While seemingly everyone in the United States has traveled to Europe this summer, I haven’t. I’ve been quite happy at home avoiding many of the crowds, and have just taken a couple of domestic and short haul international trips. Well, at least that was the case until now.
I just booked my first long haul trip of the summer, and I’m really excited about this — I’ll get to spend quality time with my family, I’ll review some airline products for the first time, and I’ll also review some interesting points hotels.
In this post:
Going back to Germany with my mom
For a bit of background on the trip, on Mother’s Day in 2019, my mom was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer. Cancer sucks (to put it politely), though if you ask my mom, she’d say she’s had the best years of her life since then, as we all have a new appreciation for how precious life is, and we have so many great memories (including so many amazing travel memories, from Big Sur, to Hawaii, to Greece, and more).
While my mom’s cancer can’t be cured, she has gone through a lot of treatment. Obviously that’s a roller coaster, both in terms of what she goes through, and in terms of various treatments working.
Anyway, a couple of summers ago, my mom thought it would be her last-ever trip to Germany. Then last summer, she thought it would be her last trip to Germany. Well, guess what… we’re going back to Germany! While my mom doesn’t have the strength she had one or two years ago, she still has a huge desire to travel and see her family and friends in Germany, so that’s exactly what we’re doing!
At least her cancer marker is decreasing at the moment and she has a couple of weeks between treatments, so my mom, her partner, and I, are headed to Germany! Ford is graciously staying at home with our son Miles and our dog Winston.
Oh, my dad is coming as well!
Here’s another fun element to this. As you might recall, in May I took my dad on a surprise round the world review trip. Really he wanted to go to Germany, but instead we went to Doha for three nights, Perth for about 18 hours, and we spent a night at the Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport. Basically the same thing, right? 😉
When I recommended that trip, I had promised to take him to Germany before the end of the summer. Anyway, my parents are no longer together, but they get along pretty well. Realistically I realized I couldn’t make it to Germany twice in the next several weeks, so I made a proposal. I asked my mom and her partner if it would be okay if my dad came along as well.
They said yes, and I’m quite excited about this whole adventure! Let’s see if we all still feel this way by the time the trip is done. I got a hilarious selfie from all three of them yesterday at Tampa Airport, and they’re calling themselves the “three amigos.” I’m hoping that energy sticks!
How we’re getting to Germany
So, how are we getting to Germany? My dad, my mom, and her partner, already flew over to Germany on Eurowings Discover, nonstop from Tampa to Frankfurt. I booked them using Air Canada Aeroplan points.
I’m flying across the pond separately:
- I’m looking to review something new, since I’m trying to be efficient here and also have this be a review trip, to limit my overall time away from home
- I’m coming over a few days later, to minimize time away from home, as the three amigos are first headed to see family in Germany, which is where I’ll catch up with them
So I decided to book Turkish Airlines from the United States to Frankfurt via Istanbul. I’ll be flying the Turkish Airlines A350 to Istanbul (the one that used to fly for Aeroflot — I’m excited), and then I’ll be flying Turkish Airlines’ strange regional A330 to Frankfurt (which I think is outdated, but I’m intrigued). By the way, does anyone know if these former Aeroflot A350s have Wi-Fi? I’m seeing mixed reports, with some people saying absolutely not, and others saying yes.
I booked that Turkish Airlines itinerary through Turkish Miles&Smiles, which is quite a deal at 45,000 miles one-way in business class.
For the return flight, I booked my mom and her partner on the nonstop back to Tampa again, since making the journey as easy as possible is the priority for them. Meanwhile I plan on having a bit more adventurous of a return with my dad. Stay tuned for the details on that, as I haven’t yet finalized it.
