Hotel director of Schlosshotel Hugenpoet in the historic staircase with elegant interior

Asked… with Vivian Jessica Schiller

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She is a passionate hostess and continues to be captivated by Hugenpoet every day: Vivian-Jessica Schiller. Since 2005, the castle-enthusiastic director has been managing the 5-star superior hotel on the Ruhr meadows in Essen Kettwig. In the interview, she talks about her personal "castle lady feeling" and her vision for Hugenpoet – among other things.

Dear Ms. Schiller, how does it feel to work in a castle? How would you describe your personal "castle lady feeling" at Hugenpoet?

"Working at Hugenpoet is something special – the old walls, the history in every stone, the park – all of this conveys an aura of permanence and dignity. At the same time, it is a lively place, full of people, guests, encounters and stories. My personal castle lady feeling is evident when I walk through the rooms and corridors and guide guests through the castle – then I feel a bit like the hostess of a large, charming family. It is a workplace full of history, but also full of joy. It is a great privilege to be able to work in such a place – and at the same time an obligation to make this atmosphere palpable for our guests."

Vivian Schiller at Schlosshotel Hugenpoet – hotel director with warmth and style in the historic ambiance of the house

Your guests are also allowed to feel a little like lords and ladies of the castle during their stay – what makes the feeling of life at Hugenpoet so unique?

"The special thing about Hugenpoet is this unique mixture: on the one hand, the historical backdrop with the high ceilings, the creaking floorboards and the old walls that tell stories. On the other hand, a warm, lively togetherness that makes the stay very uncomplicated. You don't have to fear etiquette – on the contrary, you can simply enjoy yourself."

Luftaufnahme des Schlosshotel Hugenpoet umgeben von Wäldern und Feldern in idyllischer Lage bei Essen

Are you an approachable hotel director for your guests or do you work more behind the scenes?

"It takes a watchful eye in the background to ensure that processes run smoothly and that the team has the best conditions to achieve great things. I therefore see my role as a mixture: present in contact with our guests when it matters – and supportive in the background so that our Hugenpoet feeling can unfold everywhere."

How have the demands of guests on a 5-star superior hotel changed and how do you respond to them?

"The demands have changed significantly in recent years – less in the direction of even more pomp and splendor, but rather in the direction of individuality and authenticity. Today, our guests expect us to perceive them very personally, anticipate their wishes and at the same time create an environment that is relaxed and informal. Luxury no longer only means crystal chandeliers and silver cutlery, but time, attention and experiences that remain in the memory."

What is your philosophy of hospitality?

"It is the goal of the entire team that we offer our guests a temporary home. "Being at home" is a feeling, and we want to convey that to our guests – regardless of the occasion that brings them to us. We are warm and unexcited and unobtrusive in our service and want to make our guests' stay as pleasant as possible. This castle is beautiful, but it can only be filled with life by our team of 70. I am very proud of that, by the way. It is young, diverse and motivated. What makes me particularly happy: We have no shortage of trainees. I think that also says a lot about our philosophy."

From philosophy to vision: What is your vision of Schlosshotel Hugenpoet?

Villa Türmchen des Schlosshotel Hugenpoet – charmantes Gästehaus im Grünen mit historischem Naturstein und Satteldach

"I want the castle to be perceived not only as a historical building/castle, but as a lively place that connects the past and the future as well as tradition and modernity. Hugenpoet should be a place that inspires – our guests should not simply spend the night here, but experience stories that they take home with them. For me, that means: creating spaces in which tradition remains tangible, but is interpreted in a contemporary way. A castle that does not keep respectfully at a distance, but welcomes with open arms."

Asked… with Vivian Jessica Schiller

"Being at home is a feeling, and we want to convey that to our guests – regardless of the occasion that brings them to us."