Hotel by the River: In these four locations, you’ll sit Front Row by the water. Or with wine high up on the rooftop pool overlooking the Rhine. In one of them, gin flows underground. It’s a smooth transition with these secret vacation tips for those built near the water.
You’re not serious. My first thought when I stumbled across the pictures of the Papa Rhein Hotel. The wine focused region in Germany is already dreamlike. And now they’re building a design hotel on the banks, with a bucket list memorial pool on top. Hotel on the river. We don’t need to discuss Instagram potential. But I admit it: I have to go there was my second thought. And because three or better four is a party, I picked out three more, somewhat closer to the fancy hotel on the river. Portugal, Kufstein or Bamberg already on your travel list?
Hotel on the river: check in four times with water view
Papa Rhein, Bingen
I’ve had love at first sip with Palatinate wine many times, already last year came a direct hotel infatuation at first sight, which immediately landed on the bucket list and which now opens its doors again. When I first saw the picture with the view from above on the pool of the Papa Rhine, I was directly flashed. Such a cool spot in the middle of this exciting wine region. You can see yourself right up there, with a glass, wines from the area stored in a large stainless steel vat with ice cubes, and you have probably the coolest tasting imaginable up there with your wine partners in crime. And if there are some really hot wine discoveries, you just go cool off in the pool for a bit. You see: pictures can stir emotions. But back to the facts on the Rhine.
At Papa Rhein, the rooms are called “bunks” or suites and are furnished in a calm, solid and modern design. Real woods, light and soft colors accompany the view of the water and the vineyards.
Maritime design meets expansive views in the hotel’s other rooms as well.
Directly on the banks of the Rhine, the Papa Rhein Hotel & Spa is a modern shutdown and pleasure harbor to dock. The maritime reference is also continued in the design of architecture, rooms (the bunks and suites) and restaurant. Some berths face the winter harbor, some the legendary Bingen “Mäuseturm” or the vast Rüdesheim Rhine meadows. However, the location is not only a mooring, but with its location also a starting port for ventures in the varied region of the Middle Rhine Valley. Wine lovers can tour the numerous vineyards in the region known for wine and taste wine at the associated estates. There are some treasures waiting, believe me. It’s also worth touring the nearby castles, and don’t worry – there’s no need to fear that history will be dry in the area.
Beach feeling on the river? At Papa Rhein, that’s part of the house amenities.
Kitchen tour: The team around top chef Nils Henkel takes care of the culinary needs.
How much wanderlust can you put into a picture? But with Papa Rhine, the good things are unexpectedly close.
To toast the vacation, you can treat yourself to an Aperol in the beach-style Bootshaus bar, or a Rheinhessen Riesling on the Lido deck with the aforementioned rooftop pool. Already worked up an appetite? No problem! Top chef Nils Henkel creates authentic, modern cuisine at BOOTSHAUS, primarily using products from the region. The wine list also offers special fruit salads from the region. And because goods from all countries have been sailing up the river for generations, an Italian gastronomic concept, LIDO Restaurant & Bar, will also be docking at Papa Rhein Hafen from July 1, 2021. I think the dishes flirt pretty well with the Palatinate wines. But I’ll hopefully find out in person soon.
Papa Rhein Hotel & Spa, stays starting at 120 Euro, more via www.paparheinhotel.de
Douro 41, Portugal
Right on the doorstep, the oldest wine region in the world, and an infinity pool – stop: two panoramic pools from which you can see everything. The vines, the Douro, and of course the way to the next wine tasting. The Doura41 is really washed with all vacation waters. Mixes charming architecture with a direct connection to nature. The prospects for great travel experiences could hardly be better here, could they? No wonder this unusual river hotel is a member of the Association of Design Hotels. And you have to get past a strict doorman to get in.
Looks like a modern river design castle made of brick and glass. Dreamlike.
From the indoor pool, the transition to the river outside seems smooth.
João Pedro Serôdio’s architecture is secondary to one thing: unobstructed views of the river. Slate and gray dominate the 52 rooms and suites, clean lines everywhere. You can enjoy the treats from the wine list at the À Terra Bar & Canteen wine bar or the Porto Club with its fireplace. So you can still save until winter. Yeay!
Douro 41, stays starting at 145 Euro with breakfast, more via www.douro41.com
Nepomuk, Bamberg
My best friend now lives in Bamberg. Not a bad decision, the city has a lot going for it. If you like to check into a hotel on the river, you don’t necessarily have to go straight to London or Budapest – Upper Franconia also throws a nifty ace into the river quartet. The Nepomuk Hotel with a total of 23 rooms is located in the middle of the Altstatt. Depending on the weather, dreamlike photo motifs are likely to succeed there. If this view is not inviting?
And because it flows so well, you can not only spend the night by the water, but also dine in the adjoining restaurant Das Eckerts above the Regnitz. Or have breakfast. Franconian cuisine with Franconian prices. View: free of charge. Fair deal. And you can hardly get any closer to the soothingly lapping water. Perhaps a room will be available at short notice at the Nepomuk the next time the freshly baked family is available to visit.
Hotel Nepomuk, Bamberg, stays starting at 128 Euro, more infos via www.hotel-nepomuk.de
Boutiquehotel Träumerei, Austria
If you are looking for a special hotel on the river, take a look at Tyrol. Hello, cosmopolitan Kufstein. It’s not meant ironically at all, because at the boutique hotel Träumerei, each of the 34 rooms is dedicated to a different destination, the look inspired by Paris, Venice or Copenhagen. The Inn also greets guests with its exciting color palette. And there’s always something incredibly magical and calming about the view of the water.
You don’t have to worry about food either. The adjacent Auracher Löchl restaurant serves steaks from the Kfs Argentina Grill. Romantic fans reserve a dinner at the Brückenrestaurant, and for me, the generous wine cellar would have to be prepared for a visit. Check flow speed. Understand.
Speaking of bubbly: At the Stollen 1930 Bar, no pranksters were waiting for you, but more than 1,000 different types of gin. Don’t worry: The bartender serves the right tonic for each one. I do celebrate the look from the 1030s. New location for Babylon Berlin, maybe? Anyway, it’s worth a trip even in the here and now. Cheers.
Boutiquehotel Träumerei, stays starting at 200 Euro for two in the romantic package, more via www.auracher-loechl.at/träumerei
