Storytelling by Hubertus

I ask myself this question again and again when I read in guest reviews that some (few) guests perceive our inn as old and “worn.” This strikes me deep in my heart. I feel hurt, perhaps even weary, by this criticism.
After all, “old,” “worn,” and “new” can and should certainly be viewed from different perspectives.

The HUBERTUS is now 70 years old. It has a long family tradition. And it has grown steadily over the years—deliberately building on what already existed, on its roots.

The HUBERTUS originated as an old inn, a guesthouse offering lodging. Only four of these bedrooms had a fireplace. The comfort of having a private shower or restroom in each room was unthinkable.

Decades later, not much of the “old” remains. Yet there are corners, nooks, and rooms that bear witness to its history. And I could tell a story or two about each and every one of these spots.
Like the creaking of the old room, which still rings in my ears. About the way the floor vibrates and the clinking and wobbling of the glasses when you step into the room.
Then there’s our hardwood floor from the ’50s and ’60s, which was sanded down and resealed every year. And had to be waxed every day. Does this still sound familiar to anyone? God knows, certainly to the older ones among you!
At some point, it disappeared—for decades. First hidden under linoleum, and then, a generation later, hidden again under carpet. Creepy. But it was the fashion back then.
And suddenly, in the ’80s, good old hardwood flooring was “rediscovered.” Brought back into the light and brought back to life, so it could shine again in all its new splendor.

Now he’s enjoying his new, regained life. It’s unbelievable when you think about how many soles of feet he’s seen from below over all these decades, everything he’s carried and endured, and all the secret flirtations and “foot-play” (as we say around here) he’s been able to witness as a silent observer beneath the supposedly secure long tablecloth.

The same goes for our rooms. They, too, could surely tell countless stories. They’ve seen and experienced a great deal—thanks to the guests who’ve stayed here over the years. And how many of our loyal guests book “their” specific room and table—so that wonderful memories from the past won’t fade away, and so they can relive them time and time again.

Rooms whose furniture was originally crafted from old solid wood sourced from the region—the Balderschwanger Valley. And larch wood floors that have had the chance—or the necessity—to come into contact with modern, heavy Samsonite hard-shell suitcases, pointed high-heeled shoes, or spiked hiking and biking boots.

All of this leaves its mark. But these are marks that tell a story of life. Stories that are written.
And are therefore true and authentic.

The HUBERTUS is a house that wasn’t so much designed on the drawing board as it was born out of passion. Back then, people didn’t spend a lot of time planning—they just got to work. And so a house emerged in the middle of a green meadow, one that has been lovingly developed over the years. At first, to the best of our knowledge and belief; then, increasingly, with precision and a VISION FOR THE FUTURE.

At first glance, it looks like a patchwork quilt made up of a wide variety of building sections. A conglomeration of diverse styles that nevertheless belong together unconditionally. For they tell their shared story.

Just like our NAGELFLUH NATURE PARK, but much older than our “old cabin”—40 million years old or even older. Unique in its flora and fauna. Unparalleled in its biodiversity. And a sea of colors during the blooming season.

Our hotel has grown and evolved in exactly the same way.
From a small inn to a hotel, then evolving into a wellness hotel—back then one of the first in the region. And now shining as the MOUNTAIN REFUGIO ALLGÄU. With a unique and thoughtfully designed spa—a sanctuary whose ambiance is comparable to that of a temple (Dear Father, dearest Dr. Richard Kocher: Please forgive me for the comparison; we certainly do not wish to compete with you in any way!).

Alongside it, dearly loved and brimming with self-confidence: our roots. There’s the old BAUERNSTUBE with a headroom of 185 cm (unimaginable in a building plan today), and there’s the old “Speiss,” a gathering place to get to know the people and cuisine of the region. Admittedly, the “old section” may be a bit “worn” and show some scratches here and there. But it’s precisely these endearing scratches that tell the story of our house. And they’re what make it what it is: a PLACE STEEPED IN HISTORY. Right up to the present day.

Nevertheless, this spring we’ll be giving 45 of our rooms a bit of a “refresh”—a facelift—to remove some of the marks and scratches. To give something new a chance while building on the foundation of the old.
We’re in good hands. Supporting us in this development is a young and gifted interior designer whose thesis was titled “Upcycling Interior Design without Downsizing Luxury: Sustainable Design Solutions through Holistic Thinking.” Her work isn’t just about proclaiming sustainability—it’s about authentically exemplifying FUTURE-PROOF PROCESSES.

For us, this means and involves repurposing and upcycling existing materials, and, by extension, showing APPRECIATION for our resources.

We’re all on the same planet, sawing at the same branch.
Or maybe not!
Because: Let’s preserve what’s old. And create something new.
In a balanced context.

The ANTICIPATION for the outcome is building. Are you excited?
I am, too!

See you soon! Yours, Karl