High-End Hotel on the Moselle Transforms into a Grand Cinema
Taking a Luxury Escape: Schloss Lieser on the Mosel is a Must-Visit Jewel
By Carsten K., a self-proclaimed Mosel enthusiast, can't get enough of the Hotel "Schloss Lieser". Nestled beneath the vineyards with the Mosel River flowing by, it's the perfect haven for dreamers and reminiscers.
You'll feel right at home from the get-go, captivated by the region's steep slopes and slate soil, lending the Mosel wines their unique, mineral character. This area is also home to Markus Molitor, the Riesling king of the Middle Mosel. He cultivates Riesling and Burgundy varieties on more than 25 steep slopes, many of them Grand Cru. His outstanding growths are celebrated, and his wines are highly praised.
Visiting Schloss Lieser wouldn't be complete without tasting Molitor's remarkable creations, as 11 of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland's top 101 hoteliers make an annual pilgrimage to his winery for a wine tasting.
A Fairy Tale Castle adorned with Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau Flair
The hotel also has its own winery, as director Pascal Renk graciously informs me upon my arrival. Exclusive wine tastings occur weekly, providing guests with a local winemaker's guidance, coupled with exquisite delicacies from the castle's kitchen.
During my tour, owner Anja Killaars-Morbach shares the castle's colorful history. Built from 1884 to 1887 by Eduard Puricelli, a Hunsrück entrepreneur with Italian roots in the Neo-Renaissance style, it was designed to emulate classical Italian Palladian villas from the 16th and 17th centuries. Puricelli soon began planting vines on the surrounding hills, establishing the winery that exists today.
Even a private chapel was erected by the devoutly Catholic Puricelli, where the Bishop of Trier was known to hold masses for the family. Today, the chapel serves as a romantic venue for nuptial ceremonies. It doesn't get more storybook, in my opinion.
A Spa Experience Fit for Royalty
The Puricelli family was among Germany's wealthiest, and their extravagant taste extended to the construction of the indoor pool, overflowing with marble. This timeless natural stone embellishes many areas of the 800-square-meter spa, which includes a fitness studio, swimming pool, saunas, waterfall, and infrared cabin, all of which I consider essential five-star features.
Around the turn of the century, Puricelli's daughter Maria and her husband, Dr. Clemens Freiherr von Schorlemer-Lieser, expanded the castle with an Art Nouveau addition. I adore the harmonious fusion of the two architectural styles, reflected in the rooms and suites.
Restoration with Heart
In 2007, Dutch businessman Piet Killaars and his wife Anja Killaars-Morbach turned the castle into a luxurious hotel with 34 rooms and 15 suites. Pascal Renk recalls Piet's meticulous approach to the renovation, preserving Schloss Lieser's historical charm. Many original interior elements, such as doors, fireplaces, open fireplaces, and staircases, have been carefully incorporated into the modern hotel design.
A Room Steeped in Echoes of the Past
My room whispers the essence of days gone by, adorned with wood paneling, silk wallpaper, and plush furnishings. Space explorer Elon Musk and mountaineer Reinhold Messner have both slept here, taking in the views of the Mosel and the Hunsrück beyond. Looking out of my window evokes childhood memories, where my father taught me to water ski on this very stretch of the Mosel.
During dinner, the hotel owners, Piet Killaars and Anja Killaars-Morbach, invited the 101 hoteliers to partake in a memorable feast in one of the luxurious salons. Chef Miljo Weimar, in "Puricelli", serves classic cuisine with regional ingredients. Tonight, he prepares an outstanding four-course meal that features lobster, asparagus, garlic cream soup, and Tournedos Rossini. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate that Molitor's wines complement the meal, while the normally in-house wine selection is set aside for the special occasion.
In the afternoon, the 101 hoteliers had partaken in an exclusive wine tasting of five high-class Molitor wines straight from the barrel. After a lively discussion, the "2023 Wehlener Klosterberg Pinot Blanc" earned the title of the group's first official "101 Hoteliers' Wine Choice." It will be available through partner hotels in November, limited to 1111 magnum bottles.
During dinner, I am again impressed by the hotel staff's attention to detail. A waitress from South Africa charmed me with her flawless German and warmth. I am struck by the diversity in the hotel staff, who contribute significantly to the hotel's vibrant atmosphere and seamless operation. Hotel director Pascal Renk has recruited employees from Indonesia, Africa, the Maldives, and other exotic countries, all of whom speak excellent German and share his dedication.
I appreciate this global perspective, which as a Mosel native, I would not have predicted in the provinces. This multicultural tapestry reflected at Schloss Lieser underscores the hotel's commitment to embracing the world and staying modern.
One thing does confuse me: Schloss Lieser is part of the "Autograph Collection" of the Marriott group, while I findкор Relais & Châteaux or Preferred Hotels a more fitting alignment. Still, that's just a minor concern, because Schloss Lieser feels like a second home to me, and I will undoubtedly return.
Carsten's Rating:
1. Beyond Exceptional 2. Hard to beat 3. High-quality with a few minor shortcomings 4. Average with room for improvement 5. Just above hostel level 6. Travel warning
Schloss Lieser
Resort Name: Schloss Lieser
Country: Germany
Region: Middle Mosel
Best Travel Time: All year round
Target Airport: Frankfurt am Main (FRA)
Transfer Means: Car or Train
Transfer Time: Car 1.5 to 2 hours; Train 2 to 2.5 hours, including transfer in Koblenz or Trier
Room Price per Night: Rooms from around 230 euros per person, Suites from around 350 euros per person
Special Recommendation: Strolling along the Mosel promenade or hiking the Moselsteig brings you closer to the diverse landscape, vineyards, and nearby historic sites like Bernkastel-Kues. Explore the quaint old town or visit the historic vaulted cellar of St. Nikolaus Hospital's wine shop.
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. travels extensively to write about the hotels he visits at his own expense.
In this luxury escape at Schloss Lieser, one could imagine incorporating a community policy that emphasizes cultural diversity, hailing from the hotel's multicultural staff members originating from Indonesia, Africa, the Maldives, and other exotic countries. This policy could also extend to vocational training programs, offering opportunities for employees seeking to advance their skills in the hospitality industry.
By exploring the home-and-garden of Schloss Lieser, guests can immerse themselves in the area's unique lifestyle, with the vineyards, steep slopes, and slate soil contributing to the distinct character of Mosel wines. This remarkable experience could later be carried forward into travel experiences, as individuals might seek out similar vineyard escapes and wine tastings when embarking on their travel adventures.
