Historic Hotel of the Year for 2009

The award was bestowed “for careful and competent conservation and restoration of the historic inn. This includes the return of the original furniture to the rooms as well as the re-use of historic structural elements. The skillful set up of the rooms with 18th century furniture from the region is stylistically appropriate. The same applies to the new furnishings of the dining room, bar and hall.”

The inn Wirtshaus Zum Hirschen, at times also called “Zum goldenen Hirschen,” was first mentioned in the year 1523. Situated directly on the Rhine River, it is the largest secular building in the little town of Eglisau. The eastern core of the building, which dates from 1573, was rebuilt in 1662. It was increased in height by an entire floor in 1696. In 1852 the western part of the building was extended. In 1879 a hall was added to the side facing the Rhine. An arcade, which was open at that time, was also added to the side with the Rhine view. In the core of the building you will find today the restaurant and the hotel rooms, while the Bistro, a hall as well as apartments are located in the western part. In 1974 paintings on the façade of the building were uncovered, which are counted among the most significant in the canton. After a change in ownership, the entire building was renovated between 2003 and 2007. Great care was taken in developing a concept for using and renovating the property. After in-depth analysis of the time-honored property, it was possible to revive the “Gasthof” and use it in a way that respects and preserves the tradition of the house, while integrating state-of-the-art infrastructure. The Gasthof Hirschen is a prime example for the re-use of historic building components: In a masterful fashion original parts of the furnishings were restored to their erstwhile location or items of different provenance integrated within the historical context. The whole property is complemented by an outstanding collection of local and regional antiques. The prescribed building codes are followed in an unobtrusive manner. The contemporary additions to the décor in the bar, dining room and hall harmoniously combine with the historic property.