Oktoberfest in Helen GA

We are planning to visit Helen the last week of October. Our visit is scheduled for Monday thru Thurs..Will we find things overly hectic due to the Oktoberfest or is that merely a weekend problem? Our stay is scheduled for the Comfort Inn in Helen and there have been very few reviews. The last one was very negative (dirty and unkept place?) Has anyone had a positive experience at the place lately? We are tied to Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn etc.); perhaps a nearby town with one of their units would be better? Our last option is the Best Western in Helen. Hate to drive all the way from Louisiana only to stay in a dirty property or use an alternate chain without our special discount. Finally, anyone have input on the train excursion trips from Blue Ridge? I realize this is away in the future, but we%26#39;re planning a full month of travel and need to finalize details. Thanks for any input.

Oktoberfest in Helen GA

We%26#39;ve staying in Dahlonega not Helen when we%26#39;re in that area. However, my husband and daughter went up there for a dad/daughter weekend and stayed at the Country Inn %26amp; Suites and they said it was really very nice. The weekends are very very busy in October so you%26#39;re smart for going during the week. It%26#39;s not too early to get your hotel set up now. They%26#39;ll be sold out soon. We%26#39;ve never done the train excursion through the mountains although we%26#39;ve discussed it several times. We go up to Helen every summer to take the kids tubing down the river. It%26#39;s so much fun for only about $5. per person. I don%26#39;t recommend tubing in late October but you%26#39;ll love the leave colors. Have a wonderful trip.

Oktoberfest in Helen GA

Hello Freetoroam-My husband and I spend many weekends a year in Helen as it is only a two hour drive and it still manages to make us feel like we are away on vacation.

Basically the Comfort Inn is ok, but you would be much better off with Clarion Inn and Suites or the Hampton Inn. I strongly recommend that you make your reservations now for wherever you end up choosing.

Have you considered a cabin rental ? There will most likely be a three night minimum stay required due to Octoberfest, and you have that covered.

I can give LOTS of cabin recommendations if you are interested.

As far as traffic goes for Octoberfest, Monday will only be a problem if you are arriving between 4pm and 7pm. There will be lots of slow moving traffic due to dinner hour and lots of people looking for restaurants for dinner.

Have not been on the train ride at Blue Ridge, but it is generally rumored to be a bit boring. The only time it is recommended is in October to see the leaves changing colors.

Just let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks so much for your input. For the past 47 years my wife and I celebrate our wedding anniversary with an October trip. Our honeymoon trip was to Chattanooga in October 1959, and we thought nearby Helen would be an ideal spot. As retirees we%26#39;re now traveling more but spending less on hotels, when possible. The Comfort Inns and Quality Inns, as part of the Choice Hotel Group, have always been very nice and within our budget. But, I%26#39;ve found some reviews that suggest it(Comfort Inn Helen) is old, dirty, and in an unsightly neighborhood next to an abondoned mini waterpark? I hope not, as we%26#39;re at an age when we no longer take long driving trips in the future for granted. My wife%26#39;s health is a potential future problem. Finally, if we need to change to another hotel, I%26#39;m concerned our options may be either too pricey or ';sold out'; because of Oktoberfest. Thanks again for your helpful input.

Again let me say that my husband and daughter said that Country Inn %26amp; Suites was very nice and right in Helen. Enjoy whereever you choose to stay.