Cochem and Bielstein

Might depend on whether you have a car or not. We had a car. We stayed in Beilstein at Hotel Haus Lipmann. We loved it there. We had a room with a small balcony overlooking the Mosel. We explored the Mosel villages, Cochem, and Burg Eltz. Lovely breakfast spread and good restaurant overlooking the Mosel.

Koblenz is a mostly modern town with a good bit of bustle. Beilstein is only a few tour buses long as you can see in this photo and sort of a "couples" place. Cochem is the "mama-bear" choice, closer in most ways to Beilstein than Koblenz. But unlike tiny Beilstein, Cochem has a nice collection of things to see and do (Castle, Bundesbank Bunker, chairlift ride) as well as lots of eateries and lodging choices. Cochem also has a train station on the main Mosel train route (not so for Beilstein.) I would opt for Cochem for any stay of longer than 1-2 nights. You can take a cruise to Beilstein from Cochem (1 hr., 5 boats per day, according to the Kolb line's website.) And Cochem is a good base for other outings (Koblenz of course, Trier, Traben-Trarbach) by train or by car. Burg Eltz is close to Cochem as well.

Thank you for the information, very helpful!

Would not recommend Koblenz, not because it is bad, but either of the others have way more charm. With a car you can stay in either Cochem or Beilstein. I have stayed in both. Beilstein is very tiny and you cannot reach it by rail, but is so quaint and charming! Cochem is larger, has good train connections and many more places to eat and to stay. Both are winners in my book! If you plan to visit Burg Eltz Cochem is more convenient. I love to rent a bike and ride between Beilstein and Cochem. Have done it from both directions. You cross the Mosel on a tiny fahre (ferry) right across from Beilstein.