The hotels we’re planning on staying at
In addition to staying at a small inn for a few nights in the town that my parents are from, we’re also planning a roughly one week road trip. We all agreed on the general area we’d like to travel to. Beyond their preferences, my priorities were twofold:
- I’d like to exclusively stay at hotels bookable with points, to make this as interesting as possible for the blog
- I want to be realistic rather than overly ambitious, since my mom has limited mobility, so she’s not going to be walking around for hours per day
So while we can still change this up, I think our plan is to visit Heidelberg, Baden-Baden, and Strasbourg. All three areas are beautiful and interesting, and are places my parents want to see (they haven’t been in decades). They’re also all fairly close to Frankfurt, and not that far from one another. In terms of hotels:
- I’m leaning toward booking the Marriott Heidelberg, which looks fine/not very exciting, but still like a decent option in town
- Then we’d stay at Roomers Baden-Baden, a Marriott Autograph Collection property, which looks quite nice to me, definitely like the best property of this trip
- I’m leaning toward Maison Rouge Strasbourg, a Marriott Autograph Collection property; however, I can’t tell if it looks charming or kind of dumpy
I’m curious if anyone has any takes on the above properties, or would modify that route in any way. Obviously this isn’t intended to be a tour across Germany, but rather a simple itinerary that hits a few interesting spots.
In an ideal world, we’d also check out Schloss Lieser, a Marriott Autograph Collection property, or Schlosshotel Kronberg, a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property affiliated with Hyatt. However, the former is a bit out of the way for this trip, while the latter doesn’t have much availability for the night we’d need.
Bottom line
I’m taking my first long haul trip of the summer soon, and it’ll be with my parents to Germany! While I’m most excited to be able to spend time with my family, I’m also looking forward to reviewing some interesting airline products in both directions, and checking out some points hotels.
I’m still open to feedback on the hotels or exact destinations, so if anyone has any thoughts, I certainly welcome them!
We just stayed at the Roomers in Baden Baden in May 2023, excellent hotel, good location. No upgrades.
The breakfast was complimentary (we are platinum), and excellent.
The hotel has a nice rooftop bar and pool.
We stayed at the Marriott Heidelberg during the pandemic, it's a little outside town, but they have a ferry, and breakfast was good. No upgrades. Overall we are considering to return to this hotel on a future Europe trip.
Hi. I’m so sorry about the news of cancer…. I’m also sad to hear it’s recoverable…. But. My friends mom was diagnosed with stage 4B cervicale cancer… they did some research and treated her with naturopathic options and radiation. She made a full recovery from it. I don’t know if this helps you but I hope it will…. Thy did high dose vitamin c injections and mistletoe injections. I had never heard of this but...
Hi. I’m so sorry about the news of cancer…. I’m also sad to hear it’s recoverable…. But. My friends mom was diagnosed with stage 4B cervicale cancer… they did some research and treated her with naturopathic options and radiation. She made a full recovery from it. I don’t know if this helps you but I hope it will…. Thy did high dose vitamin c injections and mistletoe injections. I had never heard of this but it did work for our family. Please look into it. I’m happy to share our dr’s info if you like. I wish you all the best and a wonderful trip.
Ben, best wishes for a successful trip and for positive experiences especially with your mom while you can. Took a somewhat more ambitiout trip that we dubbed the "I May Survive" tour (lots of Gloria Gaynor music) after my mom recovered from complications following ovarian cancer surgery. I told her we could get her almost anywhere and she took me up on it. The parents (both of whom needed wheelchairs at various points) flew business...
Ben, best wishes for a successful trip and for positive experiences especially with your mom while you can. Took a somewhat more ambitiout trip that we dubbed the "I May Survive" tour (lots of Gloria Gaynor music) after my mom recovered from complications following ovarian cancer surgery. I told her we could get her almost anywhere and she took me up on it. The parents (both of whom needed wheelchairs at various points) flew business class on Aer Lingus to Vienna, we took the train to Switzerland and drove to Grindelwald so she could ascend the Jungfrau. We then took advantage of Easy Jet from Switzerland to Bilbao (the Guggenheim), then Amsterdam, then Edinburgh (a nice stop using points at the Caledonian) before finishing up in Dublin. All in all, a lot of pushing for my spouse and I but a wonderful time and memories that we'll always have (my mom made it almost five years following the initial Stage 4 diagnosis). Have a great time.
