Rath checks in: Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg

The Althoff Collection manages this challenge excellently under the leadership of the managing partner Frank Marrenbach. For more than 35 years now, entrepreneur Thomas H. Althoff has played a key role in shaping the German hotel industry. In addition to new hotel brands, with which he occupies niches such as the four-star market, the Althoff flagships such as the Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt are still part of the group’s portfolio.

In 1703 Prince Johann Willhelm II originally had the palace built as a hunting lodge for his second wife Maria-Luisa. In 2000, the Althoff Collection took over the Grandhotel Bensberg. After an eventful history – the second largest baroque castle north of the Alps served, among other things, as a royal Prussian cadet house and barracks for Belgian occupation troops – Schloss Bensberg is now one of the most renowned castle hotels in Europe.

Royally dignified: the tasteful interior captivates

I have always had a secret soft spot for historical walls. They tell stories from days long past and give today’s luxury hotel that certain something. This offers an additional charm that cannot be created by any new building or even the most sophisticated hotel design concept. As different as the Althoff hotels are, the three pillars – service, quality gastronomy and architecture & art – form the strong foundation of all Althoff hotels.

I feel at home in the Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg per se. This may be due to the exceptional service. In my personal case, the five-star luxury hotel also has a location advantage: It is close to my beloved Cologne home in the Bergisches Land. I already know the house well. At that time it was almost part of the Ritz Carlton hotel group. She lost it to Althoff at the last minute. At that point I was involved in the establishment and was to lead it as the first hotel manager for said Ritz Carlton hotel company.

But my talks with Thomas Althoff fizzled out after his takeover, so I stayed with Ritz Carlton. Today I am very curious as to what has become of Bensberg Castle. And I want to know: Can I actually see Cologne Cathedral from the Domsuite?

The suite is very generously equipped and is located in the front wing of the castle. Working is even more enjoyable on the comfortable seating set. The entire living area is decorated in subtle sand and gray tones. The materials are carefully selected. My favorite is the marble bathroom, which feels like your own private spa. And indeed: on a clear day I can see the beautiful skyline of Cologne including the cathedral. Especially nice on a clear night.

Culinary world class in five courses

Like almost no other hotel group, Althoff stands for exquisite cuisine, as does Schloss Bensberg. Joachim Wissler, one of the best chefs in Germany, cooks his way into the hearts of the guests. I tasted the five-course menu from the two-star chef incognito. The Atlantic brill with deliciously prepared oyster spoils my palate to the utmost. The pasture lamb with chickpea and allspice cannelloni sets a hearty nuance, while the carrot cake initiates the sweet finale.

Gault Millau has just voted Wissler one of the best chefs in Germany after Michelin took away a star. I’m sure that he’ll soon get his third star back if he dedicates himself less to the decoration and more to the culinary delights on the plate. On my next visit I will definitely choose the eight-course menu. After my first taste, I’m sure that there can never be too many courses at Wissler. Incidentally, the Vendome restaurant is going on a creative summer break from July 18th to September 20th.

It may be a little more guest guidance

As much as I am enthusiastic about the castle, the interior and the landscaped park, I still have one wish. The floor plan of the house is typical of historic walls, very winding. In any case, I don’t find my way right away and have to ask for directions several times. Clear signage of the corridors could help here. It would be better if an employee accompanies the guests instead of explaining the complicated way. Because they know every course like the back of their hand and are already very courteous in helping searching guests like me. If I am then addressed by name at breakfast and not asked for my room number, the service is perfect in this respect as well.

Conclusion: Enjoy royally, a hotel experience at a high level

When I enter an Althoff Hotel, my expectations are high right from the start. Althoff has always stood for quality and, for me, still sets a benchmark in the culinary luxury hotel industry. A total of three of the Althoff Hotels were placed in the “The 101 Best Hotels in Germany” ranking in 2021 in the “Best Culinary Hotels” category. I am sure that they can defend their rank in 2022 as well. The new ranking can be found here in the Handelsblatt at the end of November.

Rath’s Reise-Rating (current rating in bold):

1. Explicit Travel Warning
2. Better than under the bridge
3. So-la-la, not o-la-la
4. Complaining at a high level
5. If only it were always like this
6. Great cinema.

About the author: As a former grand hotelier and operator of a travel platform, Carsten K. Rath is a professional globetrotter. He travels to all the hotels he writes about for the Handelsblatt on his own account. Rath is the brain behind the ranking “The 101 best hotels in Germany”, whose partners include the Handelsblatt.