History
The building is first mentioned in records in 1294 as the “Obere Mühle” (Upper Mill). Before its conversion into a hotel, it was in very poor condition and was used as a homeless shelter.
The PROhumanitate Foundation eventually acquired the building, which under the direction of Esslingen architect Albrecht Scherfer was brought up to new-build standard in both structure and energy efficiency, and opened in 2009 as the ECOINN Hotel am Campus amid great public interest. We would particularly like to thank Karin Roth, then State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Building and Member of the Bundestag for Esslingen, who alongside the project’s many “fathers” was, so to speak, its “mother” and worked hard to make it a success.
Our Home
Our home matters to us: we are proud of the former imperial city of Esslingen, with its long and eventful history, its place between tradition and modernity and the way it successfully bridges nature and modern technology. We want to offer you, too, a real sense of home here in Esslingen. Much of the food on your breakfast buffet also comes from our region. Living in harmony with nature is both our goal and our commitment.
Philosophy
Our motto is: ecological, social, preserved history.
People
People and their wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. Our employees, some of whom have disabilities and whom we both challenge and support, enjoy particular respect in our social enterprise.
Nature & Sustainability
A clear yes: we are a CO2-free, energy self-sufficient eco-hotel!
We generate our electricity from 100 % hydropower right here in the building, from the Neckar canal flowing past: real, “fresh” electricity, so to speak, rather than abstract green power from the socket. The hotel’s heating is also produced from Neckar water using an ingenious system. All 59 rooms are furnished according to building-biology and healthy-living principles: the floors are covered with environmentally friendly and healthy linoleum, and the furniture was made from FSC-certified bamboo in our own joinery workshop.
All this creates an authentic, soothing atmosphere
As a 3-star hotel, we deliberately do without unnecessary frills, partly for ecological reasons. You will still feel right at home with us.
Our motto: sustainable, social and ecologically sensible accommodation with good value for money that is affordable for families, groups and people on ordinary incomes.
It is also worth mentioning that our breakfast buffet is certified organic and lovingly sweetens the start of your day.
Whether business guests, cyclists, families or groups: you all make up the mix, and we want every one of you to feel at home with us.
Warm regards
Brigitte Zawodny and the ECOINN team
