Interview with Rex A.G. Nijhof, General Manager of Luxembourg, Marriott Hotel Alfa
Photo: copyright Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa
Please tell us the historical history of the Hotel Alfa.
The Hotel Alfa, located on Place de la Gare in Luxembourg, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, both for its unique architecture and its rich historical and cultural past. Its strategic position in the station district, near the Grand Duchy’s railway network, played a key role in the rapid development of the area at the end of the 19th century. In 1928, under the ownership of Alfred Lefèvre, a Belgian Industrialist construction began of the Hotel Alfa at Place de la Gare, following designs by architect Léon Bouvart opening its doors in early 1932.
The Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa stands out for its façade with geometric patterns, triangular balconies and ‘zigzag’ architectural style, a unique expression of Art Deco in Luxembourg. As a symbol of technological and industrial progress, Art Deco embraced the aesthetics of sleek lines, luxurious materials and aerodynamic forms. This movement is particularly evident in the Alfa buildings, a true objects of the era.
In May 1991, the hotel was designated as a national monument and listed in the Inventory of Protected Buildings, due to its architectural and cultural significance
Tell our readers the story behind the 5 to 10 most important original or new pieces of art or design elements that are on display.
Mr Lefèvre’s second son, Julien Lefèvre, was a renowned painter, sculptor and medallist and was honored at many exhibitions, including at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels and many works by the artist now adorn the hotel.
These masterpieces, now gracing a meeting room, the Brasserie Alfa and the bar artistically depict the four regions of Luxembourg: The Ardennes (Éislek), the Mining Basin (Minett), the Moselle (Musel), and the Central Region (Guttland). A mural in the Bradley meeting room depicts the triumphant arrival of Count Siegfried in Luxembourg in 963 representing the foundation of the Duchy of Luxembourg.
Furthermore, the hotel proudly showcases the exquisite works of local artists Martine Feipel and Jean Bechameil. These distinguished artists have crafted bespoke designs that seamlessly integrate with the Art Deco aesthetic, yet their striking white creations uniquely elevate the ambiance of the interiors.
Explain the details of the Art Deco decoration elements in the rooms.
The design of the hotel is a harmonious blend of historical reverence and contemporary elegance. The entire design language and colour scheme were derived naturally from the existing elements, such as the imposing façade with its decorative ornaments, the striking ceiling lights of the brasserie, the listed local paintings, and the coloured glass panels in the staircase. These elements served as sources of inspiration, providing a playful link to the hotel’s fascinating past.
The Zig Zag elements of the façade were an omnipresent theme, seamlessly integrated into the interior in various places, such as the new natural stone floor of the brasserie tiles, wallpaper and in various fabrics. Arcs and circles, soft rounded shapes, are a permanent feature in patterns, graphics, furniture elements, partitions, and mirrors. Original lights were reintegrated into the hotel décor, and furniture pieces like sideboards made of Palisander wood and the bar counter with natural marble stone were preserved. A typical Art Deco font was used in the signage, and metallic accents familiar from the period can be found everywhere, including decorative metal handles, room dividers, and objects on shelves. All paintings from the period have been repositioned prominently and supplemented with local contemporary art.
Tell our readers about the large art piece on the wall of the adjacent building which is visible from the stairs.
When visiting the hotel, indeed don’t hesitate to take the main stairwell and from the 4th floor the window provides a view of a unique piece of artwork created by the renowned Luxembourg artist Gast Michels (1954-2013). This patchwork of painitings that come together to make and impressive mural approximately 10m high by 6m wide show how Mr Michels was a remarkably keen observer of his environment meticulously analyzing and decoding his surroundings. In these paintings vibrant colours such as greens, yellows and blues tell the story of Luxembourg and the contrasts between landmarks such as the Adolphe bridge and the Mullertal waterfalls. When you focus on the picture it’s possible to pick out the letters that spell Alfa Hotel clearly showing how this work of art is intricately related to the hotel itself.
Some meeting rooms are named after notable important people. Please explain who these people are and their connection to the hotel.
