For centuries, the Steinberg has been covered by the terraced slopes of Wurzburg's preeminent vineyard, Stein.

And from high atop the Steinberg, the Schloss Steinburg Hotel looks down on a stunning scene: the vineyard, the Altstadt, ships plying the Main, the Marienburg and beyond.

Although the turreted Schloss looks authentic, it was in fact built barely 100 years ago as a villa for a local businessman. Today, as a sumptuous hotel, it continues to play the role of a medieval castle, with its marble staircase, parquet ceilings, and period antiques and décor, including multiple suits of armor.

The staff is extremely attentive and the Weinrestaurant a destination unto itself.
The hotel has 52 guestrooms, an indoor pool with a view to the city, a relaxing sun terrace and a newly remodeled sauna area. Each room has its own personality, and many have four-posters and canopy beds. The most charming rooms are in the original building rather than the expansion wings.

A delight for some, a drawback for others, the hotel is a circuitous three miles from the city center. Cars and public transport travel along the mountain ridge and then through farmland and vineyards for the 10-minute ride to the city. Walkers can go more directly along the scenic Stein-Wein-Pfad, a 30-minute hike winds through the vineyard terraces into the city.

 
This article appeared in its original form in Gemuetlichkeit German Travel Newsletter. www.gemut.com