A Lush Escapade: Unpacking the Splendor of Schloss Lieser
Premium hotel situated along the Moselle River serves as a grand cinema venue
By Carsten K. Rath - More Info Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email Print Copy Link
My heart belts for the ethereal sceneries and the poetic vineyards that stretch across the Mosel Valley. As I'm rolling up to the enchanting and almost too perfect castle, Schloss Lieser, the locks on my heart unclasp yet again. With the Mosel glistening beneath and the Hunsrückerts peaks hugging it from behind, the fairy tale setting sets the tone for a luxurious and dreamy retreat [1].
From the outset, I am greeted warmly, feeling like some long-lost relative returning home after a journey. With roots deeply planted in this land, I marvel at the slopes, surrounded by the miraculous slate soil that gives Mosel wines their distinctive character - a rock-solid foundation for Riesling king and Middle Mosel's pope, the prolific Markus Molitor.
The wines of Markus Molitor, with their exceptional refinement, are the plummeting feathers that bring me to Schloss Lieser. Each year, eleven top hoteliers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland see fit to choose their favorite wine from his masterfully crafted barrels, during an artistic wine tasting at his very winery [2].
A Castle of a Whimsical Past
"Schloss Lieser" also houses its very own winery, as Pascal Renk, the warm-hearted hotel director, kindly shares during our exchange at check-in. Wine tastings with a local winemaker, accompanied by fine cuisine from the enchanting kitchen, unfold on a weekly basis in the cellar of the castle [2].
As I meander through the hotel, owner Anja Killaars-Morbach weaves a tale of the fascinating and colorful history behind the castle. Eduard Puricelli, born of Italian roots in the wealthy Hunsrück, constructed the castle in the Neo-Renaissance style from 1884 to 1887. His designs revered the classical Italian Palladian villas of the 16th and 17th centuries [3]. Puricelli soon began cultivating wines on the surrounding vineyards, laying the groundwork for the prestigious winery of Schloss Lieser that exists today.
A private chapel, equally stunning, was erected by the fervently Catholic Puricelli. Frequented by the Bishop of Trier, this chapel now serves as the altar for weddings, deeming the fairy-tale setting almost too good to be true.
Breathtaking Indulgence awaits in the Spa
Once a family of extraordinary riches, the Puricelli family treated themselves to endless luxury, even building an indoor pool overflowing with marble - a glistening jewel that still shines brightly in the contemporary, 800 square meter spa [3].
As we swing gently around the turn of the century, Puricelli's daughter Maria, along with her husband Dr. Clemens Freiherr von Schorlemer-Lieser, expanded the castle with an Art Nouveau addition. I revel in the harmonious coexistence of the Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles, a delightful unison that resonates from the rooms and suites.
Piet Killaars and his dutiful wife, Anja Killaars-Morbach, purchased the castle in 2007, transforming it into a luxury hotel with 34 rooms and 15 suites. Under the careful direction of Killaars, the renovation sought to preserve the historical charm of the castle, preserving many original interior features, such as doors, fireplaces, open fireplaces, and staircases.
A Room Perfectly Derived from the Past
My room sends my senses reeling, whisking me back to days long gone. Paneled in warm, rich wood, adorned with luxurious fabrics, and embraced by comfort galore, the room sees a reincarnation of the bygone past [3]. Giants of industry, including Elon Musk and Reinhold Messner, have enjoyed the panoramic view from the window, over the Mosel and the Hunsrück hills in the distance. Upon looking out my window, memories of my youth spring to life, memories of the lively waters of the Mosel and the lessons I learned on its shimmering shores.
An Eclectic Mix of Cultures and Charms
As evening sets in, the gracious owners, Piet Killaars and Anja Killaars-Morbach, invite the group of 101 hoteliers to dine in one of the enchanting salons. In the tastefully designed restaurant "Puricelli", Chef Miljo Weimar breathes life into classic cuisine, infused with regional flavors [3]. Tonight's meal is not to be missed, as it boasts exquisite lobster, asparagus, garlic cream soup, and Tournedos Rossini. Partnering with Markus Molitor's finest wines, the meal dances with delightful intrigue, unfolding a genuinely unforgettable dining experience.
In the afternoon, the hoteliers had the privilege of tasting five extraordinary wines from the masterful barrels of Markus Molitor [3]. After much deliberation, the "2023 Wehlener Klosterberg Pinot Blanc" radiated as the inaugural "101 Hoteliers' Wine Choice", with a limited edition of 1111 magnum bottles set to grace the partner hotels of the 101 Best from November [3].
During dinner, our attentive team of employees, hailing from exotic locales like Indonesia, Africa, and the Maldives, shine brightly. Still, they leave me utterly perplexed in their ability to serve and chat comfortably in German, with their warmth illuminating the night. This multicultural crew embodies the innovation, focus, and devotion of Hotel Director Pascal Renk.
I marvel at this diverse "Schloss Lieser" family, an intricate quilt of passion and skill that weaves together to form a truly striking display of unity. Yet, one thing strikes me as strange: the hotel's affiliation with the Autograph Collection by Marriott, seen by me as a puzzling choice. A partnership with the revered Relais & Châteaux or Preferred Hotels seems a more fitting match for this splendid establishment [3]. But, in all honesty, this minor discrepancy cannot sully the charm and beauty of Schloss Lieser, which will forever wait, brimming with open arms, to welcome me home again.
Rath's Travel Rating: 1. Absolutely top class 2. If only it could always be like this
"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 transfer 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 in the Moselsteig bring you closer to the diverse landscape, vineyards, and historical sites like Bernkastel-Kues. Born there, the winding paths invite curious minds to the old town or to visit the historic vaulted cellar of St. Nikolaus Hospital.
About the Author: As a former grand hotelier and operator of the most influential hotel ranking in the German-speaking world, die-101-besten.com, Carsten K. Rath is a globe-trotting connoisseur. He embarks upon every destination he pens for ntv at his own expense.
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[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lieser[2] https://www.ntv.de/culture/schloss-lieser-hotel-reisefuhrer-wine-of-the-year,die101besten_article23136217.html[3] http://www.schloss-lieser.de/english-information
- The luxurious Schloss Lieser, nestled in the heart of the Mosel Valley, offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern indulgence, making it a perfect destination for travellers seeking a home-and-garden retreat immersed in culture and tradition.
- Guests at Schloss Lieser can indulge in their community policy, which includes vocational training programs for local residents, providing opportunities for personal growth and vocational development alongside an extraordinary lifestyle experience.
