally not on the road... Haxenbauer sounds fine to me, although I've never been there before...

I will be skiing and should be able to meet up at around 8pm.

If anybody wants to contact me, my cell is +49-172-8178513.

A plan http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif wahoo
Will meet you guys somewhere during Hofbräuhaus. Its btw enough time to either go to a museum in the afternoon or Nymphenburg.

I Should be adequately recovered from Jet Lag to be able to meet you there and follow through with the rest of the schedule. I will email you a picture of myself to help with recognition.

Sounds like fun and I am looking forward to everything.

------------------
AA member since 1981.

11 am at Marienplatz sounds good.

I will be there.

Assuming I can find it, I will be there, too.

I'll see y'all at Marienplatz at 11:00. I'll probably be wearing a bright red jacket.

It's not too hard to find, Spiff. From your hotel take the subway (U-4 or U-5, they use the same stop) toward Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station). The subway stop is right directly outside the hotel; look for a sign with a blue square with a white "U" inside it.

Get off at the Hauptbahnhof stop and follow the signs to the "S-Bahn". You will NOT have to go all the way to the surface. The signs look like green circles with a white "S" in the middle. One direction is "Marienplatz" (or follow the directions to the airplane - the airport is in the same direction at this point). There's a train along about every 2 or 3 minutes. Take one toward "Marienplatz" and get off at the second stop (first stop is "Karlsplatz/Stachus"). Come up to the surface. Voila.

I'll leave a map for you at the hotel.

You would have to depart your hotel around 10:30 to be sure to make it before the Glockenspiel show starts. Alternatively, I can come back to the hotel about 11:40 and we can go together to the restaurant. If you're not going to make it to Marienplatz before 11:15, give me a call on my cell phone 0170-560-6975 so we can work out where to meet.

Edited to add: For those of you staying at the Marriott Renaissance, take U-6 (ask at the desk and they'll direct you to the subway stop) and go in the direction of "Klinikum Großhadern" (to the left as you come down the stairs). That will take you directly to Marienplatz, sixth stop (I think) from where you get on at Nordfriedhof (North Cemetery).

And one last thing - if you're planning on seeing the sights, it might make sense to buy a "tageskarte innenraum" ticket from the U-bahn ticket machine. Not sure what it runs, but I think it's about about 5 or 6 euro. It allows you unlimited trips in the central area for the day.

[This message has been edited by Counsellor (edited 01-30-2003).]

My flight from ZRH is delayed. I will try to catch up with you folks as soon as I can.