Hotel Bellevue
The historic Hotel Bellevue. Photo by Gloria J. Chang.
This historic hotel located at the northern tip of the Middle Mosel Valley where riesling reigns is gorgeous. If the sun is out, you can take a ride in a classic car from times past for a circle around the small and pretty town of Traben-Trarbach. There are 70 rooms, each unique. For a more modern take, you can walk 100 metres north along the river to its sister hotel, Hotel Moselschloessen, which is also a recommend, but I preferred the style and history of the Bellevue, which has survived two world wars. Hotels often call themselves resorts and spas and you are left wondering, where is the spa? You will not wonder here what with an assortment of saunas, steam rooms, water features, as well as a relaxation room. The on-site restaurant, Belle Epoque, is excellent. The wine list is as thick as a book, but it was their house sparkling wine, made of riesling of course and also called Belle Epoque, that made a fabulous start to dinner. The more established riesling producers are still about 15 to 20 kilometres south along the winding Mosel River, but there are smaller wineries within the town for those who want to geek out on wine.
