SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 20, 2025 – Great joy in the Ahrtal: The Hotel Rodderhof of the Hempen family in Ahrweiler has received the Special Award as part of the national "Hotelier of the Year" award. The ahgz Allgemeine Hotel- und Gastronomie-Zeitung (dfv Mediengruppe) presents the prestigious award annually for outstanding and innovative achievements in the hotel industry. Daniel, Dirk, and Gabi Hempen accepted the Special Award on Tuesday evening in Mainz's Rheingoldhalle in the presence of around 1,000 guests. The gala event was moderated by actress, hotelier, and Bambi award winner Jessica Schwarz, Rolf Westermann (ahgz editor-in-chief and jury chairman), and Alexandra Habdank (ahgz editorial director).
Jury's Reasoning
"The Rodderhof is a prime example of reconstruction. With this award, we recognize the great courage and creative power of the family business," Westermann explained on behalf of the jury. The Hempen family rebuilt their Hotel Rodderhof in Ahrweiler's old town, which was severely damaged by the 2021 Ahr flood, within just one year with great commitment and a vision for the future. During this time, the hotel was also passed on within the family to Daniel Hempen. In her laudatory speech, Rhineland-Palatinate's Minister of Economic Affairs Daniela Schmitt also emphasized the hotel's reconstruction achievement.
Statement from the Hempen Family
Daniel Hempen is overjoyed: "We are thrilled about the award. For us, it is further confirmation that we have taken the right path in the reconstruction with our ideas and visions."
Hotel Rodderhof: Tradition and Modernity
The Hotel Rodderhof is located in the buildings of the former Klosterrather Hof from the 13th century. The modern family-run hotel offers 56 rooms and suites, a restaurant with regional cuisine, several conference and event rooms, and a wellness area with a cosmetic studio and gym.
Importance for Tourism in the Ahrtal
Andreas Lambeck, Managing Director of Ahrtal-Tourismus, is also enthusiastic: "Congratulations to the Rodderhof for this well-deserved and wonderful national award! My thanks go to him and all the hosts in the Ahrtal who are instrumental in shaping the tourist reconstruction with so much passion, courage, creativity and hospitality." He sees the reconstruction in combination with the regional tourism concept as an enormous opportunity to further develop the Ahrtal into a regional brand with radiance. "New hotel settlements prove that the Ahrtal is becoming increasingly interesting for investors," Lambeck concluded.
About the "Hotelier of the Year" Award
The ahgz Allgemeine Hotel- und Gastronomie-Zeitung (dfv Mediengruppe) presents the prestigious "Hotelier of the Year" award annually for outstanding and innovative achievements in the hotel industry. The award is considered one of the most important in the industry and is presented by an independent jury of experts.
About Hotel Rodderhof
The Hotel Rodderhof in Ahrweiler is a modern family-run hotel with a long tradition. It offers its guests 56 rooms and suites, a restaurant with regional cuisine, several conference and event rooms, and a wellness area. The hotel was extensively rebuilt after the 2021 flood disaster and now uniquely combines tradition and modernity.
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