Visiting Thomas Bonanni
The journey to Schlosshotel Münchhausen takes you along the Weser, through lush green meadows and bright yellow rapeseed fields. The historic Schwöbber Castle, a moated castle with 450 years of history, welcomes its guests in a spring-like setting.
Mr Bonanni: Why did you become a hotelier?
After graduating from high school, I completed a one-year programme at the hotel management school in Bad Wiessee. I was fascinated by the industry from the very first moment. I then trained as a hotel manager and that's when it all started. I don't think there's a single area in the hotel industry - from F&B to controlling and accounting - that I haven't worked in. In total, I've been working in this industry for 42 years.
... and hotel manager at the 5-star superior Schlosshotel Münchhausen for nine and a half years. What makes this hotel so special?
For many guests, this moated castle with its spacious landscaped park is a Hydeaway, perfect for relaxing. We completely redesigned the wellness area in 2018 - 800 m² oasis of well-being! And golf enthusiasts will find two 18-hole courses right on the doorstep. The Schlosshotel is also a dream setting for weddings with a castle chapel and its own registry office. We also offer conference facilities of the highest standard in a separately located conference centre for up to 300 participants. In short: we are hosts for every occasion.
Mr Bonanni: Why did you become a hotelier?
After graduating from high school, I completed a one-year programme at the hotel management school in Bad Wiessee. I was fascinated by the industry from the very first moment. I then trained as a hotel manager and that's when it all started. I don't think there's a single area in the hotel industry - from F&B to controlling and accounting - that I haven't worked in. In total, I've been working in this industry for 42 years.
... and hotel manager at the 5-star superior Schlosshotel Münchhausen for nine and a half years. What makes this hotel so special?
For many guests, this moated castle with its spacious landscaped park is a Hydeaway, perfect for relaxing. We completely redesigned the wellness area in 2018 - 800 m² oasis of well-being! And golf enthusiasts will find two 18-hole courses right on the doorstep. The Schlosshotel is also a dream setting for weddings with a castle chapel and its own registry office. We also offer conference facilities of the highest standard in a separately located conference centre for up to 300 participants. In short: we are hosts for every occasion.
Many guests come here because of the beautiful property.
Yes, staying in a historic castle is something very special. Unfortunately, modern hotels are often very cramped and the architecture offers no surprises. With us, on the other hand, you enjoy spaciousness with large, individually designed rooms - and something new awaits you around every corner.
How would you describe your philosophy, how do you run a hou
Als ob es mein eigenes wäre! Und mir ist es wichtig, ganz nah am Gast zu sein und meine Kollegen zu unterstützen. Denn nur im Team sind wir stark!
Many guests come here because of the beautiful property.
Yes, staying in a historic castle is something very special. Unfortunately, modern hotels are often very cramped and the architecture offers no surprises. With us, on the other hand, you enjoy spaciousness with large, individually designed rooms - and something new awaits you around every corner.
How would you describe your philosophy, how do you run a hou
Als ob es mein eigenes wäre! Und mir ist es wichtig, ganz nah am Gast zu sein und meine Kollegen zu unterstützen. Denn nur im Team sind wir stark!
What do the guests say when the hotel manager personally mixes the drink?
The guests think it's great. It is also a signal that we are not aloof. I attach great importance to that. I always say that we are a team you can get to know, and I live by that. The number of our regular guests is constantly increasing and we have quite a few colleagues in the team who have returned to us after their ‘travelling years’. I myself am at the hotel seven days a week and my door is always open. It's a give and take.
How are guests responding to the new ‘Hilmar’ and the new culinary direction?
The HILMAR is very popular with both external guests and our hotel guests. The figures speak for themselves: more than 90 per cent of our overnight guests stay at the hotel for dinner and make a reservation either in the gourmet restaurant or in the castle cellar.
We are sitting here in the gourmet restaurant ‘Hilmar’, which has just been awarded a star. Congratulations!
Thank you very much! Yes, the star is back. We are all very happy about that. We only reopened the restaurant on 2 December after the restoration work. Stephan Krogmann and his team have done a fantastic job. I involved him in the redesign of the ‘Hilmar’ right from the start, and with him a new culinary era has begun at Schlosshotel Münchhausen.
The Schlosshotel Münchhausen is celebrating its 20th birthday this year. What is planned?
We have an extensive calendar of events, with daytime and evening events such as the gourmet journey with Stephan Krogmann, to which we also invite other chefs, or the garden party in white. With events like these, we also reach guests from the surrounding area who don't know us yet and are usually very impressed and surprised by the relaxed atmosphere here.
Last question: What is your favourite place in the hotel?
Don't ask, I like everything! You have the best view when you look westwards from the Schlossbar. You should definitely try it out. And enjoy a signature drink at the same time. The perfect start to the evening.
YOUR HOST AT SCHLOSSHOTEL MÜNCHHAUSEN
You can reach Thomas Bonanni at www.schlosshotel-muenchhausen.com or by e-mail at info@schlosshotel-muenchhausen.com.
Thank you very much for the lovely interview!
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