A Charming Getaway: Hotel Schloss Lieser on the Mosel is a Must-Visit
Elite hotel alongside Moselle river transformed into a grand cinema venue
By Carsten K. Rath Fb Tw Wapp Email Print Copy Link As a true Mosel native, our author is always drawn back to his homeland, and Hotel "Schloss Lieser" never fails to impress. Nestled below the vineyards, with the Mosel River in sight, it's the perfect escape to dream and remember the good old days.
From the moment I step through the door, I feel at home. The allure of this region with its steep slopes and schist soil, which gives the Mosel wines their unique mineral character, captivates me. This schist is also a blessing for the wines of Markus Molitor, the Riesling pope of the Middle Mosel. He cultivates over 25 steep slopes, mostly Grand Cru, primarily Riesling and Burgundy varieties. His exceptional wines are renowned, and his creations are highly acclaimed.
The wines of Markus Molitor are the reason for my visit to "Schloss Lieser". Eleven of the 101 hoteliers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland select their favorite wine from one of his masterfully crafted barrels during an exclusive wine tasting at his winery.
A Castle Fit for a King with a Riveting History
Schloss Lieser's hotel director, Pascal Renk, warmly welcomes me upon arrival. As I check in, he tells me about the castle's rich history. Eduard Puricelli, a Hunsrück entrepreneur with Italian roots, had it built in the Neo-Renaissance style from 1884 to 1887. The Frankfurt architect based his designs on the classical Italian Palladian villas of the 16th and 17th centuries. Soon after moving in, Puricelli began planting vines on the surrounding hills, laying the foundation for the winery of "Schloss Lieser" today.
Even a private chapel was built by the strictly Catholic Puricelli. Apparently, the Bishop of Trier was a frequent guest to hold masses for the family. Today, couples are married there. It feels like a fairy tale come to life, I think.
Indulge in Luxury: the Spa and Gourmet Delights
The Puricelli family was one of Germany's wealthiest. No expense was spared in building the indoor pool, still adorned by timeless marble. The elegant spa, spread over 800 square meters, features a fitness studio, outstanding swimming pool, saunas, waterfall, and an infrared cabin, offering a five-star experience.
Around the turn of the century, Puricelli's daughter Maria and her husband, the Prussian official Dr. Clemens Freiherr von Schorlemer-Lieser, expanded the castle with a stunning Art Nouveau addition. I adore the blending of the two architectural styles, which is also reflected in the rooms and suites.
In 2007, Dutch businessman Piet Killaars and his wife Anja Killaars-Morbach bought the castle and converted it into a 5-star luxury hotel. Pascal Renk tells me how meticulously the renovation was designed to preserve the castle's historic charm. Several original elements, such as doors, ovens, open fireplaces, and stairs, were integrated into the new design.
My room still echoes the character of days gone by, paneled in wood, with silk on the walls, elegantly and luxuriously furnished. Some of the world's most influential figures, including Elon Musk and Reinhold Messner, have spent the night here, enjoying the view from the window over the Mosel and the Hunsrück hills beyond. When I gaze out of my window, nostalgic memories flood back to me. My father taught me water skiing here, where the Mosel is particularly wide.
In the evening, the hotel's owners, Piet Killaars and Anja Killaars-Morbach, invite the 101 hoteliers to dinner in one of the beautiful salons. Chef Miljo Weimar, in the restaurant "Puricelli", crafts exquisite, regional cuisine. Today, he presents an outstanding four-course menu featuring lobster, asparagus, garlic cream soup, and Tournedos Rossini. The meal is accompanied by exceptional wines from Markus Molitor's collection.
After an intense wine tasting at the winery earlier in the day, the 101 hoteliers crown the "2023 Wehlener Klosterberg Pinot Blanc" as the first official "101 Hoteliers' Wine Choice". It will be available from November through partner hotels of the 101 Best.
The team at the hotel is exceptionally attentive and friendly. The staff comes from Indonesia, Africa, the Maldives, and other exotic corners of the world. They all speak excellent German and bring a unique energy to the service. I appreciate the diversity and its reflection of modern society in the heart of the province.
Only one thing puzzles me: "Schloss Lieser" belongs to the "Autograph Collection" of the Marriott group, while I believe a connection to organisations like Relais & Châteaux or Preferred Hotels would be fitting. But that's just a minor quibble. Schloss Lieser feels like a second home to me, which I will certainly visit again.
Rath's Travel Rating:
1. A truly magical experience2. Once here, never want to leave3. High-class accommodations, with the occasional hiccup4. Meh, needs a little more sparkle5. Cozier than a youth hostel6. Travel warning: prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway
"Schloss Lieser"Resort Name: Schloss LieserCountry: GermanyRegion: Middle MoselBest travel time: year-roundTarget airport: Frankfurt am Main (FRA)Transfer means: Car or trainTransfer time: Car 1.5 to 2 hours; Train 2 to 2.5 hours, including change in Koblenz or TrierRoom price per night: Rooms from around 230 euros per person, suites from around 350 euros per personSpecial recommendation: Hikes along the Mosel promenade or on the Moselsteig bring you closer to the varied landscape, vineyards, and historic sites like Bernkastel-Kues. Stroll through the old town there or visit the Vinothek of the historic vaulted cellar of St. Nikolaus Hospital.
About the author: As a former grand hotelier and operator of the most relevant hotel ranking in the German-speaking world die-101-besten.com, Carsten K. Rath is a globetrotter by profession. He travels to all hotels he writes about for ntv at his own expense.
Also available at amazon.deSource: ntv.de
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- The community policy of Hotel Schloss Lieser on the Mosel could include a consideration for vocational training programs, considering the hotel's staff hails from various countries across the world.
- A stay at Hotel Schloss Lieser offers a lifestyle immersed in luxury, art nouveau architecture, culinary experiences, and a touch of history, making it a perfect choice for home-and-garden enthusiasts seeking unique travel destinations.
