Editor’s note: We’ve updated this post with current information.
Dust off your traditional Bavarian dirndl and lederhosen because Oktoberfest kicks off in Munich on Sept. 17. This annual tradition draws millions of visitors and dates back more than 200 years.
If you think it’s too late to plan a trip to Munich, Germany, to enjoy the festivities, that’s not the case. Not only is it not too late, but you might not have to spend any cash on hotels. After all, I found ample hotel award availability for Oktoberfest while writing this story.
Keep in mind that the Oktoberfest festival, known locally as Wiesn, is held at the Theresienwiese and is accessible via public transportation (the U-Bahn and S-Bahn). So, although you might think you should look for hotels near Munich’s Oktoberfest grounds, you don’t need to stay in any particular part of the city. Instead, you just need to be near a U-Bahn or S-Bahn stop.
Oktoberfest runs from Sept.17 to Oct. 3, this year. But, if you prefer reduced crowds and a slightly toned-down atmosphere, weekdays may be more enjoyable than weekends. And you may want to visit on Tuesday if you have children, as some rides and snack bars offer special prices for families between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Here are five good hotel options in Munich that still had Oktoberfest availability when I wrote this story.
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Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor
The Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor has spotty availability during Oktoberfest for 23,000 World of Hyatt points per night. (Note: Hyatt’s points calendar shows the rate even if there’s no availability).
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If you can find availability, the award price is much easier to swallow than the 683 euro (about $678) selling price you’ll see on many nights during Oktoberfest.
Award room options consist of two twin beds or one king bed.
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As always, you can make instant point transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to the World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio if you have a card such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. You can also transfer Bilt Rewards instantly to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.
However, before transferring points and booking, check out how you’ll get to Munich’s Oktoberfest grounds. The easiest route is likely to take a tram to the U-Bahn, so make sure you like this idea before you book the Andaz.
Related: Here’s how to quickly stock up on Hyatt points for your next vacation
The Westin Grand Munich
If you want to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points to stay in Munich during Oktoberfest, you’ll find that most Marriott properties have spotty award availability. However, The Westin Grand Munich showed availability on many nights during Oktoberfest when I wrote this article.
You can redeem 40,000 points per night on many Oktoberfest dates to book a deluxe room with one queen bed, one king bed or two single beds.
As such, this could be the perfect time to top off a 35,000-point free night award from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card or Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card with 5,000 extra points.
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When I wrote this article, I even found award availability for a five-night stay from Sept. 25, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2022, for 160,000 points after a fifth night free.
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Although the property is not within walking distance of the Oktoberfest grounds, you can take the U-Bahn between the hotel and the Theresienwiese.
Related: 17 ways to earn lots of Marriott Bonvoy points
Hampton by Hilton Munich City West
If you want to redeem Hilton points to partake in all things beer and pretzel, the Hampton by Hilton Munich City West is a great balance of price and location at 50,000 Hilton points per night on some dates. I recommend using the flexible date calendar to spot available dates when you’re ready to book.
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While writing this story, I even found a five-night stay bookable for 200,000 Hilton points after a fifth night free if you have Hilton Honors elite status (despite some of these nights showing as sold out for a one-night award stay above).
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The Hampton by Hilton Munich City West is about a 26-minute walk from Munich’s Oktoberfest grounds. But, you can take a tram to slightly shorten your journey.
If availability dries up at the Hampton by Hilton Munich City West, you may find better availability during Oktoberfest at the Hilton Munich Park and Hilton Munich City. Both properties cost 70,000 points per night on some Oktoberfest dates, so this could be a great time to burn one or more Hilton free night certificates.
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Additionally, you may want to consider the Hilton Garden Inn Munich City West. The Hilton Garden Inn is colocated with the Hampton by Hilton and bookable for 50,000 points per night on some Oktoberfest dates.
Related: 16 best ways to earn more Hilton Honors points
H+ Muenchen
If you want to stay within walking distance of Munich’s Oktoberfest grounds without spending a ton of points, redeeming Wyndham Rewards points for a stay at H+ Muenchen may be right for you. If you can find availability, you’ll only need to part with 15,000 Wyndham points per night.
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The rooms are relatively basic at the H+ Muenchen, which is part of the Trademark Collection by Wyndham. But reviews are good, and you’ll be located perfectly between the Theresienwiese and Karlsplatz.
If this hotel is fully booked for your dates and you still want to redeem Wyndham points, you’ll find several other hotels conveniently located near S-Bahn and U-Bahn stops that you can book for 15,000 or 30,000 Wyndham points per night.
Related: 17 ways to earn Wyndham Rewards points for your next redemption
Sure Hotel by Best Western Muenchen Hauptbahnhof
If you want to redeem Best Western Rewards points for your Oktoberfest stay, consider staying at the Sure Hotel by Best Western Muenchen Hauptbahnhof. This hotel is near Munich’s main train station and is about a 20-minute walk from the Theresienwiese.
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The Sure Hotel by Best Western Muenchen Hauptbahnhof was available on points most nights during Oktoberfest when I wrote this story. However, the nightly rate ranged from 40,000 to 70,000 points.
Related: Your ultimate guide to Best Western Rewards
Bottom line
It can easily cost thousands of dollars to plan a trip to Oktoberfest, but it can also just cost you the points you already have in your accounts — even at this relatively close-in date.
Check to see what’s available with your favorite hotel loyalty programs, and be sure to use flexible date calendars to find space if you have flexibility in your schedule.
Use the work we did as a jumping-off point to lock in a hotel. Then book award flights to Europe and start planning your adventure. Speaking of which, check out this episode of the Miles Away podcast if you are interested in attending Oktoberfest.
Additional reporting by Katie Genter.
Featured photo by Nikada/Getty Images.
