History Aus played a major role in the development of the railway line between Lüderitz and Keetmanshoop, because it had abundant water and also gave access to the inland plateau through the mountains. Once the railway line was completed in 1906, Aus quickly developed into a major traffic hub during the German time, with a number of family-style hotels, of which only one (with the fitting name of “ Bahnhof Hotel “) has survived. The Bahnhof Hotel was initially built in 1906 and has been in the hands of the Lubowski family since the late thirties. A fire destructed the the hotel in 1948 and a brick construction replaced the wooden structure of earlier times. With different leaseholders the hotel experienced varying heydays, until in 2005 a group of five partners took over the business. The building was given a complete makeover and 13 stylish rooms with modern en suite amenities were the results of these efforts. New management and staff treat visitors and guests to an a là carte menu consisting of local cuisine with international flair and selected wines or alternatively to light lunches and homemade fresh bread and cakes. Sundowners can be enjoyed on the sundeck or in the cosy lounge in front of the fireplace or just have a drink in the historic bar. Background The reason precipitating the takeover of the hotel by the present owners is the Namib Huib Plateau Park , situated 30 kilometers south of Aus and of which they are stakeholders as well. This future park, which is in the process of being established, extends over 173 000 hectares and borders the Sperrgebiet for 90 kilometers. Obviously such a venture necessitates the provision for accommodation facilities and therefore the hotel presented an ideal possibility for a first profit center and stepping stone for the development of the envisaged park. © namib huib plateau park 2006 - developed by itactix cc powered by namibeye cc |