Artist Suites
A countryside hotel in southern Essen pays homage to its renowned artist ancestor with three dedicated rooms
Mintrops Land Hotel Burgaltendorf has long been a sought-after destination for conferences and conventions. In recent years, leisure travelers have also discovered its idyllic, countryside setting. In 2019, the hotelier family expanded the property with a spacious event pavilion—a move that transformed three former conference rooms into something entirely new. Working from designs by Iserlohn-based interior architect Klaus-Peter Schulte, these spaces became generous guest suites, each with private balconies. What sets them apart is their dedication to a celebrated family member: the painter Theodor Mintrop. This artist, who passed away in 1870, was a member of the renowned "Düsseldorf School of Painting" and a co-founder of the Malkasten Düsseldorf artists' association, established in 1848.
Guests now encounter excerpts from Theodor Mintrop's body of work—rendered almost entirely as drawings—displayed throughout the rooms. "Some drawings we've kept true to the originals in black and white or beige and grey tones," explains Klaus-Peter Schulte. "Others we've given colour, using the hue as a design tool to define each space." The selection of motifs was deliberate, chosen to resonate with contemporary sensibilities. The generous proportions of two larger rooms inspired their transformation into suites, where wooden dividers elegantly separate living and sleeping zones. The choice of natural materials felt inevitable—they've been central to the hotel's design philosophy for years. From the second-floor balconies, views extend across the sprawling rural garden, dotted with fruit trees and paddocks. Dark floors feature durable laminate made primarily from natural wood, creating a striking contrast with walls painted in warm white that serve as a subtle, respectful backdrop for the art. Furnishings—carpets, accessories—introduce layers of expressive colour. The result is a refined aesthetic: straightforward yet occasionally bold, sometimes daring—all carefully orchestrated through thoughtfully curated lighting. Blackout curtains remain unobtrusive, allowing the natural landscape to flow seamlessly into the rooms. The comfort standards are thoroughly modern, meeting guests' highest expectations. Those curious about Theodor Mintrop will find illustrated books in every room, inviting deeper exploration into his life and artistic legacy.
Photography Credits:
soenne
www.soenne.com
(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 01|22)