Oktoberfest is underway in Munich. Six million guests are expected to attend the German festival this year, which means hotels are pretty packed. To accommodate visitors, one Munich man has created a "beer tent" in his backyard for people to stay in during the festival.
Munich's 2012 Oktoberfest started on September 22 and continues through October 7. The 16-day festival celebrates good food, good beer and German culture. Millions of people from the United States, the UK, Asia, Australia and more will flock to Munich for the fun festival.
More people than ever are headed to the festival this year. As so many people are expected to attend, hotels have filled up and the prices have risen. Some hotel prices have gone up 850 percent during the festival period, so it is difficult for visitors to find a place to stay at a reasonable price.
Home rental site http://www.wimdu.co.uk has seen a particular jump in British guests who are booking accommodation for Oktoberfest this year. There is a 20 percent increase from last year. To help travelers looking for a place to stay and a good deal, and to cash in on the local event, a Munich Wimdu host has created a unique concept.
Stefan Schmidt has created the 'Oktobertent' for guests to stay in. The two-person tent in his backyard is made from over 500 beer bottles. It includes two sleeping bags, a flashlight and guests are provided with slippers. Guests can use Schmidt's bathroom in his home during their stay.
Since there is a high demand for accommodations during the festival, Schmidt thought his 'Oktobertent' would be the perfect alternative, especially since he's just 10 minutes away from the main events of Oktoberfest. His beer tent accommodations provide 'Oktoberguests' with easy access to the festival.
"The spare rooms in my house were already booked out but I know how difficult it can be to get somewhere to stay, so I thought this could help people who were struggling to find something," Schmidt told Wimdu.
"Renting out the tent on Wimdu is a great way to get additional income but more importantly, it's a nice way to meet new people. I know I'll certainly be having a couple of beers with my guests!" he continues.
Schmidt only asks that guests keep the noise down at night.
Founder and Wimdu CEO Arne Bleckwenn states: "The idea is great. Nowhere else can you experience the intense feeling of Oktoberfest as much as here. Through Wimdu, not only can you experience the real Munich but you can have a unique stay like no other."
Schmidt's 'Oktobertent' is available to rent for £96 ($155) a night. It can be booked by clicking here: https://www.wimdu.co.uk/offers/5BJ5QW84
Schmidt isn't the only Wimdu user who found a creative way to cash in on a big local event. During the 2012 Olympics in London, a cab driver turned his taxi into a hotel room.
