© RTL
The long-discussed hotel between Weiswampach's two lakes will receive its first guests in around six months' time.
As reported by the "Lëtzebuerger Wort" newspaper last week, the hotel's operator "Groupe Lamy" confirmed to RTL that the hotel will open later this year. Local councillor Walter Borauke said the opening date was likely to fall in September.
The hotel, which sits between the two lakes in Weiswampach, will offer a host of activities, including water skiing. The old refreshment bar is due to be torn down and replaced, while 100 holiday chalets will be built on the former campsite. The project is estimated to create around 60 new jobs.
An unusual aspect to this project is the fact that hotel rooms will be sold to private individuals, while the operator will take over management duties. Around 80% of the 89 rooms have been sold so far, although Groupe Lamy may keep a selection of rooms for itself. The purchase of a room is an interesting investment in itself, as buyers would benefit from tax advantages without having to manage the rooms themselves.
Weiswampach mayor Claude Daman welcomes the project and says the municipality could even benefit from it. The local authorities say the playground at the lake could be expanded, offering more options for younger children. There are also plans to add a dog park and further sports facilities. Most importantly, the areas around the lake should remain accessible to the public - a vital point of discussions between the council and the hotel operators.
Citizens' initiative and referendum
The question of lake access has been the topic of hot debate in the last few years, with critics raising concerns that the planned water activities would restrict access for the public. Others said the municipal council was leasing the land for too low a price: Groupe Lamy is paying €25,000 a year for a 99-year lease.
Over time, opposition to the project formed among council members and local residents. A citizens' initiative, founded in April 2019, launched a signature campaign to hold a referendum on the project, quickly amassing support among locals. Citizens were able to cast a vote on 25 August 2019, but although 60% of participants voted against the project, construction went ahead in November 2020. The municipal council said the referendum was not binding, with the team around longterm mayor Henri Rinnen arguing that the project was too advanced to scrap, and that the Ministry of the Interior had agreed to it.
In the meantime, Pol Holweck, the president of the citizens' initiative, has since been elected to the local council. However, Claude Daman says the hotel project has not been an issue in the most recent meetings.
