Fascination of history

Hospitality since 1896

Victoria tells in the first person her 111 year long history in downtown Nuremberg:

There is a lot to tell about my long history... I, VICTORIA, will try to keep it as short as possible, although I like wallowing in memories...

I was built in 1896 by Carl Schnorr at the same time as the Grand Hotel Nuremberg, which is also located near to the King's gate tower. I am a very representative example of the neo Gothic style that was in fashion at that time in Nuremberg. For this reason I am now under monumental protection.

In 1900 I was considered to be one of the best locations for important events and I already enjoyed a lot of public esteem.

Unfortunately I don't remember anymore when the brothers Wrede took over the management but this beautiful picture on the side keeps a nice memory of it.

It was in the twenties that the businessman Joseph Schuler - who is by the way the great grandfather of Sabine Powels, the present manager - let me join the family that still is the master of my destiny today. Take a look at these pictures: I was so beautiful that nobody could resist!

During the Second World War I was severely damaged through the bombing, like most buildings here downtown. I was burnt down almost to my foundation walls.

Luckily Joseph Schuler had the courage and the energy to invest in my future again and so he reconstructed me between 1945 and 1948.

During my golden age, the fifties and the sixties, I used to host many famous guests and I also offered them an irresistible culinary experience. Look at the picture of Sabine Powels' grandmother - Elisabeth Schuler - as she welcomes the famous actor Otto Wilhelm Fischer.

Soon there came a time when the value of tradition was neglected as far as my look was concerned, nevertheless I was still very proud of being a stylish and classy house.

When even members of the family such as the shareholders Ursula Mutard and Helga Mitzel stopped keeping the company going, I lost some of my strength because I was constantly subdued to management changes. I was led far away from my family and at the same time the new hotels in Nuremberg started stealing me the show.

Fortunately Theodor Schuler, whom I still honour my full official name, strongly believed in his great-granddaughter, Sabine Powels. In 1996, after Miss Powels had finished her business studies in Munich and had collected several experiences abroad as well, he asked her to take over the management of me, my guests and the working team. By this time she was only 24 years old. This was a very bold but well thought out decision. Jochen Powels, Miss Powel's father, was already my managing director and supported me in all financial matters.

 

At this point a deep process of renovation was started in order to consolidate my structure. It began with the difficult reconstruction of the basement and continued with all the beautiful details that make me as unique as I am today - a treasure of Nuremberg's hotel tradition to all my guests.

The process of renovation was accurately completed with the assistance of the architect Matthias Kreibich and his colleagues of the Blauhaus office. They had carefully considered my architectural history and developped the concept of making my tradition a concrete experience for the modern age.
All truly ancient details are not only preserved but also receive a special emphasis and often acquire a modern interpretation. Take a look at the picture of the silver cups that are portrayed in a very modern way and now decorate my breakfast buffet!

Everybody is enthusiastic about my development! My rooms are always requested. Also my young meeting and event department bring new life into my walls and make me even happier. In addition to my three stars I was designated "Superior", a fact that makes me very proud.

The most moving moment in my life was in 2007 when I experienced the unveiling of my front facade in a new glance for my 111th birthday. A lot of people came to celebrate my anniversary with me. It was such a unique moment that I could talk about for hours. If you wish you can watch my anniversary clip and see why I am so excited!

The boutique hotel celebrates its 111th anniversary. Receive the nicest impressions of  this event.
Impressions (photos)

The boutique hotel celebrates its 111th anniversary. Receive the nicest impressions of  this event.
Watch the movie