Tammil, we spent a couple of nights in Cochem a few years ago at the Sonneschoen (sp.) It's on the other side of the river and walking distance over the bridge.

My tip on BavariaBen's website for this segment was that by staying across the river, you get the view of the town and the castle that overlooks it, but not any of the noise from town.

I agree with the suggestion to stay in Cochem and visit Beilstein. If you take a boat to Beilstein...make certain the boat stops there! Some boats travel up, turn around, and head back, without docking. I also recommend the Alte Thorschenke Hotel...wonderful!

Regarding Hotel Auf Schoenburg: The castle/hotel overlooks Oberwesel and you will definitely want a taxi to get there. It's not at all far, from the train station, but the road up/down to the hotel is very steep and not walkable, unless you're a mountain goat. ;)

Also, from past experience...taxis do not always arrive promptly at the hotel. If you need to catch a train, give yourself at least 15-20 minutes leeway for your taxi to arrive at the hotel. (Once, it took 1/2 hr. for our taxi to arrive.) Doesn't always happen, but happens enough to be forewarned. You will love the Schoenburg!

One more vote for staying at Cochem and visiting Beilstein from there.

RE Schloss Schoenburg . . . we stay there frequently. Just recently we took a group of 9 people there for a Reisling Dinner and an overnight. When we don't have a car we use this taxi service to transfer us up to Schoenburg http://www.branchenbuchsuche.de/erdm...rwesel_1398312

I usually phone the taxi service ahead to be sure that our waiting time at the train station is minimal. If you tell them how many persons are in your party they will send the appropriate size vehicle. This past time they sent a minibus for our small group and it was there waiting when we arrived. The cost was quite reasonable and they were there promptly again the following morning to take us back down to the train station at Oberwesel.

I believe that you and your party will thoroughly enjoy your experience at Schloss Schoenburg. It is lovely but not pretentious. If you or one of the other couples in your group want an truly unique experience at Schoenburg, try to reserve room #38. It is actually a small medieval cottage along the cobblestone path leading up to the main castle. It's totally private and only steps from the reception, etc. This cottage is quite large, elegantly furnished and perhaps the most convenient of all the rooms at Schoenburg; no schlepping of luggage up several flights of narrow stairs!

Enjoy your days in this most beautiful area and especially your stay at Schloss Schoenburg.

Thank you so much for all your wonderful advice. And especially for the taxi info for Auf Schoenburg - I don't think it would've occurred to us to call for the taxi in advance.