EUROPE -- JUNE 2001
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The area around Thionville is somewhat industrial. The closer we got to the Alsace region the more interesting the scenery.
We traveled two hours from Thionville to Ottrott where we were to stay.  Ottrott is a charming, small town along the wine route, limited in facilities, bordering Obernai which has banks, a post office, restaurants, shops, etc.  We stayed at L'Ami Fritz for five nights, the first night in a two-room accommodation (#220) as that was all that was available when I made the reservation.  The first room was quite large with two twin beds, a sleep-sofa and a small table and chair.  The bedroom also was a decent size with twin beds.  The bathroom was modern with a tub/shower.  For three people it was 810 francs. Breakfast was an additional 60 francs per person.  Parking was free.  The hotel was more than I'd hoped for.  

The second day we moved -- one single and one double room.  Each us of had an opportunity to have a single room at some point in the trip.  The double room (#105, 480 francs) was also a good size with a separate room for the shower and sink, and another room for the toilet, all en suite.  There were two large armoires with an adequate number of hangers and shelves.  Especially pleasing about the room was the use of fabric, wood and wallpaper.  It is possible to block out all light from the outside using both the drapes and grates over the windows.  We found the same type of grate at a hotel in Italy a couple of years ago -- I've never seen one used back home, but I'd like one for my bedroom.  Again, we found wonderful recessed lighting, good mattresses and pillows, great showers, hairdryers, mini-bar, and a nice view overlooking the hotel's garden.  They did not allow smoking in the breakfast room -- finally, a smokeless meal!  Toiletries consisted of bath/shower gel and tiny bars of soap.  It was the same in Brugge.  Were these small bottles of gel supposed to double as shampoo? Breakfast was extensive and similar to what was served at our hotel in Brugge, except that the orange juice was not fresh.   www.amifritz.com

L'Ami Fritz