Stay at the Brenner’s Park Hotel in Baden-Baden. It is such an amazing hotel.
I also recommend the SLH property in Heidelberg (Heidelberg Suites), which has a jacuzzi with a view of the old town.
Neither of these are points hotels, but they are quite special and will be an elevated experience (and are noteworthy for the blog as Virtuoso/SLH properties).
Wow. What a plan. I wish you and your parents have a wonderful time.
I stayed at Roomers years ago, 25,000 points a night and a fantastic (champagne) breakfast, the best I ever had. Like everything with Marriott, I am afraid to go back, it's probably ridiculously expensive with (now) diminished quality.
Adding Riquewihr and Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle which is less than an hour drive south of Strasbourg would make for a nice day trip if you have a vehicle. Been many times and it’s beautiful!
Ben, how do you know you will be on an ex Aeroflot 350? TK publishes plane types for routes but not specific planes.
Probably because he already took the trip.
Heidelberg is nice (my wife worked there for a year of the 2.5 she lived in Germany before we met) but pretty touristy. Try to go to the bridge at off hours.
Sounds like a fantastic trip. I hope you and your mom have a wonderful time. The only thing I would really reconsider is the Marriott Heidelberg – it has such a grim vibe. Check out Heidelberg Suites instead! Not a point property, but much more pleasant. https://www.houseofhuetter.com/heidelberg-suites/
We've stayed in the Heidelberg hotel you mentioned. It is ok. But this trip report could become so interesting if you write it from your mother's point of view. How does she get assistance at airports, at hotels, using the local transport. That sort of stuff. Your trip reports are as a young, able bodied guy. I get it that you want to stay at points hotels , but having the car, it might be fun for you to take us all to a family stay at a FEWO.
Hi there I flew the Aeroflot A350. Service and configuration were great and also Wi-Fi was great as well.
Instead of Baden Baden you can look into Baiersbronn. Truly in the heart of the Black Forest, stay in Hotel Sackmann. They have a Michelin star restaurant, though there are other starred restaurants as well. Highlight would be to drive up to the parking area on the hill by Wanderhütte Sattelei and walk a few hundred meters up hill. Absolutely one of the best experiences there are. Walking through the Black Forest and magically stumbling...
Instead of Baden Baden you can look into Baiersbronn. Truly in the heart of the Black Forest, stay in Hotel Sackmann. They have a Michelin star restaurant, though there are other starred restaurants as well. Highlight would be to drive up to the parking area on the hill by Wanderhütte Sattelei and walk a few hundred meters up hill. Absolutely one of the best experiences there are. Walking through the Black Forest and magically stumbling upon an old hut in the middle of the woods, you can easily imagine yourself in the middle ages.
Chose Turkish Chicago to Rome. Good choice. Best but for Qatar
Truly happy that you and your family will have another wonderful memory. Looking forward to reading the story and review !
Herzlich willkommen in Deutschland Ben.
Ganz liebe grüße aus München
Ben, do you recall that some years ago, long before Covid/Corona, there was an announcement that a Schloss or Burg near Baden-Baden was to be renovated and would become a Hyatt-affiliated hotel? Whatever happened to that?
If you're staying in Strasbourg, you cannot write " I am going to Germany", as Strasbourg is in France, the capital of Alsace. It's important as region Alsace being French or German was the cause of the 1870 Franco-Prussian war and the cause of WWI. To draw a very contemporary comparison, its a bit like you would write "I am going to Russia, and I'll be staying in Moscow, St Pertersburg and Odessa"(!). You'll find...
