European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 25, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Travei94hotel Deal Many options for Comfort at Low Cost by Susan Sobin finding inexpensive accommodations can be a major Roadblock to european travel., research planning and willingness to Experiment can save Money however. It helps to write ahead for information or if you arrive without reservations to get information from local tourist offices. Often you can save by avoiding Peak holidays or confirming plans far in Advance. Willingness to Experiment is  plus. American embassies italian monasteries and the German government offer bargains a few americans Are aware  example americans can enjoy the same inexpensive vacations that German service members receive from the bund Estehr Sori Alderk Bow. The Bow owns or contracts rooms at 43 establishments in Germany Austria Northern Italy and Switzerland possibilities include an apartment on Sylt picturesque German Peninsula in the danish Border for 16-24 Marks about $10-$15 per person with a communal Kitchen on every floor. Another is an apartment in Platt in the tyrolean Alps for 49-55 Marks $30-$34 per night for two people with a fully equipped Kitchen in k each apartment. But to get these discount rates rooms must be booked in Advance and you must have the proper paperwork when you show up. Booking deadlines Are far in Advance. Reservations Are now being accepted for the Winter season december 1994 through March 1995. The deadline to Book for these months is sept. 1. The deadline to Book for next March and april is nov. 1, you can obtain a German language pamphlet listing Bow facilities and prices at Many military recreation offices. Translation services should be available. If the Center does not have a pamphlet Contact Dave Mattingly Usa eur outdoor recreation Programmer at Dan 370-6413 or 370-6443 to receive a copy in the mail. To make a reservation fill out the within one month. First time phone reservations Are not possible because Bow officials speak limited English. However once your written application is on file further reservations May be made by Telephone or fax. When the request is approved make a Deposit to the Bow Bank account in the same manner you would pay your phone Bill or rent. Refunds for cancellations Are not available except for emergencies like illness or death in the family. Being sent to the Field in t a valid excuse. Reservations cannot be made More than six months in Advance. For help or More information Contact Mattingly. A in Switzerland the a amp a Chain of family hotels offers lodging in Small hotels and guesthouses dormitories and Mountain lodges All Over the country. Accommodations Are simple often the owner will serve you personally. Low season prices Start at 20 francs per person about $14. The rooms Are normally dormitory style without private Shower or toilet. Most of these accommodations Are located in Rural areas. You la pay More for rooms equipped with bathrooms. Proximity to a Large City and booking for Peak tourist season . A a a is amps. Michael Abrans americans can Book rooms a a discount at the Hus Odenwald one of the Holiday hotels operated by the German bund Estehr Sori Alderk. Raise the Cost top a amp a Price is 70 francs per person about $48. Prices usually include breakfast. Most a amp a hotels offer reduced rates for children. Contact the Swiss National tourist Board for a pamphlet listing hotels and phone numbers. For More details an a amp a guide 200 Ein Fache hotels "200 simple hotels quo which has Over 100 excursion ideas for Switzerland includes hotel English language form and mail it to Bow in Bonn. You should receive confirmation this Bow also offers rooms at this 78-bed Lodge on Germany s Sylt Peninsula. Information in English. The Book is available in Cerman bookstores. To Reserve a room you Contact the hotels directly. The booking is confirmed on receipt of a Deposit and accommodations Are guaranteed for the night. Changes in bookings can be made up to three  the arrival Date. To receive a refund bookings must be cancelled 14 Days before the arrival Date. A. A a \. A if you arrive in Italy without reservations the tourist information offices  Many train stations will find you a hotel in the Price Range you specify. They charge a nominal fee. Arrive As Early in the Day As possible lines Are Long during tourist season. The rooms Are normally comfortable and Well maintained. The hotels Are situated in Safe parts of town a usually near tourist attractions. / As in other european countries the rate you pay depends on the plumbing. Rooms with showers Are cheaper than those with private Baths. / travel writer Arthur Frommer strongly recommends reserving a room before you arrive in Italy especially in Peak seasons. Check any of his budget travel guides for lists of hotel addresses and prices. You can obtain them in Many base libraries and bookstores in Rome and Venice Frommer lists double rooms that Start at 50,00.0 36 travel 94 mqy25,1994