Germany Rhine River

How about staying one night in an 800 yr old castle in Bacharach? It's a hostel (H.I.) - you might have to share your room with a stranger and you have to set up your bed (they'll give you the bedding). You'll meet other international travellers. The view from your window or the terrace is fantastic (on a clear day). The price is right: from 20.50 Euro/night and that incl a hearty buffet breakfast. Reservation is a must - this castle is extremely popular.
http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-Bacharach-022077.en.htm

Herb's suggested castle-hostel is unique - but for a week, you need to know that the place lies at the top of a 500-step stone staircase that leads into town - just like Rick says in his book. I might find that exhilarating once, but certainly not for 7 days. Apartments are a great way to go for a week. I've rented in St. goar on separate occasions. St. Goar apartments: www.st-goar.de/586-1-fewos.html Boppard is a fine town too. Boppard apartments: www.boppard.de/index.php?id=8&L=1 This little apt. in Bacharach, in an old half-timbered building, goes for 30€/night and is not at the top of the cliffs but in town and not far from the train station: Ferienwohnungen Feldhege (in German, click on "das Apartment" for photos and text, use online translator.) What to see: Rheinfels Castle in St. Goar (ruins.) Marksburg Castle in Braubach (intact, never destroyed.) Both can be toured. Take St. Goar ferry across the Rhine to St. Goarshausen and board a northbound train (20 min.) to reach Braubach. Oberwesel, Bacharach, and Boppard are also very fine towns to visit.

LaRae, I stayed in Bacharach on my last visit to that area, and really enjoyed it. It was a good "home base" for touring that area. For lodgings you could either consider Hotel Kranenturm or Pension Lettie. Both are very comfortable. Kranenturm is right next to the rail tracks, but I had no problems with train noise. It also has a good restaurant. As the previous reply mentioned, Burg Stahleck offers an impressive view and good facilities, but it's somewhat inconvenient to get back and forth as it's well above town. Also, it IS a Hostel which means "communal living". Regarding "what to see or do", you may want to have a look at the Germany Guidebook, as that's the best way to find activities that fit your interests. Taking a KD (or other) cruise from Bacharach to St. Goar and then returning by train is one thing you could consider. Good luck with your planning!

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.

The best website on the area is Bavaria Ben. http://www.bensbauernhof.com/accommodationsrhinemosel.html
I've stayed a couple of quiet nights in Bacharach. I enjoy eating Kurt's cooking @ Hotel Kranenturn, but prefer to stay a block or two away at one of the B&B's listed in Bavaria Ben's website.

If I were staying in Bacharach, I would stay at Pension Zum Malerwinkel. It's in a beautiful setting, the price is good, and it's far from the tracks, in case that is a problem for you.

You have to go to Bacharach to Altes Haus and eat the Reisling wine soup - fabulous !

What Lee said. Nice place, with beautiful surroundings and no train noise.

I have stayed twice in the past two years in Bacharach (just got back from 4 days a week ago). Stayed both times at Private Zimmer Irmgard Orth. Nice lady, good location, nice breakfast, good price. She is listed (as are all accommodations ) at the www.bacharach.de website. She doesn't have an email, but I emailed the tourist office and it (specifically Elke Eberhard) was very prompt in forwarding my request. Besides Rick's book, I would look at various trip reports on Bavaria Ben's excellent website www.bensbauernhof.com for ideas on things to do.

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.