Thomas H. Althoff - A story of success
The most successful people are driven by a passion for excellence and Mr Thomas H. Althoff, founder and owner of the Althoff Hotel Collection, realised early in his life that his dream was to create outstanding hotels.
Born in Germany, Thomas Althoff started his own business at the age of 21. His talent and ambition were immediately recognised and over the following six years he went on to work for some of Germany’s leading hotels, later he joined Best Western as Managing Director. There he was responsible for Quality Management, Organisation, Finances, Global Purchasing and the Best Western Loyalty Programme.
In 1980 Althoff decided to found his own company, which would purvey his dedication to quality and adhere to three core principles: an unceasing quest for guest satisfaction; a choice of the most beautiful architecture and interior design; and some of the finest hotel cuisine anywhere in the world.
Thomas H. Althoff is a hotelier with heart and soul and an outstanding instinct for people and places. He has the insight and ability to take a walk in a provincial park and see how a historic castle can be transformed into the most luxurious of modern hotels, or meet a young chef and recognise in him the same untiring pursuit of excellence that he possesses himself.
Thomas H. Althoff believes that true success lies in the detail; whether in a business deal or the appointment of the right personnel. His philosophy is to keep things low key and straightforward and, once his mind is made up, he is very committed. As a result, he inspires tremendous loyalty from his long-serving staff.
Thomas H Althoff and his wife Elke have made Althoff Hotels more than just a place to stay; the Althoff Collection offers a bespoke solution to every guest planning their business trip or holiday. ‘We sell well-being and awaken the longing for a return visit,’ says Althoff. ‘Without this, the success of our company would be unimaginable.’
Althoff’s talents as a hotelier have won him worldwide acclaim and his achievements have been recognised with accolades such as the Hotelier of the Year Award (1995), given one of the leading trade magazine and with praise from the Bertelsmann Hotel and Restaurant Guide in 2000.
