How to secure an Oktoberfest table reservation

We have been going to the Oktoberfest for ten years now, coming over from the UK for four days, including a weekend. Around three years ago decided we had had enough of getting up at a horrendous time in the morning just to ensure we had a table, after a late night out.

Problem being, despite pacing yourself, by 8pm when everything really is fully going mad you are too damn plastered to really enjoy it! And being absolutely shattered all day is no fun.

So we went though a mission to get a table booked: The last three years we have been successful, from the UK, with a bit of forward planning.

The only tips I can give are:

• Get the fax number of every tent (not just your favourites) off the Oktoberfest website.
  
• Fax every tent in Jan / Feb requesting a table for 10 people (even if you have less). Make sure you say you want an evening table (typically 4.45-5pm until close), You will probably hear nothing from most, but a few (3 or 4) fax back. Those that fax back generally ask you to try again in June on a certain opening date.
  
• Make sure you stick to this date and try again on that day.
  
• Wait by the fax for a response over next few weeks.
  
• They will send you either confirmation, or alternative times on the days you want.
  
• You pay by bank transfer to an account they give, not by credit card.
  
• I suspect it helps if you use a Company letterhead on your fax and if you say its a "corporate" trip, and you are the M.D.
  
• They will send you the tickets, and table details a few weeks before.
  

Also if you go regularly then stay in the same Hotel every year and be nice to the owner, or guy at the desk etc. Our Hotel has also booked us a table for 10, on one evening for the last 3 years running. We only knew we could do this when we were discussing how difficult it is to get a table, and the owner said, dont be daft, we can book one for you!
This year he offered us a table in 2 different tents for the evening on 2 consecutive nights. Im guessing the smaller hotels are probably more inclined to help, cant see the Hiltons of the world being too bothered to put themselves out!

So it can be done with a bit of foresight, even if you arent local.

Hope this helps!
Andy

Wow - that's great advice, thanks. Jan 2008 we'll start faxing!

Hi All,

Moving to Munich in Autumn this year and planning to have a leaving send off in Munich at the Oktoberfest.

Have looked through all the information on this forum (which is brillient and very useful) but looking for some advice.

I've managed to sort out flights and accommodation through a contact at my new employer, however the only thing that is eluding me is sorting out the table reservations and the Oktoberfest, I've spoken to several Munchen Travel Agents and tried to contact the Breweries directly but my pigeon German has let me down so far.

So was planning to post a message asking for assistance from locals on how to arrange a reservation as I believe without this we will be stuffed.

I would be very grateful if someone could let me know the best way to secure reservations as otherwise this company leaving party could be a bit of a damp squib!! There will be approximaltey 15 of us and we would like to get a reservation from 5 p.m. on Friday 26th Sept and 12-00 a.m. onwards on Saturday...

Thanks in advance and look forward to using the forum when I've a native later on this year!!

Gareth

Topics merged by admin

I don't wish to piss on your parade, but the chances of getting table reservations for a Friday or Saturday night are virtually nil. Aim for a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday night and you stand more of a chance.

Yeah, I think you're right. We are following themuzza's advice this year, so far with some success. Looks like we will be OK for Wednesday and Thursday, but the fax replies coming back usually say something like "reservations not possible on Fri/Sat."

I guess it'll be a loooooooooooong day Friday!

No worries, hangovers at work during Oktoberfest are a long-established Munich tradition!