Case stories /
HENRI Hotel Kitzbühel

The design of each HENRI hotel is influenced by the existing property, its location, and the unique ‘genius loci’. For instance, the Hamburg boutique hotel embodies the essence of the Kontorhaus world blended with mid-century warmth. In contrast, the Charlottenburg Wilhelminian-era building in Berlin expresses the Belle Époque combined with refined luxury.

How does this design concept translate in a hotel that’s one of the oldest in Kitzbühel, famous for its mountains, stunning views, and iconic events, but which has undergone significant expansions and style changes in its 150-year journey?

Hotel Klausner from 1875 transforms into HENRI country house
In Kitzbühel, the aim was to revert some features of the building to its original splendour, preserving as much of the structure as possible to maintain authenticity and sustainability, thereby recreating the story of the hotel within its various sections.

This led to the creation of ‘House Kaiser’, reminiscent of the Belle Époque, with bold-coloured walls, regional antiques, and quaint retro bathrooms. A distinct feature in this area is the typical HENRI hotel living space with a communal kitchen, where guests can help themselves any time – just like at home.

The ‘House Streif’ is a post-war extension featuring small, functional rooms: It served as an answer to the rise of mass tourism and the demand for budget-friendly accommodations. Here, the interior is a nod to mid-20th century designs: Original wooden headboards were painted in orange-red and paired with furnishings inspired by the 50s and 60s.

Separated from the Ache river by the riverside promenade, the newest edition of the hotel, the ‘House Ache’ built in the 2000s, stretches out beautifully. The prevalent modern feel has been largely retained, with some furniture directly reused. Natural wood surfaces have been toned down and rejuvenated in vibrant colours.

Five carpet designs within a defined colour palette
The striking colours of the walls, fixtures, furniture, and fabrics are grounded by the parquet and floorboards, some lovingly restored, others newly installed. Carpets in rooms and corridors act as horizontal highlights, reflecting the verticals’ colour through equally bold, sometimes vibrant patterns.

Together with carpet maker Dansk Wilton, five distinct carpet designs were curated within a harmonious colour palette. Eckart Buss, the brand’s visionary from the start, is full of praise: “Working with Dansk Wilton was a delight! The Danish team were patient and flexible, which is vital for detail-oriented design enthusiasts like us at HENRI. This was not only achieved through their innovative and skilful production but also thanks to reliable and customer-focused partners like Angélique Krauter. I found it absolutely fascinating that all different designs could emerge from the same process under the agreed palette.”

The floor area: a crucial element of interior design
Carpets may just be a single aspect of interior design, yet they cover one of the largest and most continuous areas, elevating their role in the overall design appeal.

Two of the carpet designs are dedicated to the hallways: In parts of the corridors, guests are delightfully guided to their rooms by the iconic ‘H’ of HENRI hotels – set against a dark blue and red backdrop. Elsewhere in the corridors, a blend of vibrant orange, deep red, and dark blue warmly welcomes guests, hinting at the rich tapestry of colours awaiting them in their rooms.

Inside the rooms, beds rest on unique carpet islands that stand out against the pristine wooden floors. The style varies by room: sometimes rustic, sometimes elegant, with recurring blue-grey or colourful patterns, or an understated diamond motif.

Sustainability is a key factor in decision-making
Sustainability is of utmost importance to HENRI hotels. This commitment extends beyond just energy efficiency and offering guests the chance to travel climate-neutrally—after all, HENRI country house Kitzbühel is just steps from the train station and a mere ten-minute walk to the town centre. Sustainability is also evident in the deliberate reuse of fixtures and fittings from each existing hotel.

“This aligned perfectly with Dansk Wilton’s sustainability goals,” affirms Eckart Buss, elaborating further. “Moreover, Dansk Wilton carpets are renowned for quality wool, colour fastness, and durability—qualities we highly value.”

Celebrating 150 years of Tyrolean hospitality
In the heart of the charming Alpine town of Kitzbühel, nestled at the base of the Hahnenkamm, the tradition of 150 years of Tyrolean hospitality thrives anew. Within a hotel thats respects its legacy while embracing the responsibilities of modern hospitality, one aim prevails: to offer guests a sense of security and community, just like home, albeit temporarily.