Make two out of one: The owners of the traditional Kaiserin Elisabeth hotel in Feldafing are planning extensive renovations and expansions with costs in the double-digit millions. The municipal council unanimously took note of the concept. Since a new building in the outdoor area is planned following the listed hotel, a project-related development plan “Special area hotel” is to be drawn up and an urban development contract concluded with the municipality of Feldafing.
The hotel, in which the Austrian Empress Elisabeth regularly stayed when she visited her family at Possenhofen Castle, is more than 150 years old. The original Sisi suite with a golden bed has long been available to all guests. According to the planner Volker Deigendesch, the oldest building stock dates back to 1854. Although the house has a wonderful charm, technical and creative renovation is inevitable, said the planner. As he emphasized, the house has been in the family since 1905. It is currently run by Erika Borchard and Annette von Gleichenstein-Haarmann in the fourth generation and should definitely stay in the family. With the modernization and expansion, the owners want to secure the future for the next generation. It is also planned not only to maintain the jobs, but also to create new ones.
Empress Elisabeth with her Irish wolfhound “Horseguard” in an illustration from 1864.
Image: Rheinisches Bildarchiv Cologne
The Empress of Austria-Hungary was once one of the guests of the charmingly located hotel.
Image: Arlet Ulfers
The number of rooms is to be increased from currently 62 to 82 and the entrance area with the reception area is to be enlarged. The restaurant is also to be expanded to 60 seats. So far, not all hotel guests can eat at the current eight tables for a maximum of 28 people. The kitchen and utility rooms are being completely renewed. A beer garden is planned in front of the Bierstüberl. The former, currently closed Sisi bar in the vaulted cellar will be reopened and will have its own outside access. The approximately 100 square meter terrace is to be glazed in the rear area so that guests can enjoy the view of the alpine panorama even in winter. According to the planner, this conversion has already been approved.
In a second construction phase, a new building with a 1500 square meter wellness area and indoor pool on the ground floor as well as 20 rooms on three floors with a view of the mountains is planned. According to Deigendesch, the new building is “a reflection of the old building. It should blend in harmoniously with the overall historical ensemble. The plan is to connect the old and new buildings with one another with a glass wing. Overall, according to the planner,” more life “should come into the hotel and the gastronomy area will become a meeting point for locals. Mayor Bernhard Sontheim described the path taken by the owners as “very brave.” He would definitely support the plans. The hotel is one of the oldest establishments in Feldafing and is popular beyond the municipality’s borders.