A visit to Sebastian Steuber
Visitors to Frankenberg for the first time feel like they are travelling back in time: Historic half-timbered buildings surround the market square, in the centre of which is the imposing town hall with its 10 towers and carved figures. Directly opposite, the guest arrives back in the present, as this is the destination of the journey, the Sonne Frankenberg. A cheerful Sebastian Steuber awaits us on the terrace in front of the hotel. The managing director of the hotel has not promised too much: The view from the terrace across the market square is truly unique.
Dear Mr Steuber. You are a graduate of the Heidelberg Hotel Management School and have many years of experience at home and abroad. What gave you the impetus to pursue a career in the hotel industry?
That's a good question, if only because there is or was never anyone in my family who worked in the hotel industry. Hotels have always fascinated me. Not just the facades and the great lobbies, but also the hustle and bustle in all areas and how guests are looked after and pampered. At some point, I wanted to know how this works and then I started the application process.
What fascinates you about the industry?
The diversity, no two days are the same, the constant and continuous change.
You have been Managing Director of Die Sonne Frankenberg since July 2022. What does this hotel have that other boutique hotels at this high level don't? What makes the ‘Sonne’ unique in your eyes?
Our greatest strength clearly lies in the people who work for us. Their commitment and warmth are repeatedly emphasised in guest reviews - and I am very proud of that. Many of our employees have been with us since the hotel opened and know our regular guests very well, which creates a familiar and personal atmosphere. Another hallmark of our establishment is the consistently high quality in both restaurants - and this has been the case for many years now. Added to this is our unique location: nestled in peace and nature, the ‘Sonne’ with its charming half-timbered houses is in the middle of the historic old town centre of Frankenberg.
Dear Mr Steuber. You are a graduate of the Heidelberg Hotel Management School and have many years of experience at home and abroad. What gave you the impetus to pursue a career in the hotel industry?
That's a good question, if only because there is or was never anyone in my family who worked in the hotel industry. Hotels have always fascinated me. Not just the facades and the great lobbies, but also the hustle and bustle in all areas and how guests are looked after and pampered. At some point, I wanted to know how this works and then I started the application process.
What fascinates you about the industry?
The diversity, no two days are the same, the constant and continuous change.
You have been Managing Director of Die Sonne Frankenberg since July 2022. What does this hotel have that other boutique hotels at this high level don't? What makes the ‘Sonne’ unique in your eyes?
Our greatest strength clearly lies in the people who work for us. Their commitment and warmth are repeatedly emphasised in guest reviews - and I am very proud of that. Many of our employees have been with us since the hotel opened and know our regular guests very well, which creates a familiar and personal atmosphere. Another hallmark of our establishment is the consistently high quality in both restaurants - and this has been the case for many years now. Added to this is our unique location: nestled in peace and nature, the ‘Sonne’ with its charming half-timbered houses is in the middle of the historic old town centre of Frankenberg.
The Sonne Frankenberg was closed for several weeks due to extensive renovation and remodelling work. Your hotel has been open again since 1 March. What can your guests look forward to in particular?
The most significant changes have taken place in the rooms. Here, timeless design meets a warm, cosy atmosphere - a place to feel at home. Particularly noteworthy are the new beds, which offer exceptional comfort and guarantee a restful night's sleep. A lot has also happened in the spa area: the saunas have been extensively modernised and, as a special highlight, we now offer a bio-clay sauna. In addition, the relaxation rooms have been modernised and equipped with stylish new furniture to create an even more relaxing atmosphere.
We have taken a particularly careful approach in the Sonne Stuben. The original charm of the rooms has been retained, while the overall design is brighter, friendlier and more open. A skilful combination of benches and chairs creates a modern yet inviting image.
The Sonne Frankenberg was closed for several weeks due to extensive renovation and remodelling work. Your hotel has been open again since 1 March. What can your guests look forward to in particular?
