Landhotel Bechtel

I remember this hotel being great two years ago, but under the new tenant it has become very run down. During our week there, the walls were damp, the wallpaper was wavy and torn in places from the moisture, and the shutters broke several times. The outside could use a cleaning too. The breakfast room also had a broken floor and damp walls. I was promised another room repeatedly, but was told they were fully booked. There were more problems than I can describe here. I couldn't reach an agreement with the landlord, so I booked a better hotel and contacted the health department and the building authority.

It's very quiet, and for the price it's a fine place to stay overnight. The interior is solid wood and leather, very German in style. The arrival doesn't make a great impression, though: the first thing you see is a building with apartments for Polish grape pickers. It's also a shame there's no restaurant, so over a three-night stay you have to go out for dinner each evening.

Four weeks before our 60th birthday celebration, after we'd reserved the venue a year and a half earlier, we met in person to confirm the food and date. That's when they suddenly asked us to move the celebration because the neighbors had been given priority for their confirmation. We had requested that date so far in advance precisely because we knew a confirmation or communion might fall that weekend, and the date had been confirmed. Now, just weeks before the event, it seems we're less important than the neighbors, despite being long-standing regulars. We'll have to tell all our invited guests that the party is moving elsewhere. The owners didn't seem to feel any need to explain their mistake, apologize, or offer compensation. The way they handled this is shocking. I could mention other things, but this says enough. It certainly isn't an isolated incident. Think carefully before planning a celebration here. Things can go wrong at the last minute, and nothing seems properly managed or planned. I can't recommend this hotel or restaurant at all.

The grounds are lovely, and the owners are very friendly. Our rooms were clean and comfortable, and the value for money was excellent. We'd gladly return.