German Hotel Guides For Germany there is a whole range of different online hotel guides and hotel directories, providing free detailed and informative hotel information, including telephone numbers and contact details .  There is also a good range of books available which can be sourced from all good German book stores or possibly with www.amazon.de, some are available through the German National Tourist Office, subject to reimbursement of postage costs.

The Official German Hotel Guide   With over 1000 pages the yellow hotel guide, as its known, is produced by DEHOGA the official association for the German hotel and restaurant industry. Covering all of Germany it is one of the most comprehensive hardback guides available, listing up to 10000 places to stay, from guesthouses to 5 star properties.   The yellow hotel guide is available from the German National Tourist Office for approximately €6.00 (£5.00, $8.00). An online version in English is also available at: www.hotelguide.de

Hotels on a Budget Affordable places to stay for as little as EURO 40 or less - With more than 300 places to stay, this brochure offers a good selection of the wide variety of budget accommodation that is available throughout Germany. Hotels on a Budget is available for free from your German National Tourist Office representative in your country (subject to current availability) or online at: www.germanybrochures.co.uk

IHA   The German Hotel Association (IHA) is the national trade association for the German hotel industry. Established in 1992, they represent more than 1,000 leading hotels, ranging from hotels in the midscale market segment to hotels in the upper upscale and luxury category. The IHA hotel directory is available online at: www.iha.de The IHA hotel directory is especially useful if you are looking for specific spa, gourmet, convention hotels or hotels which are suitable for travellers with disabilities.

Leithammel Leithammel is probably one of the most comprehensive online German hotel directories available. Basic and very simple to use it is excellent for finding some of the smaller family run hotels or guesthouses, especially in small towns and villages. Although the site is in German only it is very easy to use and you only need to understand the following keywords: EZ = Single room DZ = Double room Zimmer = Room Available online at: www.leithammel.de

Links und Rechts der Autobahn As the name implies this motorway guide is perfect for finding petrol stations, guesthouses and hotels in over 22 European countries. Links und Rechts der Autobahn is written mostly in German but good explanations and translations are given in 8 different languages, including English, at the beginning making it a very useful travel companion for every one. Links und Rechts der Autobahn is available online or as a hard copy for €9.95: www.linksundrechts.com

Varta Guide   The Varta guide is more or less like a Michelin guide. Hotels and restaurants are vetted by inspectors and given star ratings according to a certain level of quality standard. Updated daily the Varta guide can also be accessed online at www.varta-guide.de   The Varta guide is a useful reference for anyone who enjoys good food and accommodation, it does not simply focus on high end or expensive hotels and restaurants. Varta guide books are available from all good book shops in Germany