If you're staying in Strasbourg, you cannot write " I am going to Germany", as Strasbourg is in France, the capital of Alsace. It's important as region Alsace being French or German was the cause of the 1870 Franco-Prussian war and the cause of WWI. To draw a very contemporary comparison, its a bit like you would write "I am going to Russia, and I'll be staying in Moscow, St Pertersburg and Odessa"(!). You'll find an important German heritage in Alsace and the inhabitant of this region have strong relationships with their now friends neighbours, but they strongly identify as French and even more as Alsaciens (in French). Alsace is also a French capital of exceptional food (with many very local specialties, some of them with a German influence), and when you cross the German border, it's much more left to be desired.
Absolutely false! Just because France is currently illegitimately and illegaly occupying the German region of Elsass-Lothringen, it doesn't magically become French. Same as Crimea and Donbas being Ukrainian despite atrocious russian occupation.
Nonsense. Alsace-Lorraine is French legally by Treaty of Versailles (1919). And Alsace-Lorraine is legitimately French because taken back from the Prussians who had annexed it it 1871.
Once again false, Elsass-Lothringen has long been part of the Holy Roman Empire of the German nation before the French occupied it for the first time.
And the ridiculous Versailles Treaty is a major contributor to the outbreak of WW2.
Ben,
As an avgeek, try to make a stop at the Technik Museum Sinsheim. It is less than 30 km from Heidelberg, and as far as I know is the only place where you can see the Concorde and the Tu-144 next to each other.
Great that you have decided to visit the German region of Elsass-Lothringen. However the city you are visiting there is correctly called Straßburg, Strasbourg is only used by the occupational French colonialists. Don't use that name, you would neither call Mumbai Bombay in 2023.
Plenty of Indians still call it Bombay
Strasbourg is the English name. Pretty tough to type out the proper German name when the keyboard doesn't contain the necessary letters.
At least spell it Strassburg if you can't find the German ß on your keyboard.
Hi Ben. I've stayed at the Maison Rouge Strasbourg last month. Happy to share thoughts and pictures of a suite (I applied for a suite upgrade that was cleared) if you want; please email me if you're interested (you have my email).
PS: Thanks again for helping on the LOT ordeal. Haven't received the compensation yet but I have hope.
Just spent a long weekend in the area in July, stayed at the Schloss Lieser (thank you Ford and Shawn(?) with Marriott Luminous booking). Really is quite magical!
If you like wine, an excellent place to spend a weekend. Very much a staycation area for those from the major cities in the area.
Made a road trip into Luxembourg (make sure you tell the car rental agency that you are going into another...
Just spent a long weekend in the area in July, stayed at the Schloss Lieser (thank you Ford and Shawn(?) with Marriott Luminous booking). Really is quite magical!
If you like wine, an excellent place to spend a weekend. Very much a staycation area for those from the major cities in the area.
Made a road trip into Luxembourg (make sure you tell the car rental agency that you are going into another country), toured Trier, visited a ton of castles and ate way too much great German food.
Lucky, any reason your blog post image is of an AEROFLOT interior? Are You planning on flying them in or out of Istanbul or something?
Ben mentioned it in the post. One of the planes he will be flying used to be with Aeroflot.
We stayed at the Masion Rouge this past Christmas. It's a very nice hotel but since it was full, we were not upgraded (Titanium member). We had a small room on the side of the hotel which didn't bother us since the room was quieter with the window open. The hotel location is awesome...a short walk to everything. There's a fantastic ice cream shop across the street. Breakfast was included for Titanium members and it...
We stayed at the Masion Rouge this past Christmas. It's a very nice hotel but since it was full, we were not upgraded (Titanium member). We had a small room on the side of the hotel which didn't bother us since the room was quieter with the window open. The hotel location is awesome...a short walk to everything. There's a fantastic ice cream shop across the street. Breakfast was included for Titanium members and it was a nice buffet with cooked to order eggs. We would stay there again.
Roomers Baden-Baden is one of the best points hotels that hasn't been reviewed by any major blog. I had a fantastic stay there a few years ago. I was surprised by how many people staying there seemed extremely outwardly wealthy, yet the treatment for Titaniums on points was top notch.
