A visit to Friederike Quentin
It is a picture that could have been painted by a Romantic artist: The Hardenberg BurgHotel is located in the middle of an extensive park, directly beneath the ruins of Hardenberg Castle. And the impression is not deceptive, as the artificial ruins really do date back to that era. The count's estate, which also includes the Hardenberg BurgSpa, the Hardenberg Distillery and the nearby Hardenberg GolfResort, has had a new managing hostess since May 1, 2025. We met Friederike Quentin in the inviting lobby of the hotel.
Ms. Quentin, we are talking in the lobby of the Hardenberg BurgHotel. What makes this place so special, apart from the fact that it is very inviting?
It's a place that immediately conveys the atmosphere of the historic half-timbered house and is also the heart of our hotel. That's why it's definitely the lobby!
We would also like to find out something about you today. First of all, what sparked your interest in hospitality?
I've always had a great affinity for good food and drink, enjoyed organizing social evenings in my private life and was often a hostess with friends and family. So my enthusiasm for hospitality was there from an early age - today it's my profession and my passion.
You have been working for FREIgeist & Friends for 17 years. Before your position as hostess of the Hotel FREIgeist Göttingen (from 2018), you had already worked for 10 years as deputy hostess at the Hardenberg BurgHotel, among others. Now you have been the new managing host of the 4-star superior hotel since May 1, 2025. What was your first reaction when you were offered the new position?
Ms. Quentin, we are talking in the lobby of the Hardenberg BurgHotel. What makes this place so special, apart from the fact that it is very inviting?
It's a place that immediately conveys the atmosphere of the historic half-timbered house and is also the heart of our hotel. That's why it's definitely the lobby!
We would also like to find out something about you today. First of all, what sparked your interest in hospitality?
I've always had a great affinity for good food and drink, enjoyed organizing social evenings in my private life and was often a hostess with friends and family. So my enthusiasm for hospitality was there from an early age - today it's my profession and my passion.
You have been working for FREIgeist & Friends for 17 years. Before your position as hostess of the Hotel FREIgeist Göttingen (from 2018), you had already worked for 10 years as deputy hostess at the Hardenberg BurgHotel, among others. Now you have been the new managing host of the 4-star superior hotel since May 1, 2025. What was your first reaction when you were offered the new position?
I was very pleased - it was a really good feeling that felt right straight away. And I even slept really well that night, which for me is always a sign that something is right!
What fascinates you about the role of hostess? Will you set new accents, develop the hotel further?
Being a hostess - whether privately or professionally - is a matter close to my heart. Our Hardenberg BurgHotel feels like home to me. It is a traditional hotel that I would like to develop further with fresh impetus and together with our partners, such as FEINE PRIVATHOTELS. I would also like to give new impetus to the team, strengthen the team spirit even further and continue to develop a modern yet warm hospitality culture together.
What does a “typical” working day look like for you? Do you have any rituals before you start the new day?
I don't start the day without a cup of classic East Frisian tea. Then I go for a little walk around the building - greeting employees, seeing how everyone is doing. As I've just returned from parental leave, my daily routine is particularly focused.
I was very pleased - it was a really good feeling that felt right straight away. And I even slept really well that night, which for me is always a sign that something is right!
What fascinates you about the role of hostess? Will you set new accents, develop the hotel further?
Being a hostess - whether privately or professionally - is a matter close to my heart. Our Hardenberg BurgHotel feels like home to me. It is a traditional hotel that I would like to develop further with fresh impetus and together with our partners, such as FEINE PRIVATHOTELS. I would also like to give new impetus to the team, strengthen the team spirit even further and continue to develop a modern yet warm hospitality culture together.
What does a “typical” working day look like for you? Do you have any rituals before you start the new day?
I don't start the day without a cup of classic East Frisian tea. Then I go for a little walk around the building - greeting employees, seeing how everyone is doing. As I've just returned from parental leave, my daily routine is particularly focused.
How do you see your role towards the employees? Are you an “approachable” boss?” How would you describe your management style?
I don't like the word “boss” at all - I see myself more as a contact person for everyone in the team. My management style is very approachable, at eye level, with flat hierarchies and always with an open ear for challenges.
What do I experience at the Hardenberg BurgHotel that I wouldn't experience anywhere else? What makes this FEINE PRIVATHOTELS hotel unique?
The Hardenberg estate is unique - embedded in beautiful nature, with a historic count's country estate. Where else can you find a hotel with its own riding arena, a distillery and a castle park?
The Hardenberg GolfResort with two challenging 18-hole courses is located in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. Are golfers the main target group of your hotel?
Not exclusively - golf plays a role seasonally and at weekends, but is not our main target group. Many guests like to combine golfing with a private stay with us.
What tips do you give your guests for enjoying their time out on the Hardenberg estate - and in the surrounding area - with all their senses?
...the variety; no two days are the same and I love being a hostess!
Is there a particularly wonderful experience at Fährhaus Sylt that you would like to share with our readers?
An absolute must: a walk up to the Hardenberg castle ruins! You can borrow the key from our reception at any time and explore the castle on your own. Otherwise, simply enjoy the surrounding nature, spend relaxing hours on the terrace of our Novalis restaurant with a view of the riding arena and feast in the evening. If you are staying for several days, I also recommend the restaurants & bars in the FREIgeist Hotels, which also belong to our hotel group and are very close by. This can be ideally combined with a visit to the university city of Göttingen.
If you had to describe your hotel in three words, what would they be?
Stylish. Cosy. Familiar.
Last question: Can you tell us your favorite place or retreat at the Hardenberg BurgHotel?
It's not a real retreat - but my favorite place is our hall, especially in winter when the fire crackles in the fireplace.
YOUR HOST AT HARDENBERG BURGHOTEL
You can contact Friederike Quentin at www.burghotel-hardenberg.de or by e-mail at info@hardenberg-burghotel.de.
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