One year at the Diepeschrather Mühle Hotel

BERGISCH GLADBACH. Indulgence, joie de vivre and inspiring encounters have characterised a year full of unforgettable moments. At the end of May 2025, Nelson Müller opened his Relais & Châteaux hotel, Diepeschrather Mühle. On 31 May 2026, he celebrated the first anniversary of his boutique hotel with many friends, colleagues and guests at a grand ‘Happy Birthday’ kitchen party. The “Tasteful Hideaway” became the stage for culinary highlights. Among the celebrity guests were, among others, presenter Bettina Böttinger, the managing director of the RTL “Wir helfen Kindern” Foundation, Wolfram Kons, musician and extreme sportsman Joey Kelly, actress Meltem Kaplan, designer Thomas Rath, “Bares für Rares” expert Colmar Schulte-Goltz, and Erna and Günther Klum.

At the Hotel Diepeschrather Mühle, culinary moments become lasting memories. All the more so when the Maître de Maison invites guests to a kitchen party. On this evening, the more than 200 guests can not only take a peek into the kitchens of the gourmet restaurant “Schote” and the brasserie “Müllers in der Mühle”, as well as look over the shoulders of Nelson Müller’s colleagues at cooking stations in the Konrad-Adenauer-Saal and sample the delicacies straight away.

The “Tasteful Hideaway” once again became the stage for culinary highlights. Joining the line-up this time were two-star chef Daniel Gottschlich of Ox & Klee, Cologne; star chefs Marlon Rademacher, La Cuisine Rademacher, Cologne, Jörg Sackmann, Genusshotel Sackmann, Baiersbronn, and the 2025 Falstaff Chef of the Year Maria Groß, Restaurant Bachstelze/“MariaOstzone”, Erfurt.

Nelson Müller and his team were also supported by guest chefs from “Müllers auf Norderney”, Dustin Kaiser, and the parent restaurant “Müller auf der Rü”, Stephan Conze. Once again, long-standing partners included Otto Gourmet, Rungis, Bäckerei Philipps, the wineries Dr. Loosen, Fritz Keller, Korell, Edelbrände Reisetbauer, Premio Nonino, Moët Hennessy, Caviar House & Prunier, Roberto Perilli Ice Cream and Porsche Bensberg.

First-class entertainment was provided by Nelson Müller’s musical companions: the Essen-based duo Benny & Joyce, saxophonist Dirk Trümmelmeyer, drummer Dirk Sengotta and bassist Günter Asbeck, As befits a good party, the Konrad-Adenauer-Saal was transformed into a dance floor over the course of the evening with DJ Phil Fuldner. All in all, it was a birthday celebration full of culinary highlights, characterised by warm hospitality, exceptional enjoyment and unforgettable moments – in short, everything that has defined the Diepeschrather Mühle boutique hotel for over a year now.

A new dimension in first-class hotels and top-class gastronomy

“In a forest clearing within a nature reserve – right on the outskirts of Cologne – I have been able to realise a new dimension of first-class hotel and top-class gastronomy,” says host Nelson Müller. “Diepeschrather Mühle is a place of longing, as magical as the Bergisches Land. My gourmet restaurant ‘Schote’ and the brasserie ‘Müllers in der Mühle’ – two worlds, one harmonious gastronomic whole.”

The Diepeschrather Mühle boutique hotel is nestled in a landscape of breathtaking natural beauty, with rolling hills, forests, streams and lakes. Far from the hustle and bustle, the Rhine cities of Cologne and Düsseldorf – with their major tourist attractions and cultural highlights – are nevertheless quick and easy to reach.

Nelson Müller’s exclusive “Tasteful Hideaway” appeals to gourmets, whether they are travelling for leisure or on business. “We all need food that embraces the soul,” is Nelson Müller’s credo. Together with his teams, he aims to convey a real zest for life in both restaurants through his high-quality food and an exclusive drinks concept. As was recently the case at his exclusive ‘Happy Birthday’ kitchen party, ‘Nelson Müller & Friends’.

Review

In its first year, it has become clear that the prime location and comprehensive offering of the boutique hotel in Bergisch Gladbach – with its first-class dining, meeting and event spaces, as well as a spa, natural outdoor pool, gym and yoga facilities – is particularly popular with two target groups: Those seeking relaxation and gourmets at the weekends, and business travellers during the week. The excellent transport links to Cologne city centre and Cologne-Bonn Airport, as well as the peaceful setting amidst unspoilt nature, are compelling.

The Relais & Châteaux hotel is surrounded by a designer garden featuring a natural pool. At the exclusive Mühlen Beauty & Spa, guests can relax wonderfully in the Finnish sauna, steam room, spacious relaxation areas, or with massages and beauty treatments. Also on offer: yoga and fitness with state-of-the-art cardio and endurance equipment. The surroundings are ideal for truly unwinding. Whether hiking, including guided herb walks, or cycling with ‘gourmet picnics’ or ‘forest bathing’.

Green is also the concept behind the hotel’s operations. It has been certified by ‘GreenSigns’.

Modern design, high-quality materials

The idea for the hotel, in all its facets, comes from Cologne-based building contractor Werner Arenz, the owner of the Diepeschrather Mühle site. Arenz is heavily involved in heritage conservation projects in Cologne. He has furnished the hotel with great attention to detail. This applies to the highest-quality materials, modern technology, interior design and the art. A favourite spot for body, mind and soul …