2013-08-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — Agoda.com, Asia’s leading hotel booking site and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq:PCLN), is getting ready to lift a glass in celebration of the world’s largest fair – the yearly celebration of Oktoberfest, held for 16 days every October in Munich, Germany. This year the festival will be held from September 21 to October 6.
The image of Oktoberfest around the world is one of smiling girls in traditional German Dirndl dresses, holding a 10 or 12 giant mugs of beer. While this is definitely a big part of celebrating with the locals, the festival has come to encompass so much more in its 203-year history. In 1810, Munich citizens were invited to a giant field to celebrate the wedding of Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The celebrations were held on Theresa’s Meadow – Theresienwiese in German. Both the name and the tradition stuck, and today the celebration is known to locals simply as die Wiesn.
Over the years certain events and activities have been added to the celebration, making it truly a world-class event. Parades, agricultural shows, carnival games, rides, and musical performances go from morning to evening for the duration of the festival, while thousands of people crowd into huge tents to sing, eat, drink, socialize and enjoy two centuries of German tradition. Indeed, the festival has only been cancelled 24 times in its history, due to outbreaks of cholera, various wars and severe economic hardship.
Of course, the most visible aspect of the event is the giant mugs of beer that everyone seems to have in-hand. It may seem like a simple party beverage but the beer that is served isn’t just any old brew. Beers served at Oktoberfest must conform to the Reinheitsgebot, a 16th-century law that ensured beer produced in the region used only the purest of ingredients. And in case you were wondering, roughly 8 million liters of beer is consumed every year!
And we would be remiss to forget to mention the beautiful city of Munich. Even if one only makes it to the Oktoberfest celebrations for a few days, there is still plenty to see and enjoy in one of Germany’s most popular cities. The gorgeous architecture, opulent palaces and castles, expansive parks, buzzing nightlife and huge variety of food ensures than any visitor to the city – even if they avoid the intimidating steins of beer – will certainly feel the city’s motto firsthand: München mag dich (Munich Loves You)!
The hotels below were chosen for their reputation as quality properties, but will soon fill up with revelers looking to join the festivities. Check them out now to book your room, and get your party hat ready!
Regent Hotel 4*
Less than a block from the central train station and only a short walk from many of the city’s top attractions, it offers 183 sound-proof and allergy-free guestrooms.
Near to transport hubs such as Hackerbrücke Station and Maillingerstrasse Subway Station, it’s also only a few minutes’ walk from the main Oktoberfest venue of Theresienwiese.
Hotel Carmen 3*
Hotel Carmen’s 63 stylishly decorated rooms come fully equipped with all the amenities, and the location is only a quick train ride or short walk to the main Oktoberfest facilities.
Guests can choose from 120 comfortable rooms, while the hotel is positioned only a short walk away from Theresienwiese, where the main festivities will be held.
Fleming’s Hotel Munchen City 4*
Offering 112 rooms, meeting facilities, steamroom and gym, this hotel is perfectly located near to the city center and only a short walk away from Theresienwiese.
Fleming’s Munchen Schwabing Hotel 4*
A longtime favorite for both business and leisure travelers, Fleming’s Munchen Schwabing Hotel offers 162 rooms and easy access to the gorgeous Englischer Garten.
The hotel features 134 beautifully appointed guest rooms and a great location near to the main train station, so getting around the city or just a quick walk to the Oktoberfest festival is a snap.
Hotel Amba 3*
Ideal for fun and relaxation, 86-room Hotel Amba is located in the Hauptbahnhof area of Munich, with easy access to Theresienwiese as well as popular local attractions.
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Asia’s leading hotel booking site Agoda.com features top hotels for Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany