NH Hotels and Radio 538 present Hotel 538
6-10-2014
From 6 October on, listeners of the Dutch radio station ‘Radio 538’ can win tickets for a special event in collaboration with the NH Barbizon Palace hotel in Amsterdam. On the occasion of the Amsterdam Dance Event, NH Hotels and Radio 538 join forces and organize four evenings where the world’s best DJs provide a unique showcase in the Sint Olofskapel of the NH Barbizon Palace. These showcases are only accessible for the winners of the Radio 538-action. Of all these winners some may also check into Hotel 538: they win a dinner, a meet & greet, access to the showcase, tickets for a party during the Amsterdam Dance Event and an overnight stay for 2 persons in the NH Barbizon Palace. The performers in the Sint Olofskapel are Martin Garrix, Nicky Romero, Hardwell and Afrojack.
Kapellerput: Meetings in homely atmosphere
6-10-2014
The conference hotel Kapellerput in Heeze, The Netherlands, realized a new innovation for the meeting market. The new concept, ‘The house of’, offers a homely atmosphere where you can have meetings and brainstorms ‘like home’. ‘The house of’ consists of a kitchen and living room where groups up to 14 people can work in a relaxing way. A homey feeling is the key factor which is achieved with a retro 60s style look, large wooden tables, an outdoor patio, a fireplace and comfortable sofas. ‘The house of’ is equipped with modern technology, such as a wireless projector with sound system, Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
Previous actions:
Kapellerput keeps innovating in the area of conference rooms. They already realized a tree house in 2010 and an innovating meeting design in 2013.
How much was your stay worth?
2-10-2014
To promote the renewed Dorint Airport-Hotel Amsterdam launched a promotional campaign which allows guests to pay whatever they think the stay was worth. In terms of ‘how much was your stay worth?’ the hotel offers guests an overnight stay in one of the renovated rooms. On 24, 25 and 26 October, you can book a room, give online feedback and decide what you want to pay.
Pay-as-you-wish
This temporary pay-as-you-wish concept gives guests the chance to get acquainted with the hotel. It is also an ideal way for Dorint Airport-Hotel to receive feedback from their guests. And if guest share their positive experience through their social media, it’s quite a great way to promote the remodeled rooms.
Add a splash of color to your bath
2-10-2014
A floating, battery-powered, water drop that spreads a soothing light. Instead of candles, you can use this saver alternative in bath: the Rainbow Drop Bath Light of Firebox. It turns on automatically when touching water and floats calmly in the water. The luminous bulb spreads different colors, which has a soothing effect.
Small hospitable gesture
These Rainbow Drops could be a small hospitable gesture that your guest will remember: a soothing light that enables you (especially if you have jetlag) to relax while bathing.
The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam on Wallpaper’s shortlist, Best Urban Hotels
2-10-2014
The Waldorf Astoria in Amsterdam has been called on the shortlist for ‘The Best Urban Hotels’ by Wallpaper.com. Mentioned on the list are those recently opened hotels that are nominated for their price ‘Best Urban Hotels’, amongst others The Mainport Hotel in Rotterdam. The list offers a 136 inspiring pictures with details from all nominated hotels. Great to scroll through if you’re looking for inspiration.
Success!
We wish all participants success of course, but in particular the Walldorf Astoria. This hotel opened in May this year and located in 17th century canal houses in the city centre is an asset to Amsterdam. The former houses were transformed into an impressive hotel provided with all necessary facilities such as a stylish fine dining restaurant (in cooperation with De Librije(***), Librije’s Zusje), Peacock Aley and the Vault bar. The interior of the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, designed by GA Design International, is a combination of old elements of the 17th century and a luxurious design what gives the hotel its elegant atmosphere. In the December issue of Wallpaper the winner will be announced.
