Hotel Theis - Bourscheid, Luxembourg     

The hotel is situated directly on the banks of the river sure at the end of a very steep, narrow, windng road. Despite this our SatNav found it easily. We arrived at night, the receptionist only spoke French and had to wait for someone who spoke English to check us in. We had booked a double room with balcony. The room was basic with no coffee/tea making facilities but did have a very well stocked mini-bar. The following morning the view from the balcony was of the river and the castle was stunning. The location is superb if you want a quiet few days away from the hustle and bustle. Whilst we were there the hotel was almost empty, but then it only as 19 rooms. The ducks on the river make a superb alarm clock. Breakfast is continental style but they have a good choice of pastries, cerials, etc. The evening meal experience was superb. Everything we tried on the a-la-carte menu was out of this world and, for the quality of food, was very reasonably priced. The only minor problem was the fact that the waitress spoke virtually no English (or German as it turns out) so my Wife and I had to use our secondary school French to get by. The wellness suite as the back of the hotel is built into the cliff-face and looks like something out of a James Bond film (but without the man-eating sharks!) It really has to be seen to be belived. Bear in mind though that the sauna, Turkish bath and shower facilites are shared. I used one of the saunas and thought I was alone, only to be greeted by a naked Belgian couple whilst I having a shower! We would definitely go again. The Ardenne region is beautiful in Autumn. I wasn't sure about posting this review because I'd like to keep it a secret and we will definitely visit again sometime.

The hotel is beautifully situated at the river bank. Good accessibility (over narrow roads), characteristic building. Friendly, helpful reception, where English, German and French is spoken, and basic Dutch is understood. Non-smoking restaurant, but smoking is permitted in the salon as well as in at least some of the rooms. Rooms are tastefully furnished, although on a budget. We had a room with a view on the river and a balcony. Good cleanliness, small TV, minibar, and a very good bed with oldfashioned sheets-and-blankets. No coffee maker in the room (but my wife was smart enough to suggest we take the Senseo machine). Facilities are excellent, and some of them are gleefully patently bonkers. There is a spa/wellness centre that is literally built into the rocks - you have to see it to grasp it. And on the terrace, there is a larger-than-life chess board with larger-than-life chess pieces. Breakfast buffet is 'adequate' to Continental tastes - don't expect anything like a Full English (sad to say that the coffee served at breakfast reminded me of England). The restaurant was a mixed experience for us - I wouldn't have handpicked these steaks, but it was masterfully cooked, though - it looked like the chef had pulled all stops to make a decent steak of this lump of meat, and for the most part, he succeeded (I would've thrown the towel myself). Given the right stuff, he would've had a stellar result. It may have been an incidental mistake on the part of the butcher. The sauce bearnaise was great, and so were the other dishes. Service all around was excellent - typical for a family-ran hotel. Friendly and cheerful and unobtrusive at the same time, and helpful without being overly humble. The surroundings definitely help. The ruins of Bourscheid Castle are right around the corners, and if you like the Ardennes region, you'll feel right at home here. Bring a nippy car that is not afraid of taking tight turns. All in all, considering the price, a very pleasant surprise.