Welcome aboard – that's how you'll be greeted at the Aribo holiday and conference hotel in the resort town of Erbendorf in Upper Palatinate. What's the story? Quite simply: The look of an ocean liner served as inspiration for the conversion of a factory site into a hotel complex, and since its opening last year, the building has been moored in the city like a luxury liner, complete with captain's suites, porthole windows, and railings. And the decks—that is, the balconies, terraces, and arcades—are all fitted with Naturinform floorboards, matching the style of wooden planks used in shipbuilding. And they're just as durable as these, withstanding wind and weather. So, full steam ahead—for a pleasant stay aboard the Aribo Hotel!

The theme of "travel" is more than just a motto at Aribo. This modern hotel originated from a historic suitcase factory. Since 1919, the small town of Erbendorf has been shipping Bermas products out into the world. The wanderlust must have been lurking somewhere in the old walls, because when demolition was threatened, the city came up with a counter-plan: converting the building into a hotel, architecturally modeled on a cruise ship! The city bought the factory, put the plan into action, and after the radical renovation of the main building and the construction of a new conference center next door, the ship's christening was celebrated in spring 2016.

Dream ship comfort

Where suitcase manufacturing machines once ran at full speed, today's atmosphere is more tranquil: the conference center, surrounded by greenery, with its six light-filled conference rooms, state-of-the-art presentation technology, all-round catering, and many other services, makes work more of a pleasure. Of course, vacationing is even more enjoyable. Right next door in the separate main wing, you can stay in one of the 40 spacious, comfortable rooms, including three wellness suites, two captain's suites, and two family apartments with two bedrooms and a large living area. The spa offers even more time off from everyday life, with a 500-square-meter wellness deck featuring a fitness room, pool, and a sauna area with a steam bath, Finnish sauna, and relaxing quiet zones. If you're feeling hungry afterwards, you can experience a Captain's Dinner experience in the hotel's own restaurant, "Pier 28," and those who prefer a shore leave will find a full program in the region. Finally, the Aribo is located on the edge of the Steinwald Nature Park, directly on the European cycle path, with countless leisure activities, from relaxing and exploring wild, romantic valleys or historical sites to working up a sweat with cycling, hiking, Nordic walking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing or alpine skiing.

Shipbuilding on land

The hotel is barrier-free and places great importance on inviting "everyone" on a "Cruise in the Stone Forest" – and the architecture perfectly sets the tone for this. First, there's the shape of the main building, reminiscent of the body of an ocean liner. Then there's the walkway that connects this wing on the first floor with the new conference center – similar to a gangway. The windows, designed like giant portholes, and finally, the rooms and suites, which are connected to each other via arcades like luxury cabins. This external access to the residential units above the ground floor isn't just intended as a stylistic element of the ship's appearance. Rather, the open design simultaneously incorporates the idyllic surroundings into the living space. This also applies to the decks: All rooms have either a balcony or terrace, some overlooking the peaceful Fichtelnaab River. Sitting there with a glass of wine and watching the gentle movement of the water, it's almost like being on the high seas. The design of these exterior spaces contributes significantly to this cruise feeling. They are all covered with Naturinform's "Die Kompakte" planks, whose anthracite color perfectly matches the overall maritime character. They also offer everything else that defines a superyacht deck: good weather resistance, the feel of a natural material, and the aesthetics of well-maintained wooden planks.

Nice (and) safe

Hotel director Werner Pürner confirms this: "The wood look is particularly appealing!" And yet Naturinform's floorboards aren't actually made of pure wood, but are a combination of natural wood fibers and a high-quality polymer. While they look and feel as good as wood when walking barefoot, they don't have the disadvantages. For example, when it comes to slipping. Due to the proximity to the river and the Upper Palatinate Forest, conventional boards could quickly develop green growth, creating a dangerous slippery surface for guests. Not so with Naturinform's "compact" floorboards. They were tested for slip resistance in 2011 by TÜV Rheinland/LGA. They achieved an R12 rating according to DIN 51130 and a Class C rating according to DIN 51097 – the highest rating. In addition to this seal of approval, the surface structure of the Naturinform "honeycomb profile" also plays a role, which Werner Pürner also appreciates: "Thanks to its grooves, the risk of slipping is significantly reduced." After all, the safety of hotel guests comes first!

Low maintenance = low costs

Another advantage: Their maintenance costs are low. This is especially important given the total of 650 square meters of floorboards at the Hotel Aribo and their (frequently) used commercially. "The floorboards are extremely durable and don't require the usual annual painting," says hotel director Pürner. This is due to the special composition of the "compact" floorboards: As a wood composite material, they are water and weatherproof without the need for varnishing or oiling, and without the usual problems of untreated wood, such as splintering or weather-related cracks.

Aesthetically and functionally, the rating "particularly valuable" is confirmed by the installer, the Richard Rank company from Weiden. Jan Gläser, who was responsible for the Aribo project there, says: "The balconies, terraces, and access balconies are constantly exposed to UV radiation and alternating humidity and dryness. These planks are just right for this situation; they are more weather-resistant, durable, and easy to maintain." And they're also easy to install, or as Jan Gläser puts it: "Installation was very straightforward." No wonder, because the "compact" planks can be installed without any visible screws—as with all Naturinform planks.

Green Chic

Jan Gläser brings up another important (plus) point: "The floorboards are made from renewable raw materials and are recyclable." This applies not only to "the compact" floorboards, but to Naturinform products in general. They are produced sustainably and without pesticides, exclusively from wood chips from sawmills and PEFC-certified wood from local, ecologically managed forests. And they are 100 percent recyclable and can be returned to the factory in Redwitz, Bavaria. Even maintenance is green: No environmentally harmful chemicals are required for care. Ultimately, this benefits everyone – and fits perfectly with the motto of the Aribo Hotel: "Relax, meet, enjoy – for EVERYONE."