Germany (Lonely Planet, 6th Edition) - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [488]
SCHLOSS BENRATH
Elector Carl Theodor was a man of deep pockets and good taste, as reflected in his exquisite pleasure palace and gardens ( 899 3832; www.schloss-benrath.de; Benrather Schlossallee 104; 10am-6pm Tue-Sun mid-Apr–Oct, 11am-5pm Nov–mid-Apr), where he came to relax and frolic. Designed by Frenchman Nicolas de Pigage, the three-winged palace centres on the Corps de Logis (adult/concession €7/5), the former residential tract, where tours (in German) offer a glimpse of the elector’s lifestyle. The other wings contain an old-school natural history museum (adult/concession €5/3) and a vaguely interesting museum of European garden history (adult/concession €5/3).
The complex is about 10km south of the city centre and reached by tram 701 from Jan-Wellem-Platz (near Altstadt and Kö) in about 30 minutes.
Return to beginning of chapter
Tours
The tourist offices operate a variety of tours, many in English. The most popular is the 90-minute combined walking and boat tour of the Altstadt and the Medienhafen, offered daily at 2.30pm between April and mid-October (adult/child €10/5). Departure point is the Altstadt tourist office (Click here).
Return to beginning of chapter
Sleeping
Düsseldorf’s hotels cater primarily for the business brigade, which explains soaring prices during big trade shows held not only here but as far away as Cologne and Essen. On the bright side, bargains abound at weekends and in summer. Prices quoted here are applicable outside trade-show times. Rooms can be booked online at www.duesseldorf-tourismus.de or in person at the tourist offices Click here.
BUDGET
Backpackers Düsseldorf ( 302 0848; www.backpackers-duesseldorf.de; Fürstenwall 180; dm €22, incl linen, towel & breakfast; ) Düsseldorf’s adorable indie hostel sleeps 45 in clean four- to six-bed dorms outfitted with individual backpack-sized lockers. It’s a low-key place with a homely kitchen and a relaxed lounge where cultural and language barriers melt quickly. The reception is generally staffed from 8am to 9pm.
DJH hostel ( 557 310; www.duesseldorf.jugendherberge.de; Düsseldorfer Strasse 1; dm/s/tw €25/42/62; ) Offering fine views of the Altstadt across the Rhine, this contender has emerged from a major revamp and scores high for cleanliness, security, location and comforts. Each of the 96 rooms has its own shower and toilet, although party animals will be better placed at Backpackers.
Hotel Berial ( 490 0490; www.hotel-berial.de; Gartenstrasse 30; s/d from €40/60; ) This well-kept property is a fine choice for wallet-watching nomads who have outgrown hostels. Room decor is nothing to write home about, but all the expected comforts and amenities, including free wi-fi, are here. The Hofgarten is a couple of minutes away – perfect for jogging off your jet lag.
Hotel Alt-Düsseldorf ( 133 604; www.alt-duesseldorf.de; Hunsrückenstrasse 11; s €50-115, d €70-160; ) If you’re happy to trade generic-ness for centrality, this family-run hotel should do in a snap. It’s a small, good-value place where days start with a big breakfast buffet served in sun-yellow surroundings.
MIDRANGE & TOP END
Max Hotel Garni ( 386 800; www.max-hotelgarni.de; Adersstrasse 65; s/d/tr €70/82/99; ) Upbeat, contemporary and run with personal flair, this charmer is one of our Düsseldorf favourites. The 11 rooms are good-sized and decked out in bright hues and warm woods. Rates include coffee, tea, soft drinks and a regional public transport pass. The reception isn’t always staffed, so call ahead to arrange an arrival time.
Sir & Lady Astor ( 173 370; www.sir-astor.de; Kurfürstenstrasse 18 & 23;