Kellie Vertetis

As a self-proclaimed wine connoisseur, one of my goals while abroad in Florence last semester was to travel to various wine regions all throughout Europe. However, I didn’t realize this task could be so difficult when it came time to finding places to stay. I planned to take the train at night. So I did not need (nor did I want) to spend my hard earned Euros on multiple overnight stays when I was pretty sure that my head would never hit the pillow. HotelsByDay allowed me to find a great room in one of my favorite areas of Germany, Wiesbaden. Nestled in the heart of Western Germany, Wiesbaden, boasts a rich wine region and an even richer history. I knew it was the perfect place to continue my European wine tour! So I promptly booked my room and packed my bags. When I finally arrived in Wiesbaden at around 8:45 AM, I quickly settled into my hotel and took a short nap before starting my day of exploration. Wiesbaden is truly a place where descriptions fail to do it justice. It's lined with magnificent neoclassical buildings that were rebuilt after WWII. The streets of Wiesbaden look like a painting come to life. It is also one of Europe’s oldest spa towns, with 14 hot baths still in use today. The city lies at the eastern edge of the Rheingau wine region, which is home to some of the best Rieslings and Pinot Noirs. If you find yourself in Europe and really want to take advantage of what Germany has to offer, Wiesbaden is the perfect place to begin from its wine and food to its history and shopping. This city with a small town feel really cannot be beaten. Here are some highlights from my perfect German daycation that was made possible by my day use hotel. Relax from your travels with a dip in some of Wiesbaden’s hot baths: $5.60/hour Are you seeking rest and relaxation? Well you'll find the very highest level of bathing luxury at the Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme in the heart of the Wiesbaden. In homage to the Roman sweat baths, the spa is decorated in the style of a classical thermal bath. The baths even feature pillared spaces and intricate, sophisticated ornamentation. At only $5.60 an hour it may be tempting to spend the entire day in the spa that offers everything from hot stone massages to full packages dedicated to pampering yourself. But you’re going to want to get out of that bath because there is so much more to explore. If you have a Penchant for Pinot Noir, visit Weingut Höhn: Prices vary. The Weingut Höhn is one of the Gold-Standard Wine Bars for the Wiesbaden area. It has excellent cuisine and ingenious views to Rheinhessen. This cozy little, family-owned shack boast some of the best-selected wines of the area. It also serves regional cuisine with real roots in the specific neighborhoods. From classical, medieval-inspired dishes to seasonal favorites, all of them them are perfectly selected to flesh out the character of the served wines. Sit yourself down here on a balmy Summer evening and relax - you won't regret it! But make sure you make reservations in advance because they fill up fast. If Architecture and Art are more your Speed Check out the Kurhaus Wiesbaden! Built in 1907, the neoclassical Kurhaus is now the city’s convention center. Its ornate interior spaces most notably include the main hall. The Kurhaus boasts marble floor, granite columns, Greco-Roman–style statuary and sparkling dome mosaics, and the casino. An ID is required, and men will need a jacket, button-down shirt, and non-sports shoes. Out front, the aptly named Bowling Green is flanked by an elegant, 129m-long colonnade and is opposite to the Hessisches Staatstheater, whose arcade shelters stylish boutiques. Make sure to check out the Spielbank which allows the highest stakes roulette games. Also do some shopping at the surrounding stores. Overall the whole area is truly a sight to behold, and it is the perfect way to end your day!