The spa is great, as is the breakfast. It's fun swimming in the pool late at night being surrounded by non-guests eating/drinking at the rooftop bar.
You said you just booked this and it's for Summer. Does Turkish normally offer business class awards on fairly short notice?
That's exactly what I was thinking. I went to a Turkish Airlines office recently to book a business class round trip ticket on fairly short notice this summer, and the IAD-IST leg cost me 180k points roundtrip. This was in July of this year.
I know it's the only flight direct between Tampa and Frankfurt but...Eurowings Discover? Hasn't your mom suffered enough?
Ok. I'm exaggerating. It isn't a horrible way to cross the Atlantic, just an underwhelming one.
I just flew ATL/ transit IST/ CPH and return on Turkish. The ex Aeroflot A350 "suites" are incredible. WiFi is excellent. Inflight service is very good, although flight attendants tend to disappear between services. Catering from IST is even better than catering from U.S. stations. The (outsourced) ground handling experience in ATL is awful. It appears the flight has never left on time. Therein lies the problem. If you miss a connection, Turkish is absolutely...
I just flew ATL/ transit IST/ CPH and return on Turkish. The ex Aeroflot A350 "suites" are incredible. WiFi is excellent. Inflight service is very good, although flight attendants tend to disappear between services. Catering from IST is even better than catering from U.S. stations. The (outsourced) ground handling experience in ATL is awful. It appears the flight has never left on time. Therein lies the problem. If you miss a connection, Turkish is absolutely incompetent to handle irregular operations. There exists no automatic re-booking, and you have to wait until you reach IST to be booked on another flight and hope for the best. The excellent in flight experience is completely offset by their amateurish ground handling.
Aren't these "suites" missing an arm rest on one side though?
That is correct. I now remember they are missing an armrest on one side. It must not have bothered me at the time.
They are missing an armrest, and it was v strange and uncomfortable. The aisles are almost scarily narrow too. Aeroflot signage just pulled off the bulkheads leaving rawplug holes (maybe they expected to get them back quickly which I don’t see happening). I did not like the product at all. No wifi either as I recall.
It could have no armrests at all and it would still be better than their typical 2-3-2 J aircraft
In what way?
I mean, granted, besides all seats having aisle access...
I second the comments regarding the Marriott in Heidelberg, its location isn't the best and it's very outdated and in much need of renovations. I'd rather stay at a Holiday Inn or Ibis than the Heidelberg Marriott. I totally get and appreciate that the blog is based around points options, but Heidelberg is one of those places that simply doesn't have competitive points hotels.
I have stayed at the Arthotel and enjoyed my stay...
I second the comments regarding the Marriott in Heidelberg, its location isn't the best and it's very outdated and in much need of renovations. I'd rather stay at a Holiday Inn or Ibis than the Heidelberg Marriott. I totally get and appreciate that the blog is based around points options, but Heidelberg is one of those places that simply doesn't have competitive points hotels.
I have stayed at the Arthotel and enjoyed my stay there, modern rooms and great location make me a happy camper. I have a friend who stayed at the Heidelberg Suites Hotel & Spa House of Hütter and although it is located at the other side of the Neckar, it looks like a great property and that location gives you the benefit of having views of the old town and the Schloss (besides iirc it is very close to the Altebrücke --> pedestrian bridge connecting to the old town). I would say that one along with Der Europäische Hof are the best regarded properties in Heidelberg, but any of the three options above would make for a good review :)
Roomers Baden Baden is quite nice. Stayed during the Pandemic and was upgraded to a massive suite. Great sushi restaurant too.
Only slight concern is that it's a bit away from the train station so you have to take a short bus ride if you are not traveling by car. From there it is a few minutes walk to the park and casino.
