the camera

I still had the Olympus C-5050 from 2003.  For this trip bought a 1 gig Sandisk CompactFlash at costco for the camera.  I discovered a 'new' setting of 3200x2400 pixels, and this card held around 200 pictures even at that setting.  I also bought a Sandisk Imagemate 12 in 1 cardreader - it needs no drivers and is much faster than the old Olympus MAUSB-10.  I took around 800 pictures, but my keep to toss ratio was not nearly as good as the 2003 Europe trip.

the train

We bought Eurail Selectpass Saver passes for $1158 for the 4 of us - 6 days, 4 countries, a bargain.  It was great not having to drive or worry about parking or navigating.  I spent train rides uploading pictures and keeping a journal on the laptop, and drinking beer.  We rented a van in Füssen.  While I don't regret driving in 2003 (much), this trip would have been crazy to drive.

the hotels

Hotel Locanda Al Leon

Why? Only hotel near San Marco in Rick Steve's book with air conditioning and quad rooms. New - not in Rick's 2003 book.  Check web site for current last minute deals.

June 19-22 €190 for a quad with private bath, a/c, and breakfast - cash only deal.  
July 5-6 €99 for double with private bath, a/c, and breakfast - cash only deal.  
July 5-6 €130 for an apartment - about a 5-7 minute walk from the hotel with private bath, a/c, and breakfast - cash only deal.  

Would I go back? Yes.

Pluses:
Excellent location, beautiful new interior. Street noise was a minor issue until 10pm or so, but nothing serious.  Friendly staff / owners

Minuses:
No elevator.  Lots of people complained on the internet about the size of the breakfast room - they obviously have nothing better to complain about.

Hotel Trumer Stube

Altstadt-Hotel Zum Hechten

Why? Only hotel in Rick Steve's book with quad rooms and availability.  

I didn't realize it until we returned, but the rates charged were slightly higher than in Rick's book.
€84 for double with private bath - book says €80
€116 for quad with private bath - book says €112

Would I go back? Yes.

Pluses:
Mr Tramp went WAY above and beyond to arrange a rental van for us - he had the keys when we got there, he drove me to pick it up, we paid him for it.  Rooms were HUGE, even by US standards. Restaurant and breakfast were both fantastic.  Did not hear the church bells mentioned in Rick's book at night.  Friendly staff / owners

Minuses:
I don't think they had A/C - don't recall for sure.  It wasn't a problem if they didn't.

Haus Monch

Why? Cheapest, perhaps only hotel with quad rooms and availability.

Would I go back? Only if I couldn't get anything else.

Pluses:
Good views - not great.  Breakfast was good.  All hotels in Mürren give you access to the recreation center, with an indoor pool.

Minuses:
Room was tiny and cramped, even by European standards.  Shower took an unbelievable full 5 minutes to get hot.  The main hotel didn't appear to have anyone in it, and they stuck us in the 'rustic' lodge anyway - perhaps only because we mentioned Rick's book.  No elevator.  Go to the Hotel Alpina instead, where Kent's family stayed.

Hotel Helvetia

Why? Only reasonably priced hotel near Cinque Terre with quad rooms and a/c.

€135 for a double with private bath and breakfast  Double room was the same size as the quad!
€190  for a quad with private bath and breakfast

Would I go back? Yes.

Pluses:
Every room has a sea view.  Gorgeous.  Breakfast was great.  Friendly staff / owners

Minuses:
?

Hotel Maxim Firenze