Firstly, full disclosure: I am from Singapore, and although I have travelled to other parts of Europe, this is my first time in Germany, so obviously I can't make comparisons to others hotels in Germany. I am not paid to write this -- I just happen to need to stay there in June 2007 for a meeting that my company decided to hold there. I am inspired to write this because when I was looking for reviews, unfortunately, there were none before I came.

And I think I can understand why there were no reviews. Nierstein is a very small town -- and I don't pressume that many overseas tourists would visit this place. Indeed, I flew in from Frankfrut airport, and the taxi driver had difficultly locating the hotel within Nierstein.

I have seen a website that indicates that this is a three star hotel. Actually, it is a four star hotel -- or at least, that is what is indicated on the plate in front of the hotel.

That said, I have stayed in other hotels in Europe, and to my mind, this is more likely to be a four rather than three star hotel.

The hotel has a nice pool. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to use it because it was undergoing some cleaning up when I stayed there. But yes, it is as you see it in the photos on the hotel website.

The staff are friendly, the rooms are clean. The air conditioner in my room worked without problems. We had a meeting at the hotel for 40 people, and the event went smoothly. Dining in the hotel was pleasant -- in terms of the spread of food, breakfast was average, but I enjoyed lunch much better.

Wireless internet connection was available at no additional charge. However, I could not receive Internet connection within my room -- when I needed to go online, I would take my laptop to the lobby or to the meeting room, which is a bit of a hassle.

The hotel rate was cheap for the value it was providing, which is why I am providing this 'Excellent' rating.

I live in a metropolis, and I think the location of the hotel (and the town itself) is an ideal location for someone like me, if I want to get away from the insanity of city life for awhile. Every morning, I was greeting my the sound of birds, the town does not have many distractions to speak of, so it is perfect for a period of self-reflection.