More than just rest in bed: experience and enjoyment in the hotel
There's a lot to see and do in Rheinhessen - it's worth a longer stay. There is a wide range of accommodation options. It ranges from a room at a winegrower's to camping. Our region also has some very unusual hotels where your stay will be an experience. Marina Noble took a closer look at three lighthouse projects: A home with its own vineyard, the mighty walls of a local court and
an old mill with a wellness factor.
A home with its own winery
A new addition is the Wine at home in Mommenheim, which opened in September 2023. Its modern architecture with a flat roof ducks into the surrounding vineyards and fields. The hills so typical of Rheinhessen rise up in the surrounding countryside. "Welcome home" shines out at the reception of the 4-star hotel. "We want to create a feeling of home and homeliness, which we and our staff also convey," says owner Stefanie Wild, explaining the philosophy and the name.
She and her husband Thomas also achieve this hygge feeling through the open architecture. Right next to the reception is the vinotheque: wine takes up a lot of space here. Rhine-Hessian souvenirs are also lovingly draped here. On the other side, the tastefully decorated tables of the "Esszimmer" restaurant invite you to take a seat. Lovingly decorated details such as colorful cushions are everywhere. The view of the landscape sweeps through the high windows. "Nature should have an effect and the outside should be reflected in the inside," is important to the owners.
The vinotheque highlights another special feature: the company's own winery. Stefanie Wild comes from a family of winegrowers and her brother Tobias Becker now runs the family business. The theme of grape juice is played out throughout the hotel. The wall in the stairwell is reminiscent of the vineyard floor. Golden elements convey how valuable this is for the winegrowers. The large hall on the second floor, which can accommodate weddings or conferences for up to 100 people, is decorated with barrels.
The 20 cozy rooms in the rosé, white and red categories are inspired by the nearby vineyards. They are called Silbergrube, Kloppenberg or Vogelsang. Picture collages on the walls visually depict the terrain. The furnishings are also wine-inspired: the glass of the lamps is blown into the shape of drops, because the vines do not grow without rain. Barrel staves, i.e. longitudinal timbers, serve as wardrobes. In some rooms, a natural stone washbasin acts as a room divider.
Back in the "Esszimmer": It is under the management of head chef Marius Mück. Although he is only 26 years old, he already has a number of prestigious positions to his name. His concept is "casual fine dining" with artisan delicacies in the indoor area, on the terrace or in the private dining room for ten people. There is a snack menu at lunchtime and a seasonal menu in the evening, which also includes a recommendation for a three-course meal - all made from fresh produce, mostly from local farmers or producers. Homemade chocolates are served as the crowning glory of the culinary experience. The greenery from the herb garden adjacent to the terrace is used in the kitchen and cocktails - Stefanie Wild is a fan of Hildegard von Bingen. In the garden itself, beer tent sets create a casual beer garden atmosphere.
The Wilds also work closely with partners in the region for the leisure offers and packages. "Wine + Water" includes admission to the Rhein-Welle Gau-Algesheim, including use of the sauna world. Fans of green sports receive a green fee discount at the Mommenheim golf course. The "Hiwweltour Zornheimer Berg" is one of nine award-winning hiking trails and can be reached directly from the hotel. A rucksack with hiking food and wine is provided. There are also numerous events at the hotel itself. From yoga retreats to lavender hikes, from BBQs to girls' evenings - the event calendar fills an entire brochure.
Mighty walls above Oppenheim
A few steps from the Oppenheims The historic market square, just behind the Gautor, is surrounded by mighty walls. Today, the listed building dating back to 1903 houses the hotel Old district court with 14 guest rooms and five event and conference rooms. At the beginning of the 20th century, judges passed sentences and dispensed justice here.
When Andrea Weisrock and her family took over the building in 2015, it had stood empty for many years. They worked for two years until it was possible to receive guests again. "Of course, the electrics and plumbing had to be modernized and we installed an elevator outside the building. However, we left everything as it was in order to preserve the special flair," explains the owner.
This is how the hotel still tells its story today. This is already visible on the outside: a battlement bears the chiseled inscription "Time will pass, strife shall blow away, justice must stand". Inside, the richly decorated grand ducal staircase leads to the first floor in one wing. The reliefs show grapes and the god Bacchus - wine must have played a special role back then and even in a court of law.
Many of the furnishings are also antiques. The cupboards, for example, date back to court times. There are even inscriptions such as "death certificates". Andrea Weisrock draws particular attention to the doors: "Each one is adorned with a different ornament. This flat carving technique can only be found in Rheinhessen". The wall paneling in the large conference room is also carved and painted - a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The crowns above the doors were once intended to emphasize the drama of the court. There is another special feature in the hall, which is often used for weddings: The registrar then sits on the original judge's chair. After saying "I do", you can celebrate in the "High Court" ballroom.