I know you want to utilize points, but it would be a huge miss not to stay at Brenner's Park in Baden-Baden. It's the original Oetker property and is stunning. Obviously it would be quite a splurge, but 100% worth it (and would love to read the report!).
There's a great train through the black forest that makes a fun day trip, and obviously spa activities.
Heidleburg is beautiful but will be beyond...
I know you want to utilize points, but it would be a huge miss not to stay at Brenner's Park in Baden-Baden. It's the original Oetker property and is stunning. Obviously it would be quite a splurge, but 100% worth it (and would love to read the report!).
There's a great train through the black forest that makes a fun day trip, and obviously spa activities.
Heidleburg is beautiful but will be beyond packed. A little out of your way, but we spent time in Würzburg and the surrounding area last summer and loved it. If your mom loves history, the palace there is amazing.
I agree with pstm91 that the Brenner's Park Hotel is rated as one of the top hotels in Germany. Just look at their website which doesn't even fully capture the "grandeur" of the total experience. At a minimum have "high tea" there. You will immediately regret not having booked a room here in first place.
I staid at Maison Rouge a few weeks ago.
First, the location is perfect. 10 minutes walk from the station, 10 max from the cathedral.
The hotel has been nicely renovated a few years ago. The only thing I can complain about is the size of the room (at this time the hotel was fully booked so I only got a small upgrade to a "double privilege room"...and I'm still wondering what was double in...
I staid at Maison Rouge a few weeks ago.
First, the location is perfect. 10 minutes walk from the station, 10 max from the cathedral.
The hotel has been nicely renovated a few years ago. The only thing I can complain about is the size of the room (at this time the hotel was fully booked so I only got a small upgrade to a "double privilege room"...and I'm still wondering what was double in all that) and the exposure (not on the front side of the hotel).
I did not try the restaurant but the staff at the bar was very nice.
The only downsides (if these are things that matter to you) are the small and poorly equipped gym and the fact that spa access is not free for elite guests (I'm Titanium). You'll have to pay 25€.
I hope this will help.
Stayed there last year. Very nice room and great location - highly recommend!
I was at a wedding the Marriott Heidelberg. It’s a little bit west of the action in town. Given your mom’s limited mobility, I would see if there is something bookable in the center.
Sounds like a great trip you will never forget. Post photos of the fam too!
I have taken the ex Aeroflot A350 twice and both times had very good Wi-Fi service. No issues for me at all compared to the regular Turkish A350.
Avoid Marriott Heidelberg at all costs, this hotel is a dump. The property is outdated and in bad need of a renovation... Roomers Baden Baden is probably one of the best Bonvoy properties in Germany, especially if you are able to get one of the Deluxe or Prestige suites. And yes, Schloss Lieser is definitely worth a visit, its a very unique hotel and they are usually quite proactive with upgrades.
@ Alex -- Hmmm, thank you! Any thoughts on the best points hotel alternative in Heidelberg?
The best place in Heidelberg is definitely Der Europäische Hof, most likely the single best family-run, luxury hotel in Germany. Caroline von Kretschmann and her brilliant team do a magnificient job. On the downside, no points redemption possible...but then, who cares? :-)
https://www.europaeischerhof.com/en/history-europaeischerhof-heidelberg/
@Ben - which routes does TK fly their ex-Aeroflot A350s on?
There is a new Hilton in Heidelberg near Bismarckplatz, which is in the center of town (more or less). I’ve stayed at the Marriott (I go to Heidelberg at least once a year) and it has turned into a tour bus hotel.
This is the former Crowne Plaza and seems to be freshly renovated while the Corona days. Go for this if you don't mind the huge construction side nearby.
Sorry, this was the only hotel I have ever staying in Heidelberg, as its not far enough from Frankfurt for a day trip. However, others also made a good point that Marriott is quite a walk from the city center as its on the other side of the river.
Also one more tip for Baden-Baden, if you go there during the weekend, make sure to book a restaurant table well in advance. All restaurants...
