Oktoberfest b'day

We are planning a birtday celebration in honor of our son%26#39;s 30th at Oktoberfest. We travel to Europe regularly but usually try to avoid the major tourist events. What caveats can you offer? The group will be 4 parental types (mom, dad, aunt, uncle), the birthday boy, his girlfriend and 2 mid-20s guy cousins. We plan for a week in Germany. How many days should we allow for Oktoberfest? Suggestions for B%26amp;B type inns in Munich area? How would you rate flying into Frankfurt (usually cheaper) and driving or training to Munich or flying directly to Munich? Friends in Germany can arrange for beer hall admissions.

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I recommend doing Oktoberfest every other day. And after the first day, be sure to plan an easy day of basically just bumming around town. Those litres of beer will not be so much fun the next day so you won%26#39;t want to plan any large events or big travel things. A walking tour of the city and churches will be a great way to enjoy the city on the second day and allow some recovery.

We have friends that always fly into Frankfurt because it%26#39;s a direct flight from Portland here. But, we prefer to fly to Munich because it%26#39;s a smaller airport so customs is easier coming and going and that train ride to get to %26amp; from Frankfurt is mentally draining. We did it once and unless it was a huge difference in fares, we wouldn%26#39;t do it again.

Getting into the beer halls isn%26#39;t usually the problem, especially if you go early enough. It%26#39;s getting seats. They need to be getting you reservations during peak hours, if that%26#39;s when you are planning to go.

We%26#39;ve never stayed at a B%26amp;B during Oktoberfest - we always stay at the Sheraton hotels because of the great rates they offer Starwood and AAA members. I think the first year we paid under 100Euros - 1/3 of what our friends paid and then last year we paid under 150E for the Grand - 1/2 what our friends paid. It%26#39;s a 5 to 10 minute train ride to the grounds with a Paulaner beer garden on site, a grocery store across the street, and the subway line right next to that.

Have a great trip!!