The 14 rooms are divided into three different categories, some with oversized beds (2.20 meters long) or for families with bunk beds for the children. Impressive and romantic - certainly not just for honeymooners - is the 88-square-metre bridal suite with mighty towering beams, free-standing bathtub and historic dressing table.
Furnished with sofas and a historic buffet cabinet, the café also has a nostalgic feel. The breakfast buffet awaits guests there. These rooms and the idyllic terrace garden, which extends over three levels, are also open for private parties and events. Promoting culture is particularly close to Andrea Weisrock's heart and she is committed to Oppenheim's event calendar. Two highlights are firmly on her annual schedule: The Oppenheimer Frühling adventure mile (date 2025: April 6) and the Fete de la Musik street music festival with open-air concerts in many locations throughout Oppenheim (date 2024: June 21). It also organizes its own events, including theater performances, readings, concerts and Punch and Judy shows for children.
The Altes Amtsgericht is also popular with wine tourists - "no wonder with 200 winegrowers in the Rhein-Selz municipality," smiles Andrea Weisrock. The house is also not far from well-known vineyards such as the Krötenbrunnen. The Rhine Terrace Trail and the Luther Trail pass practically on the doorstep.
Living room wellness at Mühlengrund
Outside 1, the address for the Jordan's Untermühle. Yes, the hotel - an ensemble of historic and modern buildings - is located a short distance from Köngernheim on the idyllic little river Selz and the Selz Valley Cycle Route. The well-signposted path leads past fields, meadows and paddocks. Just behind the archway and in the middle of lush flowerbeds, the chickens are clucking. The farm's own chickens not only provide a friendly welcome, but also the breakfast egg of many a guest.
"First wellness hotel in Rheinhessen" writes the owner family on their website. Martina and Gerhard Jordan have indeed created something special. Many years ago, they fell in love with a small hotel with a wine bar. They bought and renovated the historic half-timbered houses with a 17th century watermill. Wellness already played an important role when the hotel opened in 2005. When son Niclas joined his parents' business seven years ago after completing his hotel training and working in Germany and abroad, a new phase began.
The junior manager explains: "We have expanded with a modern extension and a wider range of wellness offers. We play on the themes of the region: wine and culinary delights combined with wellness for a feel-good place for those seeking peace and quiet with plenty of nature and yet in the middle of the Rhine-Main region. Together with our "Mühlengeistern", we want to stand for special flair, quality and reliability"
The Herz & Rebe Spa with saunas, steam baths and a year-round heated outdoor pool covers an impressive 1,000 square meters. It has a "living room character": a large table decorated with bottles of wine in the entrance area, comfortable sofas and armchairs everywhere. Wine also plays a role in the treatments. Together with the wine cosmetics brand Vinonoble, the owners have developed a four-pillar concept based around the Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Silvaner grape varieties. Grape essences are used in massages and peelings. Enjoy a glass of wine before or after.
The 45 country-style rooms are spread across three wings of the building with the pretty names Traum-Mühle, Kuschel-Mühle and Mühle Nr. 7. The room names are also creative: Himmelreich, Tagträumer or Traumfänger. The furnishing style of the various categories ranges from romantic and playful to simple and from half-timbered to minimalist and modern. What they all have in common: comfortable box-spring beds and wine fridges instead of the normal minibar. Hearts with the room numbers hang by hand on the entrance door.
Jordan's Untermühle offers a half-board plus concept. In addition to bed and breakfast and use of the Herz & Rebe Spa, this includes a "Vesper" with sweet and savory snacks in the afternoon and dinner. This is served in the evening in the restaurant as a changing daily menu with starter, meat, fish and vegetarian options as a main course and dessert. Speaking of the restaurant, daughter Luisa joined as head chef two years ago. The name "Lu's Colorful Delights" makes it clear: "Her cuisine is colorful, unusual, innovative and bold. Regional products combined with flavors from all over the world," is how brother Niclas sums it up.
The event calendar is filled with gourmet events, kitchen parties and mulled wine markets. "We focus on shared enjoyment and socializing," explains Niclas Jordan. The yoga offerings in the specially designed room with panoramic windows are popular. Different teachers hold courses there every day. The leisure activities on offer in the area surrounding the mill are rounded off with an extensive hiking and cycling network.
Our conclusion: Each of these hotels has its own unique profile. At the same time, we have discovered a common thread. All the owners feel closely connected to the region. Wine plays a major role for them. Each hotel stands for idyll, tranquillity and a time-out that attracts people from cities and conurbations such as the Rhine-Main region.
Good to know:
You can find these and other extraordinary hosts on our booking pages.