Sorry, this was the only hotel I have ever staying in Heidelberg, as its not far enough from Frankfurt for a day trip. However, others also made a good point that Marriott is quite a walk from the city center as its on the other side of the river.
Also one more tip for Baden-Baden, if you go there during the weekend, make sure to book a restaurant table well in advance. All restaurants in the city (including Roomers) are packed. And if you want to visit a casino, make sure to bring a suit jacket (or you can rent one at the casino).
Have a great trip!
The Hilton Garden Inn Mannheim is really good, especially for a Garden Inn. But you would need to take a short train ride to get to Heidelberg. But its only a short ride, which I do pretty much every other day. And Mannheim hosts the Bundesgartenschau this year, which is definitily worth a visit and even includes a gondola ride across to the area of the former American barracks which are now part of the Gartenschau
Schloss Lieser has charme. I brought my family there to celebrate my father‘s birthday in October 2020. My father was upgraded to the best suite (Emperor) despite being only a Platinum. However, someone smoked in the room that was intended for him and that is why they proactively offered the upgrade. The living room was closed due to the preparation of an event. This did not disturb.
The Roomers brand is also quite interesting. They...
Schloss Lieser has charme. I brought my family there to celebrate my father‘s birthday in October 2020. My father was upgraded to the best suite (Emperor) despite being only a Platinum. However, someone smoked in the room that was intended for him and that is why they proactively offered the upgrade. The living room was closed due to the preparation of an event. This did not disturb.
The Roomers brand is also quite interesting. They have 3 properties (Baden-Baden, Frankfurt and Munich) with a Russian touch. They offer self-serving Vodka at the Sauna and breakfast.
Roomers Baden-Baden also used to offer oysters for breakfast...unfortunately, they stopped during the pandemic and never brought it back.
Good to read the 3+1 amigos are back on the road!
My go-to Hotel in Strasbourg is Les Haras. You might want to check it out!
Safe travels, und viel Spass!
Ah, Schloss Lieser is beautiful! Once stayed there taking advantage of an Amex Offer. But you're right, it's not quite near your intended trip.
Instead of going to France maybe check out some place in Rheinhessen with its rolling hills and nice wine or in the Pfalz with its awesome Pfaelzerwald? Well, I may be biased here, since I was born and grew up in southern Rheinhessen and now live in Kaiserslautern.
Anyway, habt e schaeni Zeit!
@ Ralfinho -- Thanks! Yes, the Rheinhessen area is beautiful, though we've been there in recent years as well, so will probably skip it this time around. So beautiful, though.
@ Ralfinho - awesome to see another reader based in Kaiserslautern. Also second Schloss Lieser, have stayed there a couple of times. It's out of the way, but on a rainy day, the train from Koblenz to Wittlich (near Lieser) can be a great way to pass the time with stunning views.
@Jeremy - an English name in the Kaiserslautern area ... not that unfamiliar ;-)
Haven't done that train ride but I can imagine that it's not that bad.
Schloss Lieser is amazing, but might not be well suited for anyone with mobility issues. Our "upgraded" room featured a bathroom on a loft floor, which could only be accessed by a very tight spiral staircase. Worked fine for us, but could be a challenge for some. I'm sure that other rooms are more traditional.
@Alex - that's a valid point, you're right. We were assigned a room in the basement. The room itself was quite traditional and if I remember it correctly the way up to the room was accessible.
Can confirm that TK's former Aeroflot A350 TC-LGI features WiFi. Complementary for Business Class passengers. Awesome configuration, wo much better than their B777s.
@ John Smith -- Thanks for the specific data point, that's good to know! Wondering if maybe some of the A350s have Wi-Fi, but not others.
My cousin was on an ex-Aeroflot A350 SFO-IST. A couple of seats (forgot which ones) had broken hardware (would not recline or go flat).
All the TK 350s have wifi.
That's encouraging news about your mother Ben, have a wonderful time in Germany.
Hi Ben, what US routes are those A350s flying?