FAQ - Oktoberfest Packages

1. Is the itinerary mandatory or can we do what we want?

Our itineraries are merely examples of activities we recommend while in Munich and some that our past guests have enjoyed. We will gather as a group only for the Welcome Drink and Oktoberfest Tent Reservations. The remainder of your time is free for you to explore as you please.

2. What's included with a Spyglass Tours Oktoberfest Package?

Each package includes Oktoberfest Tent Reservations (1 or 2 per person depending on length of stay), Hotel Accommodations, Transit Pass, Welcome Drink, Breakfast Buffet, Wi-Fi, and an optional Orientation Tour.

3. When will we know where our Oktoberfest Reservation will be held?

You will receive an email announcing Tent Reservation times and dates during the first week of August, after we have closed sales for the season. This allows us to ensure large groups and families are placed together, without confusion.

4. Should we dress in traditional costumes? Or will we feel foolish?

You should absolutely dress in Trachten for Oktoberfest. You will not feel foolish at all; you may actually feel more at ease. Decent Trachten is expensive, but there is no need to feel obligated to buy it for a one-time appearance. You can rent some locally here: Lederhosenverleih.de

If dressing in traditional German costumes cramps your style, jeans and a t-shirt, or whatever you're comfortable in, are perfectly acceptable.

5. Does the package price include airfare?

No. Spyglass travelers arrive in Munich from all over the world, making it impractical to include airfare in our package prices. We will be happy to help you with booking your airfare by using an online consortium such as Orbitz. Airfare is non-refundable, and 100% of the ticket price will be due at time of booking.

6. Do I book sightseeing tours through Spyglass or with local tour operators?

Either way. We will be happy to help you book sightseeing tours and day-trips, or you may book them directly with the tour operator. Our Oktoberfest Packages Optional Excursions page features a list of recommended tours in Munich. Plan to book your tours at least 2 weeks in advance, as some often sell out during Oktoberfest.

7. Can we purchase additional Oktoberfest Tent Reservations?

Additional reservations are subject to availability. Any extras will be offered to current Spyglass Travelers on a first-come first-serve basis. One reservation is included with each 3 or 4-night package, 2 reservations are included with each 7+ night package.

8. Do we have to stay with our group?

No. Oktoberfest is an event, not a group tour. You are staying in the same hotel as other Spyglass guests, and you will be seated together for Oktoberfest Reservations, but you are not required to stay together for any reason.

9. Is the Welcome Drink important or mandatory?

The Welcome Drink on arrival day is very important. You will need to meet the Tour Manager in order to receive your trip packet with essential documents. It is also a fun way to meet your fellow travelers and break the ice. If you are unable to meet the Tour Manager for any reason, we ask that you make alternative arrangements in advance.

10. What does the term "preferred name" mean?

We like to get to know our guests on a first-name basis. If your legal name is Charles but your friends call you Chuck, then write Chuck in the preferred name blank on the booking form and liability waiver. Your hotel reservation, however, will be listed under the name on your passport.

11. Why doesn't Spyglass include more sightseeing tours and extra activities?

We are not a "hand holding" tour operation. We do not dictate your every move because we do not expect each person in the group to want to see the same sights as everyone else. All individuals have their own unique perspective of the ideal vacation, and we will not take that away from anyone. We are present to help you in any way possible, but ultimately you are in charge of your own experience.

12. Will you meet us at the hotel and guide us to Oktoberfest for our reservation?

No. Your Oktoberfest Tent Reservation is a group activity, but not everyone in the group will want to leave the hotel at the same time. Some will be out on sightseeing tours while others will already be at the festival grounds.

13. Do you work with Travel Agents?

Yes, but the rates we have posted on the website are "Net" rates. In order to keep our prices low we cannot offer a commission on these packages. You are welcome to add a booking fee if desired.

14. Do you provide airport transfers?

Transfers from Munich’s Franz-Josef-Strauss Airport (MUC) are available upon request, but are not included. For more information, please see the Booking Details page.

15. Is Oktoberfest within walking distance of the hotel?

Yes. The Oktoberfest grounds are an easy 10 to 15 minute walk through a quiet residential neighborhood. Depending on your pace and the amount of beer you have consumed, it may take a bit longer.

16. How much is entrance to the Oktoberfest?

Entry to the Oktoberfest is FREE. You may walk around the grounds as much as you like at no charge, but you will need cash (in Euros) for everything you plan to do - from eating, drinking and tipping your server to carnival rides, attractions and souvenirs.

17. Do I need a Reservation to enter the tents?

No, reservations are not required to enter the Oktoberfest tents. Each tent has an area that is never reserved, but these seats tend to fill up quickly. Arrive early to claim your spot for the day.

18. Why do I need a Reservation?

Although reservations are not required, having one gives you an assigned seat in a designated area with a dedicated server. Your service will be more reliable and there will be some type of food and refreshments included.

