In 1984, a new chapter in luxury hospitality began when Thomas H. Althoff and his wife, Elke Diefenbach-Althoff, acquired Cologne’s renowned Hotel Regent International, laying the foundation for what is now Althoff Hotels. Fast forward to 2024, and Althoff Hotels celebrates an impressive 40-year journey marked by an unwavering commitment to respect, style, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Reflecting on this milestone, Thomas H. Althoff shares, “We are incredibly proud and deeply moved to celebrate our company’s 40th anniversary. Over these decades, we’ve faced challenges head-on with respect and dedication, and we’re proud of what we’ve built.”
The Althoffs emphasize the unique nature of a family business, sharing, “It’s a great commitment, and we’re thrilled to bring this tradition forward with our friend and partner, Frank Marrenbach.”
Eighteen Hotels Across Four Countries
Althoff Hotels operates 18 properties across Germany, France, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, with three distinctive brands—Althoff Collection, Ameron Collection, and Urban Loft—all defined by their dedication to exceptional hospitality, gourmet dining, and refined design. The Althoffs’ commitment to detail and luxury has firmly established the Althoff Collection as one of Europe’s most prestigious hotel brands, featuring five 5-star hotels in Bavaria, Cologne, London, St. Tropez, and Saxony. The Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt in Bavaria, for instance, is one of only six hotels in Germany to receive Michelin’s coveted “Three Keys” grading.
Looking ahead, the Althoff Collection is set to grow with two new iconic additions in Germany by 2025. Cologne’s legendary Dom Hotel, originally opened in 1840, will soon be reborn, located beside the city’s famous cathedral. Cologne’s mayor, Henriette Reker, remarks, “Our city embodies warmth, cosmopolitanism, and world-class hospitality. Thomas and Elke Althoff have been integral to shaping Cologne, and the relaunch of the Althoff Dom Hotel is at the heart of the city’s transformation.”
Another landmark opening in 2025 will be The Florentin in Frankfurt’s Sachsenhausen district, where the former Villa Kennedy is currently undergoing a 24-month transformation to become the city’s most distinguished hotel.
Since 2009, the Ameron Collection has offered guests a premium lifestyle experience with nine charming 4-star hotels. In 2020, Althoff introduced Urban Loft in Berlin and Cologne—a vibrant lifestyle brand dedicated to art, culture, cuisine, and creativity.
“Our group is built on three key pillars: ‘architecture, art & design,’ ‘outstanding service,’ and ‘quality gastronomy,’ which unite every Althoff property,” explains Frank Marrenbach. This foundational ethos has underpinned Althoff Hotels for 40 years, creating destinations that seamlessly blend opulence with genuine hospitality.
As Althoff Hotels looks to the future, it does so with an enduring commitment to crafting exceptional experiences and a legacy of hospitality that will continue to inspire for decades to come.
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