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Ahr Valley Hotels

Hotel Lochmühle

Nestled against the bank of the Ahr among the vineyards just west of Mayschoss, lies the grandiose Hotel Lochmühle. With 104 rooms the hotel actually seems a bit too large for its setting. The original building was finished in 1974 and its rooms have been decorated since then in a light modern style.

Despite a bit of a language barrier, we found the staff, managed by director Hubert Esch, to be enormously helpful and pleasant.

Our second floor room, Number 121, featured a spacious balcony that presented a panoramic view of the Ahr with bright green vine covered hills rising in the background. Every 45 minutes, the local train would come whistling into view, making its way to the lower end of the valley and back again. A plate of fresh fruit was delivered to our room when we arrived. At night, the room was very well lit. And the bath was exceptionally clean and bright.

All rooms have phones, shower/WC, minibars, and TV. The older rooms on the south side have larger balconies than the newer ones, but from any room on this side, the view makes the room. Parking is adequate and free. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, basic exercise room, sauna, solarium, bike rentals, and cozy basement bar. Restaurants include the Ahrblick Terrace Café and the Lochmühle Restaurant. The hotel caters to businesses that hold seminars and conferences on-site.
Daily Rates: Singles $66-78, doubles $105-126. Credit cards accepted.
Contact: Hotel Lochmuehle Ahrrotweinstrasse/Bundesstrasse 62, (Route B267) 53508 Mayschoss, Tel +49 2643-8080 Fax +49 2643-808445
Rating: Quality 12/20, Value 8/20

Pension Kreuzberg

For simple, adequate accommodations near the western end of the valley, the Kreuzberg's tiny pension in Dernau is a good alternative. The family rents just five rustically furnished double rooms in a house adjacent to its wine cellar and pub. Each has a shower and toilet.

Room Number Five is the largest and the only one with a tub instead of a shower. We found some rooms smelled a bit of cigarette smoke, but were otherwise comfortable. Breakfast includes a wide assortment of fresh foods. There is plenty of public, outdoor parking across the street.
Daily Rates: Singles $35, doubles $40-50. Discounts available for stays longer than 3 days.
Contact: Pension Kreuzberg Benedikt-Schmittmannstrasse 30, 53507 Dernau, Tel +49 2643-1691, Fax +49 2643-3206
Rating: Quality 11/20, Value 12/20