19. How much does a Reservation cost?

Reservations are not free. The price varies among tents and depends on what type of reservation the tent offers. These reservations must be acquired, confirmed, and purchased in advance.

20. Can the three of us share a room?

Unfortunately the hotel we prefer to use does not have triple rooms. To comply with fire codes, they only allow 2 adults per room, the only exception being a child under age 12.

21. Why do I need to pay a single supplement? I will gladly share a room.

We do not place strangers together in the same room. Our pricing is per person based on double occupancy. If you do not have a roommate, the single supplement covers the cost of the other person's share of the room.

22. Will we be bused around Munich?

No. The Hotel is perfectly situated within walking distance of many attractions, and 250 meters from a main transportation hub where you’ll find trams and metros - the best way to get around the city. Our packages include a transit pass for the duration of your stay, and you will be shown how to utilize the city’s efficient transportation system to your advantage.

23. Will someone carry my luggage for me?

No. You must be able to carry your own luggage at all times. The hotel does have a large elevator, but they do not employ luggage handlers. Depending on the type of transfer you choose, you may have to carry your luggage on and off trains, trams, or buses and walk along cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks.

24. Will my young child be allowed in the Oktoberfest?

Absolutely. Oktoberfest is much more than a beer-fest; it’s a fair for the people, complete with family-friendly rides and entertainment. There is even a family-fun-zone especially for the kids. Although the tents are dubbed ‘beer tents’, they serve amazing food, and non-alcoholic beverages can be found throughout. Children are allowed inside the tents until 8:00pm, when the crowds tend to get rowdy.

25. What is the drinking age in Germany? Will my teenager be drinking?

Drinking laws are different in Germany than in America. At 15, a person is allowed to drink beer with their parents, at 16 they are allowed to buy beer on their own, and at 18 they are allowed to buy hard alcohol. We believe in participating in the cultural activities of the country we are visiting, therefore we will not discourage a teenager from joining in the festivities of Oktoberfest. If you do not wish for your teenager to have a beer, perhaps Oktoberfest is not the right festival for them?

26. Where can I wash my dirty laundry?

We recommend a laundry called Wash & Coffee, which is about a 15 minute walk from the hotel or a quick ride on the tram. You can leave your laundry for the staff to wash, or stay to do the washing yourself and have a coffee and snack while you wait. Detergent is included in the price of a wash. Simply pay the cashier for whatever services you require - no coins necessary.

27. Where can I find a midnight snack?

The Hotel lounge is open 24 hours offering snacks and beverages. Around the corner from the hotel is a 24 hour bistro, s’Wirtshaus am Sendlinger Tor, with a large beer garden out front serving German specialties. You will also find many restaurants in Munich remain open until 1 or 2am.

28. Where should I exchange Dollars for Euros?

For the best exchange rate, bring your debit card and use ATMs whenever necessary. You may want to exchange a small amount before leaving home for incidentals upon arrival, but we do not recommend carrying a large sum of cash at any time. There are numerous ATMs in the vicinity of your hotel and the Oktoberfest provides visitors with Geldautomaten as well. Speak with your bank regarding exchange rates and fees before you leave, and be sure to tell them your travel dates so they will not interrupt your service.

29. Will I be able to use my credit cards?

Oktoberfest is primarily cash only. Many shops and restaurants throughout Munich only accept Chip & PIN cards or cash. While some US banks are issuing Chip & PIN cards, most of our credit cards are still magnetic stripe, and will not work in all terminals. Prepaid Chip & PIN debit cards are available for visitors to load cash as Euros while traveling abroad. We recommend being prepared for any situation and carrying enough cash to cover your transaction in the event your card does not work.

30. Where can I find reviews of your business?

The reviews on our website are actual reviews from past guests. We did not make any of them up. Some of them came to us via email and others were on Facebook before Facebook decided to do away with business review pages in order to keep everything in real-time. You can also find reviews of us on Yelp and the BBB. TripAdvisor is popular, but is not the correct platform for this type of business.

31. I want to book additional sight-seeing tours. Which local guides should I go with?

There are several local businesses in Munich that offer many different kinds of day-trips and city tours. It all depends on the type of experience you are looking for. Some popular day-trips are by regional trains while others are by motorcoach. There are guided city tours by bicycle, on foot, or by bus. You can even rent a bike and show yourself around. We cannot recommend any one company over another - they all have their respective differences (and we do not get kick-backs from any of them). Contact us for options and our honest opinions.

32. Do you offer Oktoberfest "tickets" without the hotel accommodations?

We only offer Oktoberfest Packages that include hotel accommodations and tent reservations. The festival is actually free to enter and open to the public. The only "tickets" involved are food and beverage vouchers which usually come with a table reservation. In the event we do not sell out, we may offer extra spaces at our tables to the general public.

Oktoberfest Packages

Packages & Tours for Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany