Ringhotels history is synonymous with the development of German hotel marketing. The basic concept has always been to combine individual strengths to a strong, unified marketing force. Thus we are able to support our member establishments in representing their operations whilst offering our guests a reliable portfolio of select hotels, coupled with modern information and reservation services.

The history of the cooperative, which today consists of 130 Ringhotels, dates back to 1973 when three purchase cooperatives (so called "purchase rings") based in Lower Saxony, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Lower Bavaria joined to form a single hotel cooperative. This is where the name Ringhotels hails from. The declared aim of this new cooperative was to form a counter-force to the international hotel chains establishing themselves on the German market at the time. Even at the beginning, the group comprised over 90 member properties.

Right from the start Ringhotels emphasized the creation of positive synergies, practicing mutual purchase procedures, sales activities, brochure publications and trade fair appearances. Thus the cooperative developed into Germany's largest collective of private, independent hoteliers. Emphasis was always placed on perfecting a superior standard of quality. And so, in 1993, Ringhotels implemented a voluntary quality control procedure that applied rigorous guidelines to both established and new members. The motto remains: "Quality over quantitative growth".

In order to be accepted into the circle of Ringhotels, each establishment is expected to fulfill a number of key criteria. To begin with, the hotel must comply with internal cooperative guidelines. These are fashioned after the official classification giving by the German Hotel- und Gaststaettenverband. In addition, the establishment should preferably be privately owned and individually operated. A typical Ringhotel will also offer good to excellent cuisine. The average Ringhotel offers 60 rooms.

Since 1999, Ringhotels has offered a worldwide Internet based information and reservations system, which utilizes four Global Distribution Systems. In addition, reservations may be made directly online without any form of time lag. Our future distribution strategy emphasizes the expansion of electronic reservations and sales pathways, supported by traditional marketing measures. At the same time the aim is expanded growth in numbers, whilst not compromising quality standards in any way. Bernd Riepe, former President of Ringhotels comments: "The Ringhotels brand is already established as a strong presence on the market. Our guests associate the name of our cooperative with excellent quality hotels, operated by families who take great pride in offering the best in hospitality and professionalism. We are honor-bound to continue taking in only members who meet these standards".