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HI - Bacharach - Burg Stahleck Hostel is one of the most special Hosteling International (HI) hostels you can stay at around the world. Who can resist a magical night's sleep in a castle high above the town of Bacharach with an amazing view down the Rhine Valley at the price of a hostel?
The Location
This hostel is located at the top of a hill about a fifteen-minute walk above the town of Bacharach. It is a very steep climb, though, so it would not be suitable for anyone with a suitcase or too much luggage (the tourist info centre in town does store luggage overnight, so this is also an option but check opening hours first). From the train station, you head right and almost straight away on the left you will see some steps that take you on a walk up the Medieval walls. This is the easier walking route up to the hostel. Free parking is also available for anyone with a car. A supermarket and some small restaurants can be found in town. It is a convenient place to stay to enjoy the rest of the Rhine Valley.
Rooms and Bathrooms
This hostel has rooms ranging from one to nine beds that are allocated as dorms or privates, depending on the bookings at that time. Dorm rooms are divided by gender and you cannot book a particular dorm size, so you might end up in a nine-bed or a two-bed with or without en suite bathroom. Rooms are in three different buildings, so rooms vary across the property; some rooms have been renovated recently and others feel old or small with low ceilings. If you can, try and get a room in the castle tower. All rooms have a narrow wardrobe for each bed, but they aren't lockable and aren't big enough for anything larger than a daypack. Some rooms also have individual power points and reading lights. Recently renovated rooms have very solidly built beds, so beds don't shake or creak at all.
Some rooms have en suite bathrooms with a shower and toilet, but others have communal bathrooms. The communal bathrooms aren't designed very well, as there is only one bathroom with one toilet and one shower between two large rooms and because the shower has a glass door and no other space to dress, you have to lock the bathroom for privacy. If the nine-bed is full, you could end up waiting a while for the bathroom.
Common Spaces
This hostel is more designed for groups and families and not backpackers, so the facilities reflect this. The main common area is the large, open courtyard with a view over the Rhine and is a great place to relax. The hostel has a cafe open during the day and a restaurant with breakfast and dinner available. Breakfast is included and has a good offering of continental options. A kids common room is also available for anyone with young children and you can play table tennis in the castle courtyard. Wi-Fi is available but it is pricey. During our stay it was all groups and families, so it doesn't have a party or social vibe. Reception hours are limited and vary by the time of year.
Summary
This hostel is perfect for anyone who has dreams of staying in a castle for a night without needing the budget of a royal.
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Straighty
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Sep 14, 2018
Description
nearest airport: Frankfurt/Main
nearest train station: Bacharach
tourist attractions: castle on the Rhine, unique view, knights' hall
Location and Contact
Location
Located in Stahleck castle above the wine-grower's town of Bacharach in the Loreley valley.