Craftsmen in particular are still romping around in the new aja resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
At the beginning of June, the employees arrive to prepare everything for the opening on June 18th.
Director Nico Stelkens gives a first glimpse into the hotel.
Everything has to be in place by the opening of the aja-Resort on St.-Martin-Straße on June 18
Warm colors characterize the interior, subtle decoration and many references to the location.
Director Nico Stelkens is happy about the keen interest shown by the locals.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- major alarm on St.-Martin-Strasse.
Fire brigade, ambulance, paramedics and police jet to the new hotel, which is between Olympiastrasse and Achenfeldstrasse.
The normal scenario when something happens in a house of this size.
But it is not.
To Nico Stelkens' relief.
A smoke detector was to blame for the alarm, and the fire brigade quickly gave the all-clear.
The first vehicle was on site within just three minutes.
"Very impressive," says the director of the aja-Resort Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
He sees it as a trial run.
One of many that are still ahead of him and his team before the opening on June 18th.
When the first guests check in, about ten percent of the 229-room house is currently booked, he wants everything to be ready and, if possible, no more surprises.
“We don't break anything over the fence,” emphasizes the 43-year-old.
That is why the hotel, the second location in the mountains after Ruhpolding - another one is to be added in Mittenwald by 2024 - and the seventh in Germany, has not yet been actively advertised.
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The interior designers designed the restaurant in warm colors with different materials.
© Peter Kornatz
Numerous craftsmen are still employed in and around the house. Especially with the finishing touches. The lovingly furnished restaurant, lobby, children's and spa area as well as the rooms are already clearly visible. Warm colors characterize the whole, subtle decoration and many references to the location. This can also be seen in the partnerships that aja has entered into. With Jörg Maurer, whose alpine crime novels and other publications dominate the reading corner. “The guests can borrow the books and of course buy them too,” says Stelkens. With the Ettal Abbey, which has provided a tap and various beer mats for the Instagram wall and also presents old beer mugs. With the traditional costume and fashion house Grasegger, GaPa-Tourismus and the regional brand "Inser Hoamat". And with Sport Conrad,whose products can be found at the wish-fulfillers. They offer tours, but sometimes also put together a program for a rainy day. After all, the future guests should primarily explore their holiday destination, its nature and the sights in the region. It also fits that the train station and the Zugspitzbahn are right next door.
Around half of the employees come from the region
Stelkens is happy about the central location of his house. But also about the fact that around half of the up to 70 employees come from the local area. That fits in with the operator's concept: “We're selling the destination,” explains the director. “After all, we assume that people are mainly outside.” The father of three children (13, 11 and soon 2) also likes to do this very much. He and his family have not yet explored their new home extensively. But it is already clear that you will feel very comfortable in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. After ten years abroad - three in Malaysia and seven in Dubai - they are even happy about the rainy days, the change of seasons and the central location. “In Dubai we had to do everything by car,” says Stelkens. "We enjoy,that we can now do a lot by bike or on foot. "
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Opinions differ on the facade.
Inside the hotel, guests can expect many loving details.
© Peter Kornatz
The Osnabrücker, who grew up in the five-star category, has been there since February. He and three other employees, supported by five or six colleagues from Ruhpolding, oversee the fine-tuning. “It's worth gold,” says Stelkens. The department heads will start their duties on June 1st, the rest of the team will start on June 7th. They were able to get a first impression during internal tours of the house. From the rooms with alpine flair, which are available in six categories, the 2,000 square meter wellness area with outdoor pool, the fitness room, which is adorned with local sports stars, the Nivea house, which offers massages and various cosmetic treatments in addition to a large shop, and the restaurant -, bar and café area. As soon as the Corona regulations allow, external guests are also welcome there.
Stelkens finds the locals' interest in the house positive. But he also noticed that not everyone likes the facade. “That was one of several suggestions from our architects, for which the municipality has spoken out.” The decisive factor for him, however, is “what's in it”. The employees who bring the hotel to life and the guests who carry it out.
