Dusseldorf

[Isochronous]

Has anyone been here who can provide comments? Am having problems getting availability to BUD on the dates I want, but CX seems to have good award availability here (including in F) and the place has a Hyatt, so a DSU would be well used.

 

[Mark3000]

We found the same thing, good availability for 4 x J on CX
We are going there in June
Can I ask though, pardon my ignorance, what's a DSU?

 

[TonyHancock]

Can I ask though, pardon my ignorance, what's a DSU?

Diamond Suite Upgrade?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Budapest is one of those cities where a chain hotel might not add to the experience - you could be anywhere. Hotels like the Gellert offer a slice of history.

 

[Isochronous]

Budapest is one of those cities where a chain hotel might not add to the experience - you could be anywhere. Hotels like the Gellert offer a slice of history.

Agreed - in Riga I stayed at the Grand Palace and had a magnificent time. I also have fond memories of dining at Hotel Telegraaf in Tallinn - if I don't rent an apartment next time I go there, I would definitely stay there.

 

[Mattg]

I'm not sure I quite understand the question - are you asking about the city of Dusseldorf itself?

I can't say I'm a big fan of Dusseldorf, but as a starting point in Europe it's not too bad. It's an airberlin hub and has good connections elsewhere in Europe by train and from CGN Airport nearby as well. If Budapest is your final destination, you could easily pick up a cheap Eurowings flight from Dusseldorf (or plenty of other one-stop options).

 

[dmitri]

I flew CX J HKG-DUS return in Jan/Feb this year. Spent 2 days in DUS, not too much to do but I got a cracking pork knuckle. I only went to DUS because CX had J award tickets available, and it had a good choice of inter-europe flights to get us to Copenhagen.

 

[amaroo]

Been twice however, I've only seen the inside of massive exhibition halls and restaurants serving huge pork knuckle and beer

 

[kermatu]

I have been once and agree with Mattg - it's not the best city but was quite OK. Stayed about 3 days, easy pace, friendly people. I stayed at the Hyatt Regency and it's one of the best hotels (of it's category) I have ever stayed in. Top notch service, lovely staff (I'm still in contact with a couple of the exec lounge staff 18 months later, saw one of them when she came on holiday to Australia last year). As an entry point and decent place to stay a couple of nights - not a bad choice in my opinion.

 

[Isochronous]

So 3 nights would be more than adequate to see DUS.

Am wondering if I should to a day trip to Cologne before flying out, or if I should go straight from DUS airport and stay in Cologne instead. Incidentally for my dates the Cologne Hyatt appears to be cheaper.

 

[Foreigner]

Cologne is just 20 min. away by regional / ICE train. It's well-known attraction is the cathedral. I would say stay there.

 

[marki]

So 3 nights would be more than adequate to see DUS.

Am wondering if I should to a day trip to Cologne before flying out, or if I should go straight from DUS airport and stay in Cologne instead. Incidentally for my dates the Cologne Hyatt appears to be cheaper.

Nice problems to have 1+

 

[Isochronous]

Cologne is just 20 min. away by regional / ICE train. It's well-known attraction is the cathedral. I would say stay there.

Also depends on which Hyatt has the better suites and Diamond treatment, since I intend to use DSU.

How do train tickets compare to cost of hiring a car?

 

[Mattg]

Also depends on which Hyatt has the better suites and Diamond treatment, since I intend to use DSU.

How do train tickets compare to cost of hiring a car?

From memory the train costs around 15 Euros for a return/day ticket. Cheaper than hiring a car, and the trains are frequent and comfortable.

 

[Isochronous]

From memory the train costs around 15 Euros for a return/day ticket. Cheaper than hiring a car, and the trains are frequent and comfortable.

That probably stacks up even if you have 2 people traveling. What's the train like with luggage?

 

[Mattg]

That probably stacks up even if you have 2 people traveling. What's the train like with luggage?

From memory, most carriages have luggage racks and/or overhead compartments to store bags. I've travelled by train from Dusseldorf to Cologne with luggage before and don't remember having any difficulties whatsoever.

 

[Isochronous]

Overhead compartments don't deal with airline checked baggage size though - is there a checked service.

Also is there an F class on the train that's worth it? I did that one from VIE to ZRH on the overnight and the cabin I had was marvelous.

 

[Mattg]

Overhead compartments don't deal with airline checked baggage size though - is there a checked service.

Also is there an F class on the train that's worth it? I did that one from VIE to ZRH on the overnight and the cabin I had was marvelous.

I don't think there is a checked service, as they are mostly regional trains and S-Bahn services. Not sure about on the ICE trains, but if you are on one of those then I suppose checked baggage would be possible (and 1st class may be worth the extra money then).

(The trip is less than an hour.) There is a 1st class, but I wouldn't really consider it worth it. It's literally just the same seats with an added small table in a private section at the front or back of the train.

Perhaps have a look into this? https://www.bahn.com/i/view/USA/en/prices/luggage/courier-luggage-service.shtml

 

[Foreigner]

The ICE trains are very fast, comfortable and clean. My first class experience. Seats are reserved. The local, regional trains are so-so. Sydney suburban trains are better.

 

[kermatu]

I did Cologne in a day trip from DUS with time to spare (saw a couple of niche museums, walked along the river, went up the KolnTriangle building). I found Dusseldorf a little more interesting - but that may be as I had been to Cologne before and just found the area around the Cathedral too touristy.

I travelled down on an ICE train but came back on a regional S train. Not much of a time difference and for such a short journey I wouldn't be fussed. But if travelling with luggage that is different.

Cities are so close you can see both very easily. Makes sense to make a call based on the better hotel deal.