29. January 2026
More than just design
Sabrina and Simon Schlachter of the Boutique Hotel Blaue Burg in Pfronten talk about architecture, quality, and their day-to-day experiences with Duravit products in their hotel
• A renovation that blends historic character and contemporary design
• The bathroom architecture defines the ambiance, comfort, and quality of guests’ stays
• Low-maintenance bathroom fixtures make hotel operations easier
• Shared values create a strong partnership between the hotel and Duravit
The Boutique Hotel Blaue Burg in Pfronten (formerly Burghotel Falkenstein) is where alpine tranquility meets modern design. For over three years, Sabrina and Simon Schlachter have been running the hotel with the goal of creating spaces that stand the test of time. In an interview, they discuss what this objective means to them, how the approach works in day-to-day operations, and the significance of the bathrooms equipped with Duravit products.
1. Three years have passed since you opened the Blaue Burg. Looking back at this period, what defines it, and what has endured?
The past three years have been a journey full of responsibility, courage, and growth for us. When we took over the hotel from Simon’s parents, it was important for us to honor its history while also giving it a fresh, contemporary character. The ability to make independent decisions in terms of design, culinary offerings, and marketing was a significant sign of trust.
What was truly definitive was the courage to embrace change: transforming a traditional family-run hotel into a boutique property with a clear design identity. Our goal was to weave a common thread—our "blue" thread—throughout the entire hotel and make quality visible at every level.
What remains is gratitude and the certainty that continuous development is essential. Today, the Blaue Burg stands for exactly that: rethinking tradition while consciously shaping the future.
2. During the renovation in 2022, the property was fitted with Duravit bathroom products. Which design and practical considerations were most important to you when choosing products?
It was important to us that the bathrooms also have an emotional impact. The ambiance, tactile experiences, lighting, and a user-friendly bathroom design all played a central role—these are especially important considerations for a great vacation.
That’s why we designed the bathrooms with comfort, clarity, and a calm design language in mind. Lighting, material quality, and premium finishes were all key considerations.
It was equally important for us to have a partner who shares our values. Duravit, as a German manufacturer with family roots, combines design excellence, durability, and lasting quality—exactly what we embody in our hotel.
3. After three years of daily hotel operations, the bathrooms have faced a true real-world test—how have they held up under everyday use?
We don’t rely on hotel critics—we listen to our guests. And this is exactly where our standards for design and functionality have been confirmed: the bathrooms are perceived as high-quality, clearly designed, and very comfortable.
At the same time, the quality makes life much easier for our housekeeping staff. The finishes are durable, low-maintenance, and they look as good as new even after years of heavy use. This is a benefit to both guests and staff alike. That’s exactly how a hotel bathroom should work!
4. The view of Neuschwanstein Castle is a defining feature of your hotel. How did you incorporate this iconic setting into the bathrooms in terms of architecture and ambiance?
In addition to the view of Neuschwanstein Castle, we were primarily inspired by the rock that the Blaue Burg stands on—its structure and durability in particular. We wanted to reflect this contrast in the bathroom design.
The freestanding bathtubs add soft, clean lines to the room, creating a sense of lightness and calm. We consider the bathrooms private retreats, where nature, architecture, and functionality come together in serene harmony.
5. The Blaue Burg’s motto is "slow down." How is this concept reflected in the hotel’s architecture, design, and guest experience?
For many guests, the "slow down" begins as soon as they arrive. Whether in the bathtub watching the soaring kestrels or in the room itself, guests can reconnect with nature and just be in the present moment.
Our architecture reinforces this feeling: each of the 17 rooms is individually designed, featuring natural materials, calming colors, and plenty of natural light.
As a boutique hotel, we can truly focus on each individual guest. Our goal is to be a counterpoint to the fast pace of modern life.
6. What feedback do you receive from guests about the bathrooms- have any of these comments left a particularly lasting impression?
Many guests compare the bathrooms to a small, private spa. Comments like "Your bathrooms are nicer than ours at home" are common, and we take them as a great compliment.
One anecdote stands out in particular: A guest accidentally dropped her perfume bottle in the sink. The glass bottle broke, but the sink wasn't damaged at all. She came to the reception laughing, apologizing for the strong scent in the room, and was delighted that the sink didn't even have a scratch. A seemingly small moment, but it really shows how important true quality is in daily hotel operations.
When guests leave here inspired, wanting to bring something from their stay into their own homes, we know that our design has made an impact.
7. Would you choose Duravit again?
Yes, without hesitation. The products are really impressive in terms of their design, everyday functionality, and long lifespan. Guests notice the quality, our team appreciates the easy maintenance, and even after years of heavy use, everything still looks as good as new.
Beyond that, we also share a common philosophy with Duravit. We are a family-run hotel, and we value partners who think along similar lines. Duravit has family roots, and you can feel the dedication and passion of the people behind the brand.
What we like in particular: Duravit is continuously evolving and keeping up with the times, without chasing every short-lived trend. That’s exactly what we do at the Blaue Burg as well. Together, we're creating something that not only works today but that is built to last.
Information box:
The Boutique Hotel Blaue Burg (formerly Burghotel Falkenstein) is situated 1,250 meters above Pfronten and offers 17 individually designed guest rooms with views of the surrounding mountains. Here, alpine tranquility meets modern design, complemented by premium amenities that allow guests to enjoy a truly relaxing escape.
