The oldest and – fortunately – the best-preserved Art Nouveau hotel in Germany certainly lives up to its name “Bellevue”. Situated between vineyards, embedded in a cultural-historical landscape and built directly on the banks of the river, the hotel Bellevue not only offers picturesque views. The hotel itself turns out to be an absolute eye-catcher. Guests embark on a journey through past decades y right from the reception desk. Shapes and colors of the early 20th century characterize the entire interior; Art Nouveau artifacts, which hotelier Matthias Ganter has collected with dedication, adorn the winding corridors and rooms everywhere. Matthias Ganter is a passionate collector of handpicked Art Nouveau objects, which he places throughout the hotel with a keen eye for detail.
75 rooms, junior suites, suites and apartments are spread over various buildings, some with impressive Moselle views and reflect the history of the hotel and the town of Traben-Trarbach. Today a place of deceleration, Traben-Trarbach was a boom town for wine merchants in the 1920s. This also attracted the famous Art Nouveau architect Bruno Möhring, who significantly shaped the looks of the town and has designed the hotel as well. The prosperity of the town at that time becomes apparent within the hotel. Original lamps are still hanging from the ceilings and bear witness to former times while guests dine and, of course, enjoy a glass of wine in the small dining room “Stübchen”. Fun Fact: following Berlin, Traben-Trarbach used to be the second place in the country to have electricity.
However, that is by no means everything. Because, let’s face it, a visit to the Moselle always means pleasing one’s palate, too. The culinary world of the Romantik Jugendstilhotel Bellevue cannot do without referencing the early 20th century. That is why the award-winning restaurant is named “Belle Epoque”. Chef Matthias Meurer skillfully and creatively refines modern classics with French influences. The house wine made by the chef himself is also a delight. A perfect symbiosis!
The best way to experience the area’s productive vineyards is on a tour with the hotel’s own vintage vehicles. The hotel offers tours in two unusual vintage cars: an Austin Twelve (built in 1929) and an original Amphicar (built in 1963). At the wheel are none other than hotelier Ganter or the hotel director Nils Georg himself. During the entertaining and informative excursion along imposing villas, steep slopes, past vineyards and over the Moselle river, it is no surprise that the Romantik Jugendstilhotel Bellevue is very popular with among vintage car fans.
After a day full of impressive views, guests can relax by the hotel pool or on the spa terrace before retiring to their neatly designed rooms. Since 2021, the hotel has also comprised an additional building – the Palais Kayser. Its looks are contemporary, but once again, there are references to the time when Traben-Trarbach was a wine trading stronghold. Where once was a house belonging to wine merchant Julian Kayser, there is now a new building with spacious themed suites. Whether hiking, music, literature, travel or architecture – each room reflects the interests of Mr. Kayser. Modernly designed, the suites offer an alternative to the classic Art Nouveau look of the main house, but they always have the Moselle in view.
