Best Western Premier Hotel LanzCarre
As simple and balanced as a square
The first driving licence in history was issued in the city of Mannheim, on the 1 August 1888, to Carl Benz. He had just patented a tricycle powered by a heat engine, whose design allowed it to travel around the city. Because several inhabitants had complained about the noise and the exhaust smells coming from his incredible prototype, he decided to ask the Grand Duke for a licence. Several days later, without telling him, his wife Bertha, designating herself test pilot, took their two sons as far as Pforzheim in what was the first long-distance journey in an automobile: 104 km, at a maximum speed of 12km per hour! Such anecdotes remind us how Mannheim, which firmly launched itself into the industrial revolution in the 19th century, has known how to mobilise and encourage exceptional engineers, particularly in the fields of mechanisation and motorisation. This is where the successors to Drais, who invented the draisine in 1817, designed the first railway line in Germany in 1840 and an electric tram in 1900. This is also where Siemens created the first electric elevator. Heinrich Lanz contributed to a revolution that would change the lives of farmers, and therefore the vast majority of the European population, for whom he invented the first agricultural machinery, then, after 1921, tractors under the name of "Bulldog" which became truly legendary.
The Lanz family was one of the pillars of Mannheim society. It made a huge donation of one million Goldmarks at the beginning of the 20th century, which enabled the foundation of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences. Julia Lanz, the wife of Heinrich, was the first woman to be awarded freedom of the city in 1910.
The choice of name made by the Best Western Premier LanzCarré was certainly dictated by its proximity to the historic sites of the Lanz factories, which later became John Deere, but is also a tribute to the founding family and the exceptional success of their city. And as for the name ‘Carré' (square), it describes the characteristic shape of the architectural complex designed by the developers D&S but also refers back to the historic nickname "Quadratestadt" that Mannheim has had since 1606 due to its perfectly square street design, inspired by Roman cities. The city (now referred to as ‘historic') was designed around a grid layout, with the appearance of wings encircling the huge Palace of the Prince-elector. Buildings could not be higher than 4 stories, in order to allow the palace and the churches to symbolically dominate every view.
The Best Western Premier LanzCarré applies, in its own way, the ergonomics that guided the exceptionally talented engineers to which it pays homage. Free from embellishment and false sophistication, it has created an authentic and peaceful hotel experience. Its simple uncluttered design has a rare elegance and reminds us of what the Bauhaus discovered at the beginning of the 20th century: that what is functional has an innate beauty, which is that of simplicity and truth. The top quality materials, the harmonious colour scheme of browns, the light and open lines, and the views from the 3rd floor over the Rhine and beyond to the hills of the Palatinate that run alongside the picturesque wine route, are just some of the architectural choices which contribute to the feeling of serenity throughout the hotel. The restaurant's Head Chef recreates the flavours of authentic Baden-Württemberg cuisine, with exquisite dishes such as game and smoked fish.
As with all hotels in the group, the Best Western Premier LanzCarré puts into practice the idea that one never enjoys the authenticity of a destination more than when it is complemented by exemplary comfort in even the smallest detail.
| Best Western Premier Hotel LanzCarre |
| Heinz-Haber-Strasse 2, Mannheim, Germany - 68163 |
| Phone: 49 621 860840 Fax: 49 621 86084199 |