I was looking for a great castle hotel or romantic inn for Sept '03.<BR>Was planning on Auf Shoenberg but they are booked.<BR>What would be your next best choices?

I have not overnighted here, but the location in St. Goar is wonderful for exploring the Rhine Gorge, even better than Auf Sch&ouml;nburg's, because of the ferry across the river here. The view from up top, hard to believe, I know, is better than Sch&ouml;nburgs as well; the view of the Rhine Gorge from the Rheinfels dining room is, well, absolutely breathtaking (Sch&ouml;nburg's dining room has no view.) Also, there's a little shuttle that takes you to/from the hotel up/down the cliffside from the center of St. Goar (no such thing for Auf Sch&ouml;nburg.) If they have room, this may be your best shot.<BR><BR>http://www.castle-hotel-rheinfels.com/

I know it is a Rick Steves recommendation, but we have enjoyed the Kranenturm in Bacharach. It isn't castle, but built into the remaining walls of the city. It is, however, a budget hotel and some people complain about the train going past (very close) but I can't say it ever bothered me. For a nice hike, walk up to the Burg Stahlek (sp?) above the city for a great view and some exercise. Actually, you can probably stay at that castle, but it is a hostel and isn't terribly impressive.

Rheinfels was a great suggestion....unfortunately I checked into it and they are also booked.<BR>Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We are looking for a nice place for a celebration.

We have stayed at both Gutenfels and Liebenstein and we enjoyed both very much just for the experience of staying in a castle. Please be aware that these are only partially restored castles and not palaces. Rheinfels is a huge castle with the hotel taking up only a small portion of the complex which is also a large tourist venue.

Hotel Krone Assmannshausen had availability and looked gorgeous so we have booked there.<BR>Thanks for your help.

MMN,<BR><BR>Regarding Hotel Krone in Assmannshausen...Not sure what your accomdation requirements are (castle hotel or romantic inn), but the Krone is very large. It seems to take up about half of Assmannshausen (of course Assmannshausen is not very big).<BR><BR>While staying at the Hotel Post this past May, we walked by the Krone one afternoon. On their &quot;veranda&quot;, a couple were being served drinks by a waiter in a tuxedo. Not my idea of a hotel I would be interested in. It's all according to taste. <BR><BR> We opted more for a feel of the area. I don't think the Krone would compare to a couple of other hotels in town in that respect.<BR><BR>Again, it's all according to taste.<BR><BR>Dick

We spent 4 nights along the Rhine last September.<BR><BR>The first 2 nights were at Burg Gutenfels in Kaub. Excellent castle/hotel. I would recommend that castle to anyone that wants to do the castle thing.<BR><BR>Check www.rhinecastles.com<BR><BR>You will find plenty of castle hotels on this webpage.<BR><BR>We also stayed at Hotel Post in Assmannshausen. <BR><BR>As Dick mentions, Hotel Krone appeared to be quite nice. Very much a first class hotel. If that is what you want, then The Krone is definitely the place to stay. <BR><BR>I think that there are plenty of other places that would suit you even better if you are into the castle or romantic inn experience. <BR><BR>There were plenty of really nice hotels and small inns in the Rhine towns of Bacharach, Boppard, St Goar, Assmannshausen etc.<BR><BR>Have a great time.