Burg Reichenstein — Attraction in Rhein-Nahe

We received unfriendly stares from the staff for no apparent reason than perhaps looking different. We conducted ourselves respectfully, and we even tipped to make a better impression. Although the owner was quite friendly, there was at least one staff member that gave us long and unfriendly stares.

Additionally, we received unfair treatment from vendors at the Xmas market to which this establishment hosted.

At the market, we bought soup, and during mid pour, a vendor manager said something to the person pouring and immediately she had stopped. We got half a bowl and the people in front and behind us received much fuller bowls.

Again at the Xmas market, my mother had ordered two waffles. After receiving the first one, we had to remind the vendor about the 2nd one. They then proceeded to give us a messed one that had been put aside, perhaps to throw away. The lady then asked if she was happy, and my mom had said no to which she reacted by meekly shrugging her shoulders.

They spoke in plain English and my mom didn't want to make a stink of it in the middle of the line. However, I feel like this needed to be said. I realize that the vendors are not permanent staff; however, they are still a reflection of this establishment.

We weren't looking for preferential treatment, just the same welcome vibe as any other respectful paying customer.

Appended:

Perhaps it was unfair to give the entire establishment such low rating based mostly from the Xmas vendors. I've changed the rating. Please do not talk to our tour host as we don't want to make a big deal and...

I visited this castle on a July weekday afternoon with another adult and my three kids ages 5,3, and 1 years, after visiting Sooneck castle, at about 4pm. We were able to park next to the entrance of the castle though there weren’t many spots that close - I’m not sure where extra parking is. I wore the baby and the older two walked. It was a little overwhelming at first - there is a restaurant on the right but the kasse is in a separate building straight ahead. The staff spoke English and I was able to buy the tickets for us adults and audio guides without difficulty. We then explored the castle at a whirlwind pace because it was so late in the day and my kids were hot and tired. We could easily have spent 2-3 hours there otherwise, as there was SO much to see and explore. They have a kids room with dress up clothes and a performing stage and a reading nook and a few miniature village displays. There is a tower as well as a high walkway on the top of the fortress walls with great views. The interior of the castle had tons of artifacts and decorated rooms and signage about its history. We were there for about one hour before we headed home to feed my kids. The audio guide was interesting but too slow a pace for us to listen to all of it and keep my kids happy. Truly a beautiful castle that even small...

Very nice location. Unfortunately let down by mediocre service, which is not what I expected when booking such a place.

When we arrived we got the wrong room (twin instead of double), however this was quickly and friendly corrected, which was a plus. The room we had was not actually in the castle, but rather in a more modern building on the castle grounds. So if you to actually live in a castle, you need to go elsewhere.

The service at the restaurant is slow and waiters seems not to notice their guests. There is no table service outside and one have to actually go to the bar to some kind of attention, if not you probably could wait for hours.

Another let down is that the hotel does not have a proper parking, so that you have to park by the road. To top this, I had my car park by the road, which was confirmed by the hotel to be OK on the we arrived, only to be awakened by a rather rude telephone from the reception that ordered me to move my car immediately, with no further explanation where to park it.

So; nice location, let down by mediocre service and poor parking. There are much better alternatives in the area, such as Burghotel Auf Schönberg, which offers excellent service...