A short visit to the family-run Hotel Gasthof Schäfflerwirt Aschheim
Welcome to a place that is more than just a hotel – a real piece of home. Since 1896, the Schäfflerwirt in Aschheim has been welcoming guests with open arms, a warm smile and the feeling of having arrived. Four generations have preserved what is important here – and carefully developed what was necessary. The result? A house that breathes tradition, but does not remain stuck in the past. Hand-painted ceiling frescoes meet charmingly designed rooms, loving details meet contemporary comfort. In the cozy Salettl, the wind whispers Bavarian dialect through the trees, while in the Wirtsstub’n the aroma of freshly prepared classics wafts through the room. Regional, honest, homemade – this is what hospitality tastes like. Whether on a business trip, a short break or a stopover on the way to Munich – when you enter the Schäfflerwirt, you immediately sense that there is heart here. And a long history that you don’t get told, but experience. We spoke to Emmeran Haller, Managing Director of Hotel Gasthof Schäfflerwirt, about family tradition, the changing times and digital perspectives.
What makes the Schäfflerwirt so special?
“Clearly: our history,” says Emmeran Haller right at the beginning. “We have been welcoming guests since 1896 – that’s not just a date, it’s a way of life. Our rooms have been lovingly renovated and each one has its own charm. And no – no two rooms are the same.” You can tell. While many hotels focus on uniformity, individuality is a top priority here. “We don’t want our guests to feel like they’re staying in just any hotel – they feel like they’re staying with us. Almost like at home.”
Sounds like a lot of personality. Where does this feeling of authenticity come from?
“Maybe it’s because we are deeply connected to our region,” is his answer. “Our roots are in agriculture – and we still run our own farm today. You can taste that too, by the way: many of our products come directly from the farm or from local partners.” And something else is special: the family atmosphere. “We are a family business in the truest sense of the word. Our children sometimes run around the dining room – that’s just part of the experience. It’s not marketing, it’s everyday life.”
And how does digital technology fit into this individual yet traditional concept?
“Pretty good, actually,” he says with a smile. “I had been looking at OnePageBooking for a while. I was familiar with the system – clear, functional, easy to use. In 2017/2018, we decided to make the switch together with Ideas4Hotels.” The idea: guests should not only receive a warm welcome – they should also feel welcome as soon as they book.
Was the decision worth it?
“Absolutely. A lot has happened for us since we switched to OnePageBooking. The number of direct bookings via our homepage has increased noticeably – and the entire booking process has become easier. For us and our guests.” One impressive figure immediately stands out: “From 2018 to 2024, we recorded a 327% increase in revenue from direct bookings. That’s no coincidence – it’s the result of a well thought-out system.”
What specifically has changed in everyday life?
“First of all: fewer clicks, less stress. Our guests see everything they need on one page – this reduces booking cancellations enormously. The integration with MEWS runs smoothly, we save time in booking management. And we no longer have to use external booking portals to the same extent – which of course also saves costs.”
Are there certain functions that you particularly appreciate?
“Yes, quite a few! The booking interface is super intuitive – our guests quickly find their way around. The integration with the PMS works flawlessly, and the real-time updates on availability help enormously. We also use Dialogshift’s chatbot – it’s available around the clock and really helpful for pre-booking questions. And then there’s the RateMonitor. It shows our guests live and transparently how our prices compare to the OTAs – that creates trust.”
What do the guests say?
“We get really good feedback. Many people praise how easy it is to book – and how pleasant the whole process is. This shows us that we are on the right track. For us, tradition doesn’t mean standing still – it means developing with heart.”
And what do you want for the future?
“That we can continue to offer our guests exactly what makes us special: warmth, authenticity – and a digital service that makes their lives easier. Because hospitality today starts with the booking.”
It is a great honor for us to be associated with the Hotel Gasthof Schäfflerwirt. We say thank you – for stories that touch and for insights that stay with you. We sincerely wish you many more chapters full of warmth and a feeling of home in the midst of digital lightness.
Copyright of the pictures: Hotel Gasthof Schäfflerwirt