The most significant changes have taken place in the rooms. Here, timeless design meets a warm, cosy atmosphere - a place to feel at home. Particularly noteworthy are the new beds, which offer exceptional comfort and guarantee a restful night's sleep. A lot has also happened in the spa area: the saunas have been extensively modernised and, as a special highlight, we now offer a bio-clay sauna. In addition, the relaxation rooms have been modernised and equipped with stylish new furniture to create an even more relaxing atmosphere.
We have taken a particularly careful approach in the Sonne Stuben. The original charm of the rooms has been retained, while the overall design is brighter, friendlier and more open. A skilful combination of benches and chairs creates a modern yet inviting image.
What were the biggest challenges during the renovation work? After all, Die Sonne Frankenberg is located within historic walls...
As almost every room has an individual format, each room also had to be planned and designed individually. There was little efficiency in planning and realisation. This was ultimately the reason why we realised the project ourselves with our interior design and project team. We had fantastic partners for logistics and craftsmanship, who enabled us to realise the renovation in a very short time frame. I've opened hotels before, which is almost easy compared to renovating an existing hotel.
Were you on site every day yourself?
I was on site every day that tradesmen were in the building as well as my own colleagues. Sunday was a family day!
The construction and furnishing work is basically ‘only’ the final stage of the project. How much time did you invest in the project in total?
A lot of hours have been put in. The project started at the beginning of 2023 and we spent a lot of time discussing, thinking and planning until it came to the roll-out. I really enjoy projects like this, I have a lot of fun with them, which is why I don't really notice the issue of ‘time’. When I see the results today, I'm just happy and plan the next steps.
So here we go again, with an anniversary year to boot: Erik Arnecke, head chef at your Michelin-starred restaurant Philipp Soldan, is celebrating his 10th anniversary this year. What are the highlights, what should definitely not be missed?
There are three events that we can particularly recommend, the first of which is already completely sold out: In June, we will be welcoming Jan Hartwig, friend and former colleague of Erik Arnecke. Together they will be organising an exclusive 4-hands lunch - an absolute culinary highlight.
Another extraordinary event awaits us in September: in cooperation with our FEINE PRIVATHOTELS partner SEA CLOUD, Erik Arnecke will accompany us on an unforgettable Mediterranean trip as a guest chef. This trip is something very special - I personally think it's great and would love to be on board myself.
In mid-October, we invite you to the big kitchen party. An enjoyable event with renowned guest chefs, outstanding winegrowers and other partners. A must for all those who love and appreciate culinary delights!
Sometimes managing a hotel is probably just as exhausting as looking after a bag of fleas. Where do you personally get your strength and motivation to always give your best?
There are days when it would be easier to look after a sack of fleas - but joking aside! What really motivates me is the freedom to fulfil my role in the way that suits me best. That means a lot to me. At the same time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends - be it at a BBQ or on short trips together. But every now and then I also need time to myself: Hiking, mountain biking, sorting wine...
Do you perhaps also have rituals, such as taking a tour of the house in the morning or getting a coffee from the hotel kitchen before you start the day?
I read my emails in the morning at home. In the hotel, my first stop is the office and from there I go through the restaurants to my colleagues at reception. My coffee needs are already satisfied when I arrive at the hotel, at least most of the time...!
How do you present yourself to the guest? Do you show a lot of presence or do you focus more on behind-the-scenes management?
I have a healthy mix. As I am also responsible for other businesses in addition to the hotel, the administrative workload is not insignificant. Nevertheless, I also spend a lot of time travelling around the hotel: talking to guests and employees, attending events and, of course, I can also be seen at the hotel.
Last question: Do you have a favourite place in or around the hotel where we could meet you from time to time?
As I mentioned at the beginning, the terrace is my absolute favourite place. Behind the scenes, my favourite place to be is in the kitchens!
YOUR HOST AT DIE SONNE FRANKENBERG
You can contact Sebastian Steuber at www.sonne-frankenberg.de or by e-mail at info@sonne-frankenberg.de .
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