Hotel Kronenschlösschen

This is just an outstanding place, with many quirks but they add to the charme - it's a 19th century chateau right by the Rhine (not on the levee; nothing is, the Rhine can be fierce), and it is very much a boutique chateau hotel. The place is famous as a two-star Michelin restaurant, but we went Monday-Wednesday when it's closed (but you can still get wine on the terrace etc.), which meant much more quietude, and it was great. Key for the experience was that we had the Tower Suite, their prime room, which has historical value - the German Constitution was discussed here shortly after WWII by the key party leaders. The bathroom is fine, the bedroom a bit low-ceilinged and dark, but the actual Tower Suite is great. It's a real space. Some constructive criticism: It's a consciously non-hip historical property, but in 2023, I think a Nespresso machine or at least a kettle is a must. In this suite, there shouldn't be random books, but at least a copy of the Constitution and a picture of Adenauer, Heuss and Carlo Schmid. To have the jacuzzi not work and not tell this in advance is so-so. And for a 400+ suite, I would as usual throw the breakfast in... But we really liked the wine selection (and the free carafe in the room); parking is great; and the staff was truly friendly and courteous. There is no elevator; the speed road goes right by between river and house (but that is the Hessian politicians' fault); and there is no pool or gym. But that one knows in advance and it's not a problem. So altogether, a very strong recommendation, especially for that suite. It's a significant, truly charming, almost otherworldly place, and if you like this - and in one of the loveliest regions of Germany - it's just a fantastic place.

We recently returned from two nights in a superior double room at the Hotel Kronenschlosschen. Having escaped from a really poor hotel elsewhere, this place felt like heaven, particularly as we sampled the food first. That lunch, on the terrace overlooking the glorious garden, convinced us that this was the hotel for us and luckily they had space. What they forgot to tell us was that they had two wedding receptions on the Saturday night and because of staff issues could not carry out ordinary restaurant service. However, wonderfully, we were able to eat from the menu of one of the weddings and outstandingly tasty and attractively presented that food was. We expected a lot of noise from the parties (as per an English wedding) but both were restrained events that allowed us to sleep peacefully. Our room, 25 on the second floor, was charming, comfortable and most importantly and unlike our previous hotel, had a fan, making sleep possible. No A/C because of the age of the building, which was in itself a lovely feature, particularly the carved wooden staircase (no lift). My husband particularly enjoyed the 'Olympic quantity' of sherry supplied and re-filled in our room. All staff we encountered were friendly, helpful and charming, speaking excellent English. Apart from lack of air conditioning, the only other downside to this lovely hotel is the main road running alongside. We could hear the swish of traffic at night with windows open but it did not disturb us. We would definitely stay here again if in the area.