More information about the hotel: Boutique-Hotel im Allgäu | Blaue Burg Falkenstein
Duravit products installed: freestanding Luv bathtub, White Tulip countertop sink, C.1 faucet collection, SensoWash® Starck f lite, Starck T accessories
• The bathroom architecture defines the ambiance, comfort, and quality of guests’ stays
• Low-maintenance bathroom fixtures make hotel operations easier
• Shared values create a strong partnership between the hotel and Duravit
The Boutique Hotel Blaue Burg in Pfronten (formerly Burghotel Falkenstein) is where alpine tranquility meets modern design. For over three years, Sabrina and Simon Schlachter have been running the hotel with the goal of creating spaces that stand the test of time. In an interview, they discuss what this objective means to them, how the approach works in day-to-day operations, and the significance of the bathrooms equipped with Duravit products.
1. Three years have passed since you opened the Blaue Burg. Looking back at this period, what defines it, and what has endured?
The past three years have been a journey full of responsibility, courage, and growth for us. When we took over the hotel from Simon’s parents, it was important for us to honor its history while also giving it a fresh, contemporary character. The ability to make independent decisions in terms of design, culinary offerings, and marketing was a significant sign of trust.
What was truly definitive was the courage to embrace change: transforming a traditional family-run hotel into a boutique property with a clear design identity. Our goal was to weave a common thread—our "blue" thread—throughout the entire hotel and make quality visible at every level.
What remains is gratitude and the certainty that continuous development is essential. Today, the Blaue Burg stands for exactly that: rethinking tradition while consciously shaping the future.
2. During the renovation in 2022, the property was fitted with Duravit bathroom products. Which design and practical considerations were most important to you when choosing products?
It was important to us that the bathrooms also have an emotional impact. The ambiance, tactile experiences, lighting, and a user-friendly bathroom design all played a central role—these are especially important considerations for a great vacation.
That’s why we designed the bathrooms with comfort, clarity, and a calm design language in mind. Lighting, material quality, and premium finishes were all key considerations.
It was equally important for us to have a partner who shares our values. Duravit, as a German manufacturer with family roots, combines design excellence, durability, and lasting quality—exactly what we embody in our hotel.
3. After three years of daily hotel operations, the bathrooms have faced a true real-world test—how have they held up under everyday use?
We don’t rely on hotel critics—we listen to our guests. And this is exactly where our standards for design and functionality have been confirmed: the bathrooms are perceived as high-quality, clearly designed, and very comfortable.
At the same time, the quality makes life much easier for our housekeeping staff. The finishes are durable, low-maintenance, and they look as good as new even after years of heavy use. This is a benefit to both guests and staff alike. That’s exactly how a hotel bathroom should work!
4. The view of Neuschwanstein Castle is a defining feature of your hotel. How did you incorporate this iconic setting into the bathrooms in terms of architecture and ambiance?
In addition to the view of Neuschwanstein Castle, we were primarily inspired by the rock that the Blaue Burg stands on—its structure and durability in particular. We wanted to reflect this contrast in the bathroom design.
The freestanding bathtubs add soft, clean lines to the room, creating a sense of lightness and calm. We consider the bathrooms private retreats, where nature, architecture, and functionality come together in serene harmony.
5. The Blaue Burg’s motto is "slow down." How is this concept reflected in the hotel’s architecture, design, and guest experience?
For many guests, the "slow down" begins as soon as they arrive. Whether in the bathtub watching the soaring kestrels or in the room itself, guests can reconnect with nature and just be in the present moment.
Our architecture reinforces this feeling: each of the 17 rooms is individually designed, featuring natural materials, calming colors, and plenty of natural light.
As a boutique hotel, we can truly focus on each individual guest. Our goal is to be a counterpoint to the fast pace of modern life.
6. What feedback do you receive from guests about the bathrooms- have any of these comments left a particularly lasting impression?
Many guests compare the bathrooms to a small, private spa. Comments like "Your bathrooms are nicer than ours at home" are common, and we take them as a great compliment.
One anecdote stands out in particular: A guest accidentally dropped her perfume bottle in the sink. The glass bottle broke, but the sink wasn't damaged at all. She came to the reception laughing, apologizing for the strong scent in the room, and was delighted that the sink didn't even have a scratch. A seemingly small moment, but it really shows how important true quality is in daily hotel operations.
When guests leave here inspired, wanting to bring something from their stay into their own homes, we know that our design has made an impact.
7. Would you choose Duravit again?
Yes, without hesitation. The products are really impressive in terms of their design, everyday functionality, and long lifespan. Guests notice the quality, our team appreciates the easy maintenance, and even after years of heavy use, everything still looks as good as new.
Beyond that, we also share a common philosophy with Duravit. We are a family-run hotel, and we value partners who think along similar lines. Duravit has family roots, and you can feel the dedication and passion of the people behind the brand.
What we like in particular: Duravit is continuously evolving and keeping up with the times, without chasing every short-lived trend. That’s exactly what we do at the Blaue Burg as well. Together, we're creating something that not only works today but that is built to last.
Information box:
The Boutique Hotel Blaue Burg (formerly Burghotel Falkenstein) is situated 1,250 meters above Pfronten and offers 17 individually designed guest rooms with views of the surrounding mountains. Here, alpine tranquility meets modern design, complemented by premium amenities that allow guests to enjoy a truly relaxing escape.
More information about the hotel: Boutique-Hotel im Allgäu | Blaue Burg Falkenstein
Duravit products installed: freestanding Luv bathtub, White Tulip countertop sink, C.1 faucet collection, SensoWash® Starck f lite, Starck T accessories
