A visit to Rolf E. Brönnimann
Since 1 June 2024, the Swiss native has been the new director of the Wald & Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe in Hohenlohe, Baden-Württemberg. He brings no less than 52 years of international experience in the hotel industry with him to this place, which he wants to unlock its full potential.
Dear Mr Brönnimann, we are sitting under one of the magnificent old trees in the park of the Wald & Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe in the most beautiful sunshine. First question: Why did you decide to go into the hotel business back then?
I grew up in the hotel and catering industry in Switzerland and mapped out my career in the 3rd grade of primary school - the equivalent of 3rd grade in Germany - in an essay and stuck to it: Apprenticeship as a chef, hotel management school in Lausanne, USA and so on.
What fascinated you so much about the industry and what still fascinates you today?
If I were born again, I wouldn't have to think for a second and would choose this profession again because it is so multifaceted and fascinating. Also in the knowledge that you can earn your money more easily and that you have to work a lot.
Dear Mr Brönnimann, we are sitting under one of the magnificent old trees in the park of the Wald & Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe in the most beautiful sunshine. First question: Why did you decide to go into the hotel business back then?
I grew up in the hotel and catering industry in Switzerland and mapped out my career in the 3rd grade of primary school - the equivalent of 3rd grade in Germany - in an essay and stuck to it: Apprenticeship as a chef, hotel management school in Lausanne, USA and so on.
What fascinated you so much about the industry and what still fascinates you today?
If I were born again, I wouldn't have to think for a second and would choose this profession again because it is so multifaceted and fascinating. Also in the knowledge that you can earn your money more easily and that you have to work a lot.
Your career path has been lined with first-class hotels at home and abroad. Is there a hotel, station or position that you particularly remember?
All the companies I have worked for have always presented me with major challenges. At the beginning, the challenges weren't that big, but as my career progressed, they became bigger and bigger. SAP co-founder Dietmar Hopp's project in Tourrette - Domaine de Terre Blanche - was certainly one of the biggest challenges; as Owners Representative, I was entrusted with numerous tasks and a lot of it was new territory that I had to face. After that, there were many construction projects and each one was a challenge in itself.
What has been the best moment in your professional life so far?
In 52 years of working in the hotel industry, there have been many ‘favourite moments’, as I'm sure you can imagine. For me, however, the best moments are when you achieve a goal together with a team that you have worked towards with a great deal of commitment.
Your career path has been lined with first-class hotels at home and abroad. Is there a hotel, station or position that you particularly remember?
All the companies I have worked for have always presented me with major challenges. At the beginning, the challenges weren't that big, but as my career progressed, they became bigger and bigger. SAP co-founder Dietmar Hopp's project in Tourrette - Domaine de Terre Blanche - was certainly one of the biggest challenges; as Owners Representative, I was entrusted with numerous tasks and a lot of it was new territory that I had to face. After that, there were many construction projects and each one was a challenge in itself.
What has been the best moment in your professional life so far?
In 52 years of working in the hotel industry, there have been many ‘favourite moments’, as I'm sure you can imagine. For me, however, the best moments are when you achieve a goal together with a team that you have worked towards with a great deal of commitment.
You have been working as Hotel Director at the Wald & Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe since 1 June 2024. Have you already ‘arrived’ in beautiful Hohenlohe? What does your working day look like?
The area in Hohenlohe is beautiful and the people here are very modest, regardless of their position, which is very appealing to me, especially as I come from a world where the opposite is the case.
My working day is characterised by learning. I observe, make small corrections and have hired a few new department heads. I'm not someone who changes everything at the drop of a hat. The employees have to understand why you change something. It has to make sense and the direction has to be clearly communicated.
How would you describe your management style? Are you an ‘approachable’ boss?
I think I'm an approachable boss, although I don't really like the word boss. I prefer to see myself as the ‘coach’ of a team that wants to play in the ‘Champions League’ of the German hotel industry. If there's one thing I've learnt in the last few years - you're worth nothing on your own. Especially in our profession, which is characterised by people, the team is above all else.
How would you describe your management style? Are you an ‘approachable’ boss?
I think I'm an approachable boss, although I don't really like the word boss. I prefer to see myself as the ‘coach’ of a team that wants to play in the ‘Champions League’ of the German hotel industry. If there's one thing I've learnt in the last few years - you're worth nothing on your own. Especially in our profession, which is characterised by people, the team is above all else.
The topic of indulgence is written in capital letters here - you offer your guests a spa that is one of the best in Germany and gourmet cuisine with two Michelin stars. Have you personally had the opportunity to savour both?
I have already enjoyed Boris Rommel's cuisine at a dinner in our restaurant Le Cerf and at the outstanding kitchen party. I have only ever been able to visit the spa with my children (after it has officially closed) and am overwhelmed by the quality, but the facilities are also unrivalled and the generosity is hard to beat.
The Wald & Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe is a place characterised by tradition. In which areas will you be setting new accents? Which topic is at the top of your agenda?
We are currently working on Vision 2030 together with the Würth family, so I don't want to tell you too much from the ‘sewing basket’ at the moment, but you can look forward to it, I can already reveal that much.
What makes this hotel so appealing to you personally? What do you particularly appreciate about the Wald & Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe?
Das Wald & Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe ist für mich ein Rohdiamant, der geschliffen gehört. Die Kombination Golf, Spa, Gourmet, Park – Tradition und Moderne mit altem Baumbestand, Kunst und Kultur zu vereinen könnte besser nicht in unsere Zeit passen. Ein Ort mit Geschichte auf Schritt und Tritt, und wir werden neue Geschichten hinzufügen.
Last question: Have you already discovered a favourite place for yourself?
Yes, I have - I love to let my thoughts run free under the old sequoia tree and recharge my batteries for new ideas.
YOUR HOST AT WALD & SCHLOSSHOTEL FRIEDRICHSRUHE
You can contact Rolf E. Brönnimann at www.schlosshotel-friedrichsruhe.de or by e-mail at hotel@schlosshotel-friedrichsruhe.de.
Never miss news from our “Visiting...” section again
Register here directly for the FEINE PRIVATHOTELS newsletter. Simply enter your e-mail address and click on “Send”. That's it.
Never miss news from our “Visiting...” section again
Register here directly for the FEINE PRIVATHOTELS newsletter. Simply enter your e-mail address and click on “Send”. That's it.
Thomas Bonanni
Before the Managing Director of Schlosshotel Münchhausen retired, he spoke to us about his life as a hotelier with heart and soul.
Sonja und Alisa Fischer
Mother and daughter with a shared vision: the two hosts of VILLINO near Lindau on Lake Constance whisked us away to their Mediterranean oasis, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Vivian-Jessica Schiller
The director of the Schlosshotel Hugenpoet in Essen has a personal soft spot for castle hotels. She spoke to us about her passion for the hotel industry - and about her favourite place.
Bernhard Zepf
Ettlingen, also known as ‘the gateway to the Alb Valley’, is a very special place for connoisseurs. This is because the Hotel-Restaurant Erbprinz is located here, not far from Karlsruhe. This year, the 5-star superior hotel is celebrating ‘25 years of Bernhard Zepf’. A welcome occasion to visit a hotelier who fulfilled a dream with the Erbprinz.
Ralf J. Kutzner
Dresden is undoubtedly one of the country's cultural centres. The Bülow Palais is an oasis of tranquillity and warm hospitality in a beautiful location in the heart of the baroque quarter. The 5-star superior hotel pampers its guests in the finest way - for more than 30 years under the management of Ralf J. Kutzner, the passionate host of this hotel.
