What makes the Hauenstein Hotels so special?

Their hotel empire is centered around the Lake Thun region. There, they operate, among other things, three hotels, seven restaurants, and a rehabilitation clinic. Peter Hauenstein has invested many millions. Now his daughters, Nathalie and Andrea, are carrying on the business.

Nathalie Hauenstein, you are in charge of the Hauenstein Group's hotels and restaurants. Tell me: What makes your hotels stand out?

Nathalie: The establishments in the " Hauenstein Hotels " are independent hotels and restaurants with different business models. What unites them is their deep roots in the region, their outstanding locations, and their shared goal of offering high-quality dining and hospitality services on Lake Thun.

You, Nathalie, have provided hotels and restaurants with a lot of new ideas in recent years.

Over the past five years, my focus has been on fostering cross-group collaboration. We have created new structures and leveraged synergies without the divisions losing their partial autonomy. Building on this foundation, the divisions will now be continuously optimized and further developed.

All Hauenstein Hotels will follow the same operating models going forward.

Nathalie: No, quite the opposite. The businesses will be different. Andrea: The common thread is more of a “behind-the-scenes” thing and mainly involves administrative processes.

Your hotel group currently consists of two restaurants (Restaurant Burehuus in Thun and Landgasthof Grizzlybär in Längenbühl) and three hotels (Deltapark Vitalresort in Thun/Gwatt, Belvédère Strandhotel in Spiez, and Solbadhotel in Sigriswil). Specifically, what do these three hotels have in common?

Nathalie: Our shared, overarching vision for the Hauenstein Group is: We create spaces for living and enjoyment. Our goal is to offer high-quality dining and hotel services around Lake Thun and to continuously improve them. All of our hotels are situated in unique locations on Lake Thun, with views of the lake and the mountains. All of our properties offer relaxation and enjoyment, along with modern and comprehensive amenities: wellness facilities, seminar options, restaurants, bars …

Their motto for the conference hotel sector is: “Hold meetings where others celebrate or go on vacation.”

Nathalie: That's right. And all of this in a prime location with stunning views and an inspiring, relaxing setting. We also pride ourselves on providing high-quality service. Our guests are our top priority—and we respond to their needs and feedback.

What do you do for your employees to ensure they remain motivated and follow your principles?

Nathalie: We practice “equal opportunity for all.” We continuously invest in the future of our employees and also train apprentices in various trades.

Their hotels and restaurants have strong regional roots.

Nathalie: Yes, we prefer regional—or at least Swiss—raw ingredients and suppliers. And we also make sure transportation distances are short. Another example: We actively work to combat food waste.

In November, you handed over the “reins” to your two daughters and Managing Director Daniel Eschmann. Are you now retiring to the Caribbean—or at least to a hammock by Lake Thun?

Peter: I don't own a hammock.

Nathalie: He has a deck chair …

Peter: I'm here and available whenever anyone needs me. I'm more than happy to help. I also come into the office from time to time.

Let's be honest, Peter Hauenstein: Can you really let go?

Others have to answer that question. Why should I get involved when the others are doing a good job? It was much harder for my father to let go, because he started from scratch back in 1954. The company was his life's work.

Nathalie and Andrea Hauenstein, how do you feel in your roles as managers and leaders of the Hauenstein Group?

Nathalie: I admit that in times of crisis and constant change, a task like this isn't always easy. But I'm motivated, and I appreciate having a great team by my side. Andrea: It's an exciting—and not exactly small—challenge. But it's exciting, and it's a pleasure to have the right people on board.

Nathalie, Andrea, and Peter Hauenstein, thank you very much for the interview, and we wish you continued success!

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