Soft mattresses, polished silver cutlery? We don’t need any of that. We want hosts who value our opinion more than Michelin stars and hotel awards, who live for what they sizzle in the pan or still proudly swell their chests every time they enter their own hotel rooms. We show you the cool socks among hoteliers, chefs and restaurant owners whose armor shines brighter than the brightest chandelier under their shirts or aprons.
Hermann Berger
Owner of FourElements – Living by Berger / 35 years / former rally pilot
Tackling, yes, Hermann Berger can do that. After all, he first gets dirty under the hood before he hoists himself into the boss’s chair years later. However, his own car dealership is not enough for the 35-year-old Styrian. One season as a campsite operator and Berger has tasted blood. So he slipped out of the car and into the tourism industry, building his own chalets in Styria in 2017. However, Hermann Berger is not only faster and louder on the job, but also on the road, formerly as a rally driver and now on his motorcycle.
Hermann Berger’s engine is always running at full speed – just like that of his beloved Feuerstuhl. And just like his motorcycle, the young hotelier also tackles his business with passion. You can feel this in every niche of the FourElements – Living by Berger chalets.
FACES: How did you get into the hotel industry?
Hermann Berger: You could say it’s like the virgin to the child… I had never had anything to do with the hotel or hospitality industry before, but I always thought it was a shame that there was practically no high-quality hotel industry in our wonderful region that made use of the enormous potential that my home offers. Something where you can relax and really unwind.
F: How would you describe FourElements – Living by Berger in one sentence?
Hermann Berger: A unique place where lifestyle and nature are in perfect harmony.
F: From the idea to the concept to the completed hotel: How long did it take you to get there?
Hermann Berger: Those were three very intensive years.
F: Why should we definitely stay with you?
Hermann Berger: ” Our FourElements chalets are a microcosm of their own with impressive views and understated luxury; well-being is the top priority. If you want, you can experience complete peace and quiet, enjoy nature, relax and be on your own. At the same time, there are also numerous opportunities for nature, culture and sports enthusiasts, who will find a wide range of activities in the immediate vicinity. With us, it is simply incredibly diverse.
F: What do hoteliers need to think about that others don’t?
Hermann Berger: In the hotel industry, more than anywhere else, it is important to live and breathe continuous development. If you stop, you’ve already lost. On the other hand, it also requires a great deal of consistency. Discerning guests rely on being immersed in a familiar atmosphere when they return; they want to experience a feeling of security. We are working hard to reconcile both requirements.
F: What are you like as a boss?
Hermann Berger: It’s easy at FourElements because I’m my own boss here, a one-man show, so to speak. However, an expert would probably find my management style rather problematic… I’m very hard on myself and very self-critical.
F: What qualities does a good host need?
HB: He should treat his guests like friends and be happy about every single one of them.
F: Which guests do you like best?
Hermann Berger: Even at the risk of people now thinking: Of course he says that, he has to. But I really mean that honestly: we simply have great guests who are all very open and communicative. That’s why I look forward to every new guest and even more so when they come back.
F: What do you dislike in guests?
Hermann Berger: That’s a difficult question. So far, I haven’t had anyone there that I didn’t like. But I am convinced that people generally treat you the way you treat them. That’s why I’m not afraid.
F: What are your standards for your hotel, and how have your guests’ expectations changed in recent years?
Hermann Berger: I’m too new to the market to give a comprehensive answer. But I believe that the individual vacationer is the future. At least that’s how it is for me personally. I prefer to get my own breakfast and get to know the area and the locals. Sitting in a large breakfast room and then not being able to get out all day is not really my thing.
F: As a hotelier and host, you experience an exciting everyday life. What story do you have to tell us?
Hermann Berger: Firing up a fireplace can turn into a real science. There have already been some heartbreaking scenes. But thank goodness we also have central heating in the chalets… However, I am always available for my guests. So I’ve already heated up a few times.
F: What do you think of Airbnb?
Hermann Berger: The market is changing, and that cannot be stopped. Of course, you can now discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Airbnb. In the end, however, the best concept or idea will prevail anyway. But I also see such offers as an opportunity for people to come from outside, young people who want to get to know the region. And that is a great opportunity.
F: What do you look out for when you stay out yourself?
Hermann Berger: I have three companies and work a lot. Time for vacations is limited, so it is extremely important to me that I have something to remember from my vacation that I can use for a long time. And if I’m inspired to try something new, then that’s also a plus.
F: What is the best hotel in the world that you yourself have stayed in?
Hermann Berger: The Mama Thresl and the chalets and vacation homes of PuresLeben.
F: Which hotel would you like to own yourself?
Hermann Berger: Please don’t add any more, I already have enough work with mine.
F: Where is your own bed?
Hermann Berger: In an idyllic location surrounded by greenery, less than ten minutes away from the FourElements Chalets.
What Hermann Berger says about…
cruise ships:
I was invited once. It’s nice to have seen it once, but I’ll never need it again.
Buffet meal:
Mass processing on vacation, a no-go for me.
All inclusive:
Not for me.
Tip:
Of course!
Dogs in the restaurant & hotel:
No problem.
entertainers:
That’s myself!
Dress codes:
Certainly not on vacation.
TripAdvisor:
I haven’t dealt with this yet.
Online Travel Agents:
They naturally offer broad diversification and are therefore also an opportunity. But it’s probably not the right clientele for us.
Sharing Economy:
An opportunity. But it will depend on what framework conditions and regulations politicians create in the long term.
Sustainability:
For me, it is slowly becoming a non-word, as it is no longer what it originally stood for: local production with tradition, conceived and designed for the long term.
Influencer:
If the target group and the target group size fit, why not?
Shortage of skilled workers:
Unfortunately, this is one of our biggest problems, but a home-made one. Why do we only want academics? I trained as a mechanic myself and then continued my training.
Stars:
Beautiful. Especially here, because you can still see them really well – the Gesäuse is one of the areas in Austria with the least light pollution.
FourElements – Living by Berger
Water, air and fire provide the inspiration for Hermann Berger’s chalets high above the Austrian Salza in Styria. With their own wellness areas, sauna and whirlpool, these accommodations are true oases where you would love to spend the entire dark season.
FourElements – Living by Berger, Palfau 3 – Mooslandl 58, 8931 Landl, Austria, www.fourelements.world, overnight stay in Chalet Wasser from approx. 175 per person incl. Breakfast and in the chalets fire and air from approx. 275 per person (minimum stay: three nights)
Here you can find an interview with another Cool Host.
