Oliver Arar
"Eighty percent of what I can do I learned from Norbert."
Oliver Arar was born in Landau in the Palatinate in 1985. At the end of the 1990s, his parents bought a house in Maikammer. Oliver completed his secondary education at the Realschule in Edenkoben. Back then, he would only have laughed tiredly at the idea that he would one day become a restaurant manager in a hotel.
"It was never really my intention to go into the restaurant or hotel business. I was actually always interested in cars back then and I also looked around for an apprenticeship as an automotive salesman. The situation with places wasn't so rosy at the time, though, and I didn't find anything."
Oliver attended a vocational school for a while, where he could have earned his vocational baccalaureate. But actually he had enough of school. He wanted to work. His sister's godmother - who also ran a restaurant in Hambach - gave him the tip to apply for a job as a hotel manager. And then the interviews started. He chose Immenhof because he lived in Maikammer at the time.
"Then I did my training there. Since I was of age, I was able to do the late shift and therefore had a lot to do with Norbert, who often worked at that time. We had a really good relationship at some point. There were quite a few long sessions after which we spent some time in the evening and talked."
Oliver realized that his future father-in-law wanted to put him on the right track. He had probably seen something in the young apprentice.
"I already owe him a lot. So 80 percent of what I can do I learned from Norbert. For example, what it means to be independent. And also a lot of things that I would have learned at a secondary school. But in the end, I didn't need it."
Once he had successfully completed his training, his transfer to Immenhof was just a formality. And this despite the fact that, to everyone's surprise, he flunked his first final exam.
"I was probably a bit too sure of myself. But six months later, I repeated the exam and passed it."
At some point, Oliver knew his way around the Immenhof like the back of his hand. After 1-2 years, Norbert Freudenstein then wanted him to become deputy restaurant manager. His confidence in the young and dedicated man was high. But the new position was sometimes difficult for Oliver because of his young age.
"With a somewhat older colleague, I had a little trouble making my position clear. At first I tried to say, 'You'll just have to do what I say,' but I pretty much hit a wall with that. At some point, I went to him and said: 'I know that you have more experience than I do at 50, and that's perfectly fine. But I'm in charge because I know my way around not only the restaurant, but the entire hotel. From that point on, there was no problem and everything was fine."
He also met his future wife Jennifer Freudenstein - how could it be otherwise - at the Hotel Immenhof. At that time, however, she was still the 12-year-old daughter of the boss. A few years later, at 17, Jenny did her apprenticeship in her parents' business. This also included bar service. This provided the first opportunities for the two of them to get to know each other a little better. One thing eventually led to another and they became a couple. After a few years, Oliver plucked up the courage to propose to Jenny.
"My idea was always, because we were often together at Hambach Castle, to propose there. There's a nice little bench there from which you have a super view over the Rhine plain. So I collected a few candles, and I also got the ring.
And when we went up to the castle, there were suddenly some young people sitting there and having a little party. I already thought, oh no. So slowly she also already suspected something, so I couldn't just go home now. But in Maikammer there is still the almond path, there is also a beautiful bench with a great view. That's where I proposed to her, and we got married in 2017."
After that everything went its way. Jenny got pregnant and just in time for New Year's Eve little Leticia was born. Of course, work continued at the hotel until December 30. And two and a half years later, little daughter Sophia saw the light of day. Now Oliver and his family live happily in St. Martin and look after the children and the Immenhof together.
the responsibility of us all
"We have the attitude here that it's all of our hotel. That's why everyone is already thinking about the future of the business on their own." (Oliver Arar)
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Customer testimonials
What other guests say
A beautiful, well-maintained and clean hotel with a family atmosphere. The staff is very helpful and friendly, you immediately felt comfortable - like home. The breakfast is delicious and extensive, the food in the restaurant very tasty. Ideal for a trip through the Palatinate.
Family business with heart, charm and style - mega delicious breakfast and excellent dinner. It's all about the little things and they are just right here. Great sauna area and good pool. The wellness program with Mrs. Strobel was also great!
Great wedding anniversary weekend! The wedding day offer has fully met our expectations. The special care for our day was really very commendable. We felt absolutely comfortable for the 3 days. The staff was courteous, the service without complaint. Also the culinary offer was again excellent. Many thanks to the entire Immenhof team!
Celebration with colleagues - Very friendly and helpful staff. Very attentive and competent service - especially the dinner staff. Excellent food with good and appropriate wine recommendations. Beautiful, clean and spacious rooms. Unfortunately there was no time for the beautiful wellness area. Will certainly come again.
Recommended hotel in a good location - We stayed at the hotel for a weekend and had a pleasant stay. There was a good breakfast - with champagne and salmon on Sundays. Dinner on the beautiful terrace was also delicious. With the Pfalzcard you could use the nearby beautiful outdoor pool for free.
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