It all started with a phone call, when architect Alexander revealed to his friend, photographer Matt, that he was about to own a hotel. After some well-earned celebration, it was decided: Alexander and Matt would go into business together respectively as General Manager and Hotel Manager of Reisen Hotel in Hahndorf, all while giving the space an ambitious facelift.
The hotel began welcoming guests during winter, where it showed off its impressive 50 rooms, complete with warm tones to match its new modern branding. While it already sits within heritage cottage walls set among the dazzling russet leaves of the main strip, Alexander says there are big plans to bring the hotel to life, with the brief of becoming the “jewel of the Adelaide Hills.”
“Part of the brief,” Alexander says, “is to make the space more tonal, a bit broody, and cosy like a lodge. Think of the cold hills winters that just make you want to snuggle up by a fire.”
Alexander, who grew up in Stirling and spent ten years in Melbourne, says the move back to the Hills was all about the people. “I just really missed sense of community,” Alexander said, “Where people stop and say hello and you get to know the shop owners on the main streets.”
From the very start, the pair embraced this. “Every day we’ve been trying new places for lunch and dinner, meeting the faces behind local businesses so we can recommend these wonderful restaurants and shops to our guests,” Alexander said.
One hidden gem that Alexander says he’d recommend to all his guests, is the Hahndorf Lavender Estate Farm, which you can visit seasonally, with its associated shop on Mount Barker Road operating year-round.
Every detail of the hotel reflects the duo’s creativity, from the colour palette to the green doors, signs, and key cards. “Our branding is a lot of fun, and that’s how we want to be as a hotel. We want to be fun and playful. Somewhere really beautiful to stay,” Alexander says. “Think champagne on arrival!”
Alexander and Matt have already formed fond relationships with local restaurants to give guests the full Hahndorf experience. The pair has even managed to get the nickname ‘the boys’ because they’re always around, hands-on and part of the action.
Looking ahead, Alexander and Matt’s ambitions paint a stunning picture of what’s next for the Reisen Hotel, with a guest bar and lounge on the cards for the near future. True to an architect’s reputation, Alexander hinted at a few exciting, out-of-the-box additions for the hotel, which are still under wraps… for now.
From playful branding to strong community ties and a sharp eye for design, Alexander and Matt are making Reisen Hotel a new go-to stay in the Adelaide Hills. Right in the heart of Hahndorf, it’s a reflection of their creativity, personality, and love for the location.
Reisen Hotel
Where: 25 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf
When: Open now
For more information, click here.