Throughout its history from 1932 onwards the hotel has played an important part in the history of Luxembourg representing a ‘Cherished Hospitality Landmark’. During the Battle of the Ardennes at the end of 1944 the hotel 3 American Generals, General Eisenhower Commander in Chief who went on to become US President, General Bradley and General Patton either visited or stayed at the hotel. Returning from exile after the war, Duchess Charlotte was a visitor to the hotel and on occasion celebrated her birthday at the hotel. Finally, one of our rooms takes its name from Winston Churchill who visited Luxembourg in 1946 when he was no longer Prime Minister but participated in efforts to create a European Union. He is filmed taking the salute of the crowds outside the hotel.
You have a lovely restaurant. Tell our readers your philosophy and objectives which define your service, food offerings and pricing strategy.
Brasserie Alfa occupies a unique place in the hearts of many Luxembourgers or at least in those of an older generation of Luxembourgers. Our aim is to continue to develop the restaurant as a destination in its own right and with its own identity – ‘Brasserie Alfa..where Guests, Authenticity and Genuinely Good Food come First.’ Authenticity and serving dishes that tie in with the identity of the Brasserie, respecting an informal convivial style of dining whilst creating special moments ties in with the philosophy of the restaurant. The food represents a combination of French brasserie classics, wholesome Luxembourgish produce and some revisited Marriott classics. The restaurant is accessible to all and offers all dining combining an affordable ‘menu of the day’ with a wider selection of dishes from the menu that add a special touch to any occasion. Discerning diners also have access to private dining rooms for small groups up to 12.
How do you see the Hotel Alfa supporting the development of the Gare district.
Helped by an increase in train travel during the 19th century, the Gare district started out as the first ‘new’ district of Luxembourg. It’s interesting to see that more than 100 years on train travel is once again developing and that the importance of this district of Luxembourg has grown in recent years due to the arrival of the tram, more recently with the direct link to the airport. All around us buildings are being renovated and we can clearly see improvements taking place. It’s important that all of the different actors in the destination collaborate closely to ensure that our mutual guests feel welcome and we will collaborate closely with relevant authorities to ensure that is the case.
What would you like the image of the Hotel Alfa to be in 5 years time.
We consider that the hotel is ‘A cherished Luxembourg landmark..where history and new perspectives unfold’. That statement reflects the pride that everyone on the team has in participating in the restoration of the hotel but also the desire to enable our guests to be part of a new chapter under the Marriott brand. As we like to say the brand should be synonymous with Wonderful Hospitality. Always. This is not only about the hotel itself but also about how we personalize guest experiences to create unforgettable memories. In time our priorities also include ensuring that the hotel plays an important role at the centre of the community here in Luxembourg and that we are able to make a contribution to growing tourist arrivals in the destination.
Please tell our readers the details about your private club for preferred customers.
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Please tell our readers way the US Marriot chain has come to Luxembourg and taken on the restoration and relaunch challenge of this historical Hotel Alfa.
Marriott International entered Luxembourg with the opening of the Moxy Luxembourg Airport last September. We have just opened our doors as the first Marriott hotels in Luxembourg. Luxembourg is a destination that features a captivating blend of historical charm and modern sophistication. Set to become one of the most desirable hotels in Luxembourg, for both leisure and business travellers, the opening of this hotel brings innovation alongside our legacy of wonderful hospitality to guests and locals alike.
EMEA is a region of great opportunity and remains core to our global strategy from a leisure and business travel perspective. It is the 2nd largest region for Marriott International (by number of properties), spanning 80 countries and territories. We have over 1,300 properties open in the region across 29 brands including Marriott, The Ritz Carlton, W hotels, Autograph Collection, Renaissance, Courtyard, Protea and Moxy. Luxembourg is our 78th country in EMEA. We are really pleased to offer this new destination to our Marriott Bonvoy members.
The Marriott Luxembourg has been an amazing project to work on. The collaboration with the designer, Iria Degen, has been key to the success of this hotel as she has to keep the essence and the heritage of the building as well as adding modern elements essential to offer a comfortable stay to our guests.