Fans face hotel penalty prices
(China Daily)
Updated: 2006-01-11 06:16

Nevertheless, a search for a twin room for the weekend of Germany's opener in Munich found only one hotel in Augsburg, 60 kilometres (37 miles) from the stadium, and one in Munich city centre, for a minimum five-night stay at a total of 2,175 euros.

The spokeswoman said more offers were likely to emerge and hotels might not require minimum stays as block bookings became clearer.

Miles said many English fans at Euro 2004 in Portugal had taken advantage of reasonably priced package tours to the southern Algarve coast and just headed up north for matches.

For the German tournament low-cost carriers and charter flights will bring in fans just for the day or for a single night at most.

"You will find that fans can be creative," Miles said. "I've heard from some who are planning to stay in Amsterdam for the match in Cologne. It's not that far away."

Big screen

For the Dutch themselves that is not an option.

Although the Netherlands borders Germany in the north, Leipzig, Stuttgart and Frankfurt, where the Dutch team play their group matches, are many hours away. The Oranje supporters' club describes hotel prices as ridiculous.

"Some fans will certainly try to drive there and back, even though it is about six hours to Leipzig," said club chief Lloyd Vandenberg. "But I think as the date gets closer some people will just pay those prices anyway as they are so keen to go."

Many price-conscious Dutch are expected to camp and a small Dutch firm has already reserved plots close to the three cities, each sleeping up to 2,000 people and offering a big screen on which to watch matches.

"Dutch people love to camp and they all have caravans," said Jeroen Toonen, the project co-ordinator. "The campsites are in the middle of nowhere where you'll be able to make some noise."

Four days in a tent costs 165 euros per person.

For the price-conscious fan, German youth hostels say they still have places. Campsites will also be set up across the country.

Munich siteowners in particular say they will not be fazed by drunken fans as the city hosts millions during the Oktoberfest beer festival.

The 600-square metre "The Tent" will be filled with backpackers while "WM Camp", near the old Olympic stadium, will offer a little more privacy at among the lowest rates in the city - four-person tents at 50 euros each per night.

(China Daily 01/11/2006 page15)