Opening Market hall Rotterdam
2-10-2014
The city of Rotterdam has a new a new architectural landmark, The Markthal. Following Stockholm, Barcelona, Valencia and Copenhagen the first indoor market of the Netherlands opened yesterday, 1 October, in Rotterdam. The market hall has the size of a large soccer field and gives space to several entrepreneurs: about 100 fresh produce units, 15 food shops and 8 restaurants are located in this impressive hall. Besides that the market hall a culinary meeting point is, the building has 228 apartments build in the arch as well.
A restaurant, amongst others, located at the Markthal; BasQ Kitchen. We do wish all the entrepreneurs a lot of fun and success at this location.
What’s your choice? Apple or Pumpkin pie flavor?
1-10-2014
Dairy Queen asked their fans to vote on which flavor the preferred; apple or pumkin pie flavor. in September, their more than 4 million members of the ‘Blizzard Fan Club’ and their guests voted for the pumpkin pie taste to win (54%). Members of the ‘Blizzard fan club “get a monthly email with the ‘Blizzard of the Month’ and at registration and anniversaries, they get coupons. One could vote at a specially created website; #VoteApple Or #VotePumkin. Earlier we saw a social media campaign from Pizza Hut, where customers could think of for the fictional perfume fragrance a name. What could you do to involve your guests via social media to your restaurant, nightclub or café?
Fun packaging for kids
1-10-2014
After drinking milk or juice, kids can play with this packaging. Designed by Bora Yildirim, the main function of the packaging is that it can be reused after the drink is consumed. The Pinar Sut bottles have two designs which can be transformed into fun toys. The lids and empty bottles can be attached to each other and transformed into shapes such as flowers and robots. This way children are encouraged to finish their drinks so they can play. Great way to serve drinks to children! The patent for this packaging is still pending but we think it’s ideal for healthy drinks for kids.
Of course we did spot a lot of inspiration focused on children before: in 2013 we saw a Happy Meal diorama. ‘Horeca Vlaanderen’ (Hospitality Flanders) and ‘Vlaanderen Lekker Land’ (Flanders Tasty Land) published a guide for a child-friendly hospitality industry full of hospitable ideas and menu tips for kids. You can also search yourself for inspiration focused on kids: Note ‘children‘ or ‘kids’ in the search field of our website and find pages full of inspiration.
Essential: a marketing campaign should score locally
30-9-2014
In response to the article of the national marketing campaign, ‘Street Dine’ of the JRE (Jeune Restaurateurs d’Europe) in the Netherlands, Mr. Jan Vrielink, owner of, among others, the restaurant ‘Het Schellinkje’ in Meppel drew our attention to his campaign ‘Street-Dining’ organized in 2012 and 2013. As his restaurant is located outside the direct city center of Meppel he surprised shoppers with a prepared table, a glass of wine and an appetizer. A good example of what we want to achieve with Horecatrends.com (Hotel, Restaurant, Café trends): entrepreneurs who inspire each other to perform their own marketing campaign, adjusted to the capabilities of the organization and location. Most important is; the effect should be locally measurable! The action and the publicity in the local newspaper and on social media should inspire guests to come dine at your place. Learn how the employees of ‘Het Schellinkje’ have performed the campaign and the reactions from their ‘guests’…
Having crow for dinner
30-9-2014
This year, restaurant MOES in Amsterdam and the ‘Keuken van het Ongewenste Dier’ (Kitchen of Unwanted Animals) organize the fourth edition of the unwanted animals dinner on 5 October. As we wrote last year in the article about the Christmas edition, the dinner of unwanted animals is dedicated to animals that are undesired for whatever reason. Examples are gooses, muskrats, crayfishes and the swans. As always, Rob Hagenouw and Nicolle Schatborn (of ‘Keuken van Ongewenste Dieren’) give explanations of why these animals should be eaten. One of the animals that will be on this year’s menu is crow. It is a four course diner, including appetizer, welcome drink and tea/coffee for € 39,50. Reservations can be made via the website of restaurant MOES.
