Is that the Oetker brand that is into baking powder and cakes? Close.
The Oetker Hotel Collection represents some of the most desirable hotel properties in the world, owned by the same Oetker family known for their ready-made baking powder, cake mixes, yogurts, frozen pizza, pudding, cake decoration, cornflakes, and various other products.
However, the family business split into two groups in 2021 – Dr. August Oetker KG (the owners of the food products and more) and Geschwister Oetker Beteiligungen KG (the owners of the hotels and wines). At first glance, it seems the sisters got the more glamorous part of the deal.
So, what is The Oetker Hotel Collection? Well, it is a collection of some of the best hotel properties in the world and the company describes it as follows:
“Some places live in our hearts forever. Oetker Collection hotels are true masterpieces located in the world’s most desirable destinations. Each property is a landmark and a timeless icon of elegance. With deep devotion to local culture and community, our Hosts of Choice preserve a tradition of legendary European hospitality and genuine family spirit that began in 1872.”
Formally set up in 2008, the origins of the Oetker Collection can be traced back to 1872 with the initial opening of Brenners Park Hotel & Spa. This establishment located in Baden-Baden was greatly cherished by Rudolf August Oetker, leading him to acquire it in 1941.
The current hotel collection includes L’Apogée Courchevel, Le Bristol Paris, Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, Château Saint-Martin & Spa in Vence, The Lanesborough in London, Eden Rock-St Barths, Jumby Bay Island in Antigua, Palácio Tangará in São Paulo, The Woodward in Geneva, Hotel La Palma in Capri, The Vineta Hotel in Palm Beach, and more than 150 private villas around the globe.
Each of these properties has an image and a brand of its own. The portfolio offers uber-luxury hotel experiences with the associated price tag. Some quirky insights into the various hotel properties:
- The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France has a rich history dating back to 1870. It is one of the most famous hotels in the world and was frequented by celebrities such as Picasso, Chaplin, Hemingway, and Marlene Dietrich, but contemporary celebrities such as Madonna and Robert de Niro are current regulars.
- Le Bristol Paris was home to a Burmese cat named Fa-Raon, who roamed freely around the hotel. It is a well-known aspect of the hotel’s charm. The new feline cat is Socrate – the son of Fa-Raon.
- The Lanesborough in London offers an acclaimed afternoon tea service. The library bar offers rare vintage cognac with the oldest dating back to 1770, the birth year of Ludwig van Beethoven, and the marriage of 14-year-old Marie Antoinette to Louis XVI. Patrons of the hotel’s Library Bar can sample this venerable cognac for £6,500 (approximately $8,060) per measure, a cost notably higher than even the highly prized Louis XIII Black Pearl Magnum cognac.
Château Saint-Martin & Spa: Located in Vence, offers guests the opportunity to take part in truffle hunting experiences.
Palácio Tangará: This hotel has 27 acres of natural tropical rainforest in the middle of the city.
Eden Rock – St Barths: This hotel was originally owned by Rémy de Haenen, a French aviator and adventurer. He was the first man to land a plane on the island of St Barths, and he turned his home into a hotel that became Eden Rock. It has hosted many famous guests, including Greta Garbo and Howard Hughes. The resort has a recording studio, used by famous musicians like Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger.
Jumby Bay Island: This private island resort in Antigua features an exclusive Hawksbill Turtle Preservation program.
The Oetker Hotel Collection is truly the summit of classical, timeless, “old money” vacation properties. They represent a lifestyle that oozes sophistication and elegance. These are the places that have the fingerprints of bygone and new Hollywood stars, music celebrities, industrialists, billionaires, and famous writers. Places where new money discovers that old is really new.
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