Another castle...
In 1704, at the height of the Spanish War of Succession, a French officer arrived in Heidenheim with 10,000 men to seize Hellenstein Castle and then... decided to carry on his way without firing a single shot, due to the obvious difficulties he would have to face. The castle was at the peak of its strength: well defended by its solid architecture and its dominant position, with a well dug 78 metres into its foundations, which took 4 years of enormous effort to build. It enjoyed true prestige, as attested to by the quality of its artistic adornments. The political events of the 18th and the 19th centuries were not kind to the castle but Heidenheim has always remained extremely attached to this exceptional building and preserved what it could until they were able to renovate it. Today, Hellenstein has recaptured its splendour and magnificently upholds the reputation of the city.
The Best Western Premier Schlosshotel Park Consul was built on the same rocky headland as the castle, separated from it only by a beautiful grassy park. The substantial architectural achievement of creating this proximity was no mean feat: how does one construct something in such contrast to the historic castle without the juxtaposition detracting from either of the buildings? The architects created lines and forms that are as simple as they are clear, with no hint of pretentiousness. This remarkably sober elegance clearly aims not to seek to disguise the ways in which the hotel and the ancient castle differ. So by accepting that which makes them different, the design of the hotel allows them, paradoxically, to find a harmonious balance and a mutual value. One is designed to keep people out, the other to welcome them. One is important for its defences, while the other is open to all. One has 800 years of history, while the other is perfectly contemporary. One has always been a focus of attention, while the other must strike a harmonious balance between attraction and discretion. The hotel's wide picture windows are its answer to the castle's arrow-slits. Its bright welcoming terraces, to the thick menacing towers. Its smooth soft surfaces, to the castle's rough stones marked by history. And in response to the invariably spartan existence of the soldiers of past centuries, is the Art de Vivre of the 21st century, enjoyed in impeccable comfort while remaining sympathetic to the authenticity and the history of the region.
Like Hellenstein Castle, the Best Western Premier Schlosshotel Park Consul takes advantage of its dominant position to offer stunning, (rather than tactical), views over the pretty town of Heidenheim and the surrounding countryside. Like the castle, the hotel has become a landmark for visitors to the city. Its restaurant offers authentic Swabian cuisine, accompanied by locally brewed beers. The rooms have the privilege of space, light and tranquillity. They offer a warm welcoming atmosphere which makes extensive use of wood and combines subtle brown colours that give way now and again to the bright colours of fresh flowers.
In the evening, the magnificently lit Hellenstein Castle is an even more spectacular reminder of its glory, at a time when it was linked to the Duchy of Württenberg, and when men carried a sword at their side. In addition to this architecture (the churches and ancient houses of the city are just as remarkable), other remnants of this time are the traditional annual shepherd run and a prestigious epee fencing tournament, the Heidenheimer Pokal, that some consider even more important than the world championships. Guests at the Best Western Premier Schlosshotel Park Consul are able to better savour each authentic moment in this destination because, thanks to the hotel, they are enjoying an exclusive location and level of comfort. The Best Western Premier Schlosshotel Park Consul truly is Heidenheim's other castle.
| Best Western Premier Schlosshotel Park Consul |
| Hugo-Rupf-Platz 2, Heidenheim, Germany - 89522 |
| Phone: 49(0)7321-30530 Fax: 49(0)7321-3053100 |
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