Schlosshotel Hugenpoet
Old-money castle with genuine warmth — think ancestral portraits alongside contemporary sculpture, raw brick walls in the conservatory restaurant, and quirky angel figurines guarding the bar. Elegant but not stiff.
Book Restaurant 1831 well in advance — it's open only Wed-Sat evenings and demand is high
Why It Matters
One of the most authentic castle hotels in Germany — privately owned, genuinely historic 17C moated castle, award-winning gourmet restaurant (Gault Millau two toques), and an atmosphere that feels like staying with aristocratic friends rather than at a hotel.
A 17th-century moated castle turned 5-star Superior hotel, sitting in a park-filled estate just outside Essen. Opened as a hotel in 1955, it's still privately owned by Maximilian Freiherr von Fürstenberg, which shows — hand-picked antiques, an ancestral portrait gallery, and a genuine sense of place that no chain property could manufacture. Thirty-six individually designed rooms spread across the main castle, two coach houses (Remise), and a gatehouse, with the jewel-box Villa Türmchen available as a standalone apartment. The food is taken very seriously here: Restaurant 1831 runs proper multi-course gourmet tasting menus, and the casual bistro gives you fresh market cooking any day of the week.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Classic Double Room
The entry-level double category, spread across the main castle and two Remise coach houses. Queen or double beds, stylish without being over-the-top. A solid choice if you want to save budget for Restaurant 1831.
Queen or Double · 30 sqm
Classic Single Room
Compact rooms in the main castle and both coach houses. Good proportions for solo travelers, individually styled with the hotel's signature mix of antiques and modern comfort. All the inclusions apply: minibar, bathrobe, slippers, safe.
25 sqm
Junior Suite
42–45 m² suites in the castle, gatehouse, and outbuilding. Each has a proper seating area separate from the sleeping space, making it feel like a real suite rather than just a bigger room. Double or king beds for maximum sleeping comfort.
Double or King · 43 sqm
Superior Double Room
A meaningful step up in space — 35–40 m² gives you room to breathe. Found in the castle and both outbuildings. Double, queen, or king beds available. The extra floor space makes a genuine difference for a longer stay.
Double, Queen or King · 37 sqmUstinov Suite
The top suite in the main castle, freshly renovated. At 55 m² it opens onto a light-filled living room and a separate bedroom. The marble bathroom with its own shower room is the real luxury touch. Views of the castle park. Named after Sir Peter Ustinov, who was a guest.
King · 55 sqmVilla Türmchen
The most private option on the property: a standalone 100 m² apartment over two levels in the castle forecourt. Open fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, private terrace, and a dining area that seats up to 10. Perfect for families or groups who want their own front door. Connected to the LAURUShaus event building.
100 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Ongoing outdoor sculpture exhibition in the castle park, featuring works by artist Sonja Edle von Hoeßle and others.
The hotel offers the 'Pottliebe' package which includes a 2-hour guided tour 'Coal & Buddies' at the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also accessible independently.
Personal tours of the castle led by the Baron or staff, sharing the history of the von Fürstenberg family and the castle. Included in some packages (e.g. 'Experience Hugenpoet' package includes a castle tour at 4pm on arrival day).
Lovingly arranged étagère with savory delicacies and seasonal aperitif, served Fri-Sun and public holidays from 3–4pm, tables held for 2 hours. €42 per person. Must be pre-ordered 72 hours in advance.
Available as part of the 'Favorite Place – Loved One' package. Private dinner set in the castle's historic wine cellar. By inquiry, Wed–Sat, subject to availability.
The generous park surrounding the moated castle is open for leisurely strolling. Features a rotating sculpture exhibition 'Metamorphosen' with works by contemporary artists including Sonja Edle von Hoeßle. Lounge chairs available; picnic baskets can be arranged.
The hotel offers golf packages with tee times at Golfclub Hösel (two 18-hole courses, 10 minutes away near Düsseldorf) and Golfclub Essen-Heidhausen (27-hole Bundesliga course in a nature conservation area south of Essen). Arranged through concierge.
The 240 km RuhrtalRadweg cycling path runs directly behind the castle. The surrounding Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region offers varied hiking and biking routes along the Ruhr valley.
On-site yoga classes available for guests. Mentioned in property descriptions; details via concierge.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Eight event rooms including the Green Salon, Red Salon, and historic halls for conferences, seminars, and private celebrations.
Separate detached building (historic tithe barn) with private garden, terrace, and conservatory. Gaggenau kitchen, living room with fireplace. Seating up to 30 guests. Available for weddings, cooking classes, pop-ups, and private events. Bookable on request.
Complimentary access to Fitness First gym in Essen-Kettwig, included in room rate. No on-site gym.
Complimentary minibar in all rooms, included in room rate.
Large park with magnificent mature trees, moat, sun terrace, and rotating outdoor sculpture exhibitions.
Available on request.
Complimentary parking included in all room rates. Valet service also included.
Limousine service available, bookable via concierge.
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