Auberge Eislecker Stuff

This was a planned final night stop after two weeks touring the Netherlands and Germany with my partner and her sister. We chose to stay based on location, near the Ardennes (I had wanted to visit Bastonge and surrounding area, being interested in military history, for many years, and saw this as an opportunity to do so); it was in Luxembourg (we hadn't been into Luxembourg before); approx 4 hours drive from Dunkirk Ferry Port (we had a late ferry, so a leisurely drive the following day) and the food on the website looking amazing (especially the desserts). The only disappointment was wishing we had booked another night or two. After a beautiful drive from Koblenz, via the Burg Eltz, through the stunning countryside, we crossed from Germany into Luxembourg near Dasberg on the River Our. The drive to Derenbach village, where the Abergele is located, was quite idyllic through the pine wood forests and country roads. On arrival we we greeted by a really friendly, tail wagging dog (Max, I think?), and Lidia one of our hosts. Two main buildings form the establishment. The sleeping accommodation, an old farmhouse, and a slightly more modern bar / restaurant approx 20m away. There was ample parking in front of the restaurant. We were shown to our first floor room in the Auberge. As there were 3 of us, we had a family sized room (Room 6), effectively 1 double and a single - partioned by a wall, with a shared ensuite (shower / toilet etc). Downstairs there is a communal reception room, with the usual tourist information, some seating and a fridge for anyone to use, as we did, having fresh food with us during our travels. Bearing in mind that this was an old farmhouse, the style and furnishings may come across as being 'old fashioned', but it was clean, comfortable (super comfortable bed) and beautifully quiet, Derenbach being literally in the middle of nowhere. The view out of the window gave us a super rural view. After freshening up, we headed over to the restaurant for dinner. Lidia served our drinks at the bar, before taking us through to the dinning area. There were a few locals and other guests in. We were even enteratined by the local village brass band, who stopped by to quench their collective thirsts after band practice. A few tunes were played which really added to to overall pleasant atmosphere. The menu, which as previously mentioned can be viewed on line, was super. A great choice of offerings to suit all tastes, and all cooked by Lidia's husband Pierre. Unexpectedly, we were given a complimentary starter dish, fresh mussels (ironic being so far from the sea). Now, I'm not a seafood fan, but these were a 'house speciality' and they were superb. Our hosts said that they did not get many British people visiting, so they were very happy to extend their already gracious hospitality as a 'thank you'. The three of us thoroughly enjoyed the food we ate, none of it being anything less then the online menu suggested. Full and content we headed for bed, and one of the best night's sleep for us all during that 2 week tour. Breakfast came with the deal, but none of us we overly hungry after the previous night's feast. However, we could chose what we wanted and ate accordingly. It was actually quite an emotional departure as Lidia bid us farewell. We will go back again and stay for longer. The location makes it ideal for any military buffs wishing to explore the battle ground of what became known as The Battle of the Bulge late 1944-early 1945. Bastonge is approx 30mins away. There are numerous museums and memorials spread across the Ardennes marking the course of events during the battle. Also, for motorsport fans - both the Belgian Grand Prix circuit at Spa and the German Nurburgring are approx. 1 hour or so away. Koblenz and the Rhine River is approx 2.5 hours away, and the Burg Eltz, an historic German castle is approx 2 hours away. Luxembourg City, to the south, again approx 1 hour away. It really is an great central location to visit all of these places and more. Given the accessibility of the Internet, if people did their research properly, it's pretty obvious that this is not exactly going to be a busy metropolis, and an all mod-con hotel. What it does offer is a very warm and hospitable welcome, with great food. I can only but praise Eislecker Stuff and recommend it for all of the reasons given. Thank you, merci, vielen dank, obrigado Lidia and Pierre. We look forward to returning again one day, and to stay longer.