Brothers in Hospitality: The Journey Behind the Coast Collection and Hotel Eisenhut

In the heart of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a small medieval town in Bavaria, lies one of the most storied and cherished hotels in the region—Hotel Eisenhut. An iconic property which has been completely revitalized thanks to the determination and vision of two brothers, Christian and Andreas. Together, they run the Coast Collection, a growing portfolio of hotels across Germany, including the beloved Hotel Eisenhut. Their story is one of family, perseverance, and a deep-rooted passion for the hospitality industry.

A Family Legacy in Hospitality

For Christian and Andreas, the hotel business was not a career choice—it was a way of life. Growing up in a family that owned hotels, the brothers were immersed in the world of hospitality from a young age. While most children spent their weekends visiting museums or going on family outings, the brothers were exploring hotels, learning about the intricacies of guest service, and picking up the skills that would one day define their professional lives.

“We grew up in the hotel business. Instead of visiting museums, we were traveling to different hotels, observing how they were run,” Andreas says with a smile. “It wasn’t something we appreciated as kids, but looking back, it was invaluable experience.”

Their experience wasn’t limited to just family-run hotels in their native northern Germany. Christian and Andreas also spent time working in some of the most famous hotels worldwide, gaining insights into the global hospitality industry. But it was the time they spent together, observing and learning, that would form the foundation of their own hotel group, Coast Collection.

A Turning Point: Taking Over Hotel Eisenhut

Hotel Eisenhut, one of Rothenburg’s oldest and most iconic properties, would eventually become the centerpiece of their entrepreneurial journey. In 2020, the hotel was facing financial ruin as the COVID-19 pandemic hit the hospitality sector hard. Christian and Andreas, who had long admired the hotel as guests, decided to take the plunge and negotiate a deal to purchase the property.

The decision wasn’t easy, especially as the pandemic was still looming large, and the hotel industry was experiencing unprecedented challenges. But the brothers saw an opportunity to breathe new life into the hotel, to preserve its historical charm while infusing it with modern luxury and exceptional service.

Christian recalls, “We came here as guests years ago, and even then, we felt this was a special place. But when the opportunity arose, we didn’t know what to expect. The pandemic was in full swing, and we thought it might be over by the time we took over—but it wasn’t.”

Two weeks before they were to take over the property, disaster struck. They received a video showing extensive water damage that had flooded the hotel’s floors, threatening to derail their plans entirely. Despite the shock and uncertainty, the brothers remained steadfast.

“We were nervous. The damage was massive, but we had already signed everything, and there was no turning back,” says Andreas. “We decided to press on and tackle the challenge head-on.”

The brothers spent the next year and a half overseeing the renovation and repairs. It wasn’t just about fixing the water damage; they had to restore the hotel’s historic structure while modernizing its amenities to meet the demands of today’s travelers. The project was a massive undertaking, requiring meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Building the Coast Collection

Hotel Eisenhut wasn’t the brothers’ first venture into hotel ownership, but it marked a turning point in their ambitions. Prior to taking over Hotel Eisenhut, they had already established themselves as successful hoteliers with a growing portfolio of properties under the Coast Collection banner. The Coast Collection represents a commitment to quality, luxury, and exceptional service—values that Christian and Andreas instilled into every property they manage.

Their motto, “Join the Coast Side of Life,” reflects the hospitality philosophy that guides their work. It’s not just about running hotels—it’s about creating experiences that make guests feel welcome, relaxed, and cherished.

When asked about their approach to running hotels, Andreas explains, “We want to make our guests happy. Our mission is to provide a place where people can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and truly enjoy the time they spend with us. Whether it’s the design, the food, or the personal service, we want every guest to feel special.”

As European hoteliers, the brothers also recognize the importance of their cultural identity in shaping their approach to business. Christian, who hails from the north of Germany, and Andreas, from Bavaria, both identify as Europeans. Their commitment to providing world-class service while embracing the unique character of each location is what sets the Coast Collection apart.

“We live in a global world, and we understand the importance of being European in the hospitality industry,” Christian says. “It’s about respecting the local culture while providing an international standard of service. That’s what we strive for every day.”

A Team Effort: Brothers Who Build Together

The brothers’ dynamic partnership is one of the core strengths of their business. Although they have different skills and personalities, Christian and Andreas complement each other perfectly, working together as equals in every aspect of their hotels. Christian often takes the lead in overseeing the business and financial side, while Andreas focuses on the design, aesthetics, and guest experience.

“When it comes to decision-making, we always talk it through,” says Andreas. “We might not always agree on everything, but we come to the best decision for the business by discussing it from all angles.”

Their ability to navigate challenges and disagreements with diplomacy is another reason for their success. “Sometimes we have different opinions, but we always find a solution,” Christian adds. “It’s about compromise, and in the end, it’s always for the good of the hotel and our guests.”

Despite the occasional difference of opinion, the brothers share a deep sense of mutual respect and trust. Their shared history, close family bond, and love for hospitality have made them a powerful team, and their commitment to building the Coast Collection together is unwavering.

The Future of the Coast Collection

Looking ahead, Christian and Andreas are excited about the future of the Coast Collection and the opportunity to continue expanding their portfolio of hotels. While they have a deep attachment to Hotel Eisenhut, they remain focused on bringing their vision to other properties across Germany and beyond.

“Every new hotel is an opportunity to create something unique and special,” says Andreas. “We’re always looking for ways to improve, whether it’s through design, service, or technology. The world is changing, and so are we.”

Their dedication to quality, passion for the hospitality industry, and unwavering commitment to each other as brothers have made the Coast Collection a standout name in the world of luxury hotels. For Christian and Andreas, it’s not just about running a business—it’s about creating experiences that guests will remember for a lifetime.

As they continue to grow their brand, they remain guided by their motto: Join the Coast Side of Life, where hospitality is not just a service, but a way of life.

Christian and Andreas’s story is a testament to the power of family, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Through challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, they have built a legacy in the hotel industry that reflects their passion, vision, and dedication to providing exceptional experiences for their guests. The Coast Collection is a commitment to creating places where people can feel at home, no matter where they are in the world and they are achieving that beautifully.

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