A wonderful idea of progress

It is sometimes weaknesses that motivate the quest for progress: fear, envy or, in the case of the computer, a certain type of laziness. Konrad Zuse was a brilliant Berlin engineer who wanted to find a way to spare himself the enormous quantities of calculations required in his studies. Today, all the specialists are in agreement in recognising him as the creator of the first computer in history, a computer which demanded colossal perseverance and effort from him, hindered by the constraints of the war, whose bombing raids destroyed several of his creations. His "Z3" machine, the first one capable of calculations on the basis of imported programming, was conceived in 1941 in the little workshop he had created in his parents' apartment in Berlin. After the war, Konrad Zuse set up his company in Hünfeld, a town in the state of Hesse, where the Best Western Premier Konrad Zuse can be found and where, under the pseudonym of Kuno See, he dedicated himself equally as much to his passion: painting.

The owner of the hotel has chosen to pay homage to the Hünfeld engineer clearly because he contributed so much to the reputation of the town. But besides the name it is the hotel experience that pays the tribute: Konrad Zuse's commitment to progress based on the idea that intelligence and sensibility can create well-being and real quality of life also inspired an authentic approach to the profession of hotelier. The project and the ambition were entrusted to Karl Möller. The architect, also a painter like Konrad Zuse (and whose works display striking similarities to those of the engineer), is known for the particular rhythm and volumes of his creations and has just won a prize for the design of the Lodz Museum. He explains that a hotel is a "temporary home" and can therefore be seen as "a tent and a palace", expressing both its temporary nature but equally its ability to protect its guests. Of the "tent" the Best Western Premier Konrad Zuse offers the smoothness of the lobby curves, the brightness and lightness of the structure, the openness of the size, the delicacy of the fresh flowers on the tables and in the rooms, and the minimal elegance. Of the "palace" it has the irreproachable comfort, the perfect silence, the grandeur of the materials, the warmth of the colours, the quality of the restaurant (particularly the famous local mutton) and the wine cellar (the liqueur "AHA Excelsior" must be tasted, and is only distilled in Hünfeld), and the works of art... all authentic Konrad Zuse canvases. Together these create an extremely pleasant impression of a refined and mastered quality of life, as can be seen in the exceptional fitness and health centre, combining well-being with beautiful views of the old town and the green hills.

The hotel surroundings are those of a town which has made quality of life for everyone its highest priority, seeking to enhance its roots and its land, and to open itself up to the world. The town is known for its rare ability to cultivate conviviality and culture. Its cafes are often art galleries, and its Museum of Modern Art exhibits beautiful works by Mondrian, Warholand Beuys. As part of this quest for a quality Art de Vivre, Hünfeld has also declared itself an equestrian city.

Konrad Zuse admitted hoping that his inventions would help future generations to solve the problems handed down by his own generation. One of his creations, an extremely rare collector's piece, has pride of place in the hotel lobby. It is a "Z25" of which only 120 in the world were ever sold in 1963. It weighs 400 kilos and is the size of a sideboard! It is, however, very similar to the leading current models and also to the Best Western Premier Konrad Zuse in that it is inspired by the quest for a better and easier life, free from needless constraints.

Best Western Premier Konrad Zuse Hotel

Josefstraße 1, Hünfeld, Germany - 36088

Phone: +49 (0) 6652-74750 Fax: +49 (0) 6652-7475255