Anyone who knows anything about German traditions and has even the remotest interest in beer will have heard of Oktoberfest. This event is possibly the greatest gift Munich in Bavaria has offered the world, and it’s generated spin-off celebrations in other cities all over Europe.
For visitors who would love to visit one of them here is a round-up, courtesy of one of Europe’s leading hotel chains, offering exceptional service and high-quality design in prime inner-city locations at budget prices. Munich-based Motel One offers stylish accommodation at budget prices for each of the great events covered here – and even if beer’s not for everyone, people are sure to have a fun time and to stay in a fabulous place!
London
The London Oktoberfest event runs from 29th September to 9th October and is being held at Millwall Park on Canary Wharf. There’s lots of live music including traditional German folk and country & western, plus line dancing, some pretty wild dancing too, Bratwurst, Schnitzel and other gloriously Germanic foodstuffs – and of course beer. Lots of it! The Motel One base camp is in London Tower Hill. Just 20 minutes away by public transport, this hotel offers designer rooms, 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and a delicious buffet breakfast every morning.
Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital plays host to Oktoberfest from 5th-9th October this year. In the beautiful setting of Prince’s Street Gardens visitors will find a live band playing modern Tyrolean music as well as a DJ playing Schlager favourites. The beer will be delicious and frothy and if people are in the mood they can dress in traditional Lederhosen or dirndls. Motel One offers two stylish hotels in Edinburgh: Edinburgh Royal on Market Street and Edinburgh Princes on Princes Street, both just a short unsteady walk back from what’s sure to be a great time out.
Manchester
The beating heart of NW England will go all Bavarian this year from 19th-23rd October. Manchester’s Albert Square will see Schlager music, oompah bands, traditional German food, beer in steins and people dressing up and having fun. Would-be festival-goers can join them – and then head back to Motel One’s outstanding hotel in the lively and central Piccadilly area of the city. Results from over 2500 of our reviewers confirm this as an outstanding place to stay.
Vienna
The Austrian capital’s answer to Oktoberfest is the Wiener Wiesn-Fest, running September 22nd-October 9th this year. Held at the Kaiserwiese in the Prater, this event features Austrian beer, local food, all sorts of music from three festival tents and traditional costume. Over the course of the event’s nine days each of Austria’s provinces will present its own unique customs, cuisine and music – and there are four fabulous Motel One hotels at which to stay.
Salzburg
Running from 23rd September – 10th October this year, Salzburg’s Oktoberfest takes place at CentrO in Oberhausen. Visitors can expect a huge marquee, traditional Austrian cuisine, live music and DJs, lots of beer and a whole heap of good times. Motel One offers two classy hotels for a festival visit.
Munich
This is the Big One – the event after which all other Oktoberfests are named. The Munich event runs this year from 17th September – 3rd October. There are 14 big beer tents and a host of smaller tents specialising in roast duck, Bavarian meats, Bratwurst, chicken, seafood, pastries and more. There are so many brewery parades, funfairs, costume parades, live music and more visitors won’t run out of things to do even if they stay the whole time And where can people stay? With no fewer than seven fabulous Motel One hotels in the city they’ll be spoilt for choice!