Duesseldorf Travel Guide

Düsseldorf, the capital of the Federal state of Nordrhein-Westfalen since 1946, has developed into an important political and economic metropolis in the course of this century. The choice of hotels has increased accordingly. Düsseldorf currently boasts over 200 hotels of all kinds and price ranges. During the fair it can be difficult to find a room anywhere in the city, so the option of staying on the outskirts of Düsseldorf or beyond should not be ruled out. Another negative aspect of the fair is that prices shoot up, so be prepared!

Apart from that, it is quite possible to find hotels at reasonable rates. Düsseldorf can offer everything from the exclusive luxury hotel to the functional family-run establishment with shared shower. The traditional luxury hotels are located in the centre of the city. The Steigenberger Parkhotel is situated on the Königsallee (where else?), a world-famous boulevard with exquisite jewellers shops and classy fashion outlets like Chanel or Prada.. The Breidenbacher Hof is considered the pearl of Düsseldorf's luxury hotels and enjoys what is indisputably the best location on the so-called Kö. However, anyone thinking of staying here will be disappointed: this five-star hotel has been closed since 1 June and the building has been pulled down. However, a new Breidenbacher Hof is under construction, which promises to be every bit as luxurious and comfortable as its predecessor. In the meantime, dont lose heart: the nearby Hotel an der Kö is open and wont break the bank, despite its location.

Only a few metres away from the Königsallee lies the heart of Düsseldorf: the historic Altstadt. This Quarters numerous bars have earned it the epithet "the longest bar in the world." The bars are not the only tourist attraction here, though you will also find lots of shops, grand and imposing buildings, and a wonderful walkway along the Rhine, the Rheinuferpromenade. Notable addresses in the Old Town include the lovely and peaceful Hotel Orangerie located near the Citadel, and the Appartementhaus am Schwanenmarkt.

The main railway station is centrally situated and endowed with a striking clock tower. The hotels around the station are ideally placed for transport connections. Plenty of comfortable establishments are to be found in this area, such as Ibis Hotel Hauptbahnhof, and Madison I Hotel.

Those making a flying visit to Düsseldorf are well catered for by a number of quality (though not cheap) hotels in the district of Lohnhausen, near the Rhein-Ruhr Airport. The Arabella Sheraton Airport Hotel, built in Penthouse style, sits right on the top of the airports car park 3. The Lindner Hotel Airport offers a high level of comfort and is conveniently located both for the airport and the fair.

Accommodation within the city is certainly more expensive than outside it, but bargains can nevertheless be found. If you dont mind sharing the shower or toilet with other guests, a whole range of small, convivial, and often family-owned establishments will open up to you. Haus Hillesheim and Hotel Berna are good value for money yet centrally located. You can choose a room with private shower and toilet, or opt for one with shared facilities. For young people, the Jugendgästehaus Düsseldorf in Oberkassel offers good value. Transport links to the city centre are also very good from here. Other popular but more expensive locations in the chic quarter of Oberkassel are Hanseat and Hotel Oberkassel.

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, you will find several excellent hotels in the calm of the countryside around Düsseldorf. A favourite address in the recreation area of Unterbacher See is Hotel Am Zault. The Unterbacher See is a haven for yachtsmen, surfers, hikers and cyclists. A leafy oasis in gritty North-West Düsseldorf is the small, romantic Gästehaus Bornerhof in Ratingen, with its big garden, paddock, trout ponds and half-timbered buildings.

Most Düsseldorf hotels include breakfast in the price. Depending on the institution, this ranges from a simple continental affair to a lavish buffet. In some hotels like the Best Western Hotel Eden, you can even get a Japanese breakfast!2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 70