Earth Day 2024 | List of 6 green hotels in the Benelux
22-4-2024
It’s Earth Day and the world is becoming increasingly aware of climate change and sustainability challenges. Large-scale research by hotel group Accor** shows that one in five travelers from Northern Europe would be willing to pay more for a holiday if the tour operator offering the holiday was arguably green or CO2 neutral. How lucky are we that both the Netherlands and Belgium have many sustainable hotels. Below are some green gems where you absolutely don’t have to compromise on luxury or comfort and where sustainable initiatives are taken all year round. Fortunately, there are more and more of these too!
Trends we spotted | Week 16
22-4-2024
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- A benefit dinner for ‘Make a Memory’ at Michelin star restaurant EDEN in Valkenswaard, in the south of the Netherlands, on Wednesday May 22nd.
- Blue Wellness Resorts reaches 5-year milestone. They celebrate this with various offers, also in combination with Fletcher Hotels.
- Fat Phill’s is offering 16 people free burgers for a year for their 5-year anniversary. One person per establishment will stand a chance, read how. The owner, Armin Vahabian, is listed in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe.
- Heineken is the official main sponsor for the 10th edition of SAIL 2025.
- During the Milan Design Week, in collaboration with US brand Bodega, Heineken launched ‘The Boring Phone’. Created by Human Mobile Devices. A mobile without social media!
- Paris Baguette has launched a special ad ‘Let’s Paris’ in collaboration with a number of Paris Saint-Germain
- Also spotted in Paris: Disco Burgers. Their burgers look tasty and different!
- A special collaboration that we would like to see in the Netherlands too! Fato a Mano, a pizza chain in London is going to sell the Margherita Sbagliata pizza by ‘World’s Best Pizza Chef’, Franco Pepe.
- A special wellness resort, built within a year with a lot of shared details on the Instagram account of Long Lane. An idea of Harrison Hide.
- Also via Instagram: Espresso Martini flights and ‘smores kits at Concorde Espresso Bar in Wilmington North Carolina. Great idea for a summer terrace!
- Walt Disney Studios in Disneyland Paris gets another name after the expansion with a new immersive area of ‘World of Frozen’: Disney Adventure World.
Enjoy reading!
GiG Orange Anthem | The King’s Day GiG Hard Seltzer edition 2024
22-4-2024
Especially for King’s Day 2024, GiG is launching their hard seltzer ‘GiG Orange Anthem’ with a refreshing orange flavour for the ultimate King’s Day experience. Owner Bob Ponsen: “The GiG Orange Anthem is selling really fast, which is great to see. I understand that too, because the improved flavour is, if I do say so myself, even tastier now. By the way, that’s something we always hear, that our seltzers are so flavorful, really cool”.
The Rooftop at GHG becomes the event location with the best view in Rotterdam
19-4-2024
The Groot Handelsgebouw (GHG), an icon of Rotterdam’s reconstruction and home to more than 450 companies, is proud to announce an exciting new phase this spring. In collaboration with Révolt, the pioneer of innovative events in Rotterdam, the roof of the GHG will be transformed into a dynamic event venue, The Rooftop at GHG. The former Engels halls and terraces will be transformed into a vibrant hub for events and public activities.
Heinz Tomato Ketchup Pickle now available in the Netherlands | & Heinz Classic Barbiecue Sauce
19-4-2024
HEINZ introduces a new ketchup with pickle flavour in the Netherlands: Ketchup but with big pickle energy. This Heinz Tomato Ketchup Pickle is now available in supermarkets nationwide. It is the latest flavour from the Heinz Ketchup range here but in the UK and Spain, Heinz is launching the limited-edition Heinz Classic Barbiecue Sauce. A pink, vegan mayo with BBQ sauce!
Innovative fusion | DOJO 2.0 in Antwerp
18-4-2024
DOJO 2.0, led by chef and entrepreneur Dennis Ekisola, opened its doors after the success of his first restaurant DOJO. The restaurant is located at 7 Samberstraat in Antwerp and is open for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and for lunch on Tuesday and Friday. If you want to enjoy his extraordinary cuisine, with a fusion of Japanese and European culture and a touch of science fiction, you must make a reservation.
Aficionados can become co-owners of craft beer brewery Jopen
18-4-2024
Aficionados and fans have the chance to become co-owners of the craft beer brewery Jopen, based in the Jopen Church at the center of the Dutch city of Haarlem. The proceeds from the crowdfunding campaign will be used by the craft beer brewery for growth, sustainability and innovation. All investors will be invited to the (J)Open Crowd Event; a beer festival for all investors. In addition, depending on how many shares someone buys, the brewery will offer various rewards, such as discounts on beer and fun goodies.
Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn | The beauty of simplicity
16-4-2024
Fairfield by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announces its debut in Europe with the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn. Situated in Copenhagen’s vibrant North Harbour district, the opening marks a momentous milestone for the trusted brand and its continued global growth. Fairfield by Marriott is the second largest brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio with a footprint of over 1.290 open hotels and a healthy pipeline of over 450 properties globally, including 17 additional hotels predicted to open across Europe and the Middle East.
New in town | Restaurant Harper opens end of April
16-4-2024
Opening – Restaurant Harper is opening its doors on one of the most beautiful squares, de Plaats, in The Hague by the end of April. Its unique historic location, elegant interior, beautiful terrace and innovative dishes make it a great addition to the hospitality industry in The Hague.
Trends we spotted | Week 15
15-4-2024
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- Perfect Imperfection at Café Visscher – the Japanese tradition of ‘Kintsugi’ applied to their crockery – the gold-colored lacquer nicely matches their logo.
- Barilla® and three-time Emmy Award-winning composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer teamed up to create the Al Bronzo Soundtrack.
- ‘SpongeBob SquarePants‘ restaurant opened in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
- True Gamers has launched a project to create the world’s first eSports island in Abu Dhabi.
- And on Instagram: Espresso Martini popsicles and did you know you can enjoy cake and tea at Buckingham Palace this summer?
- Michelin introduces a new rating system for the finest hotels in France, with 1, 2, or 3 keys (clefs).
- De Beren launches Legacy ‘84 custom sneakers, find out how you can become the owner of these sneakers!
Enjoy reading!
New plant-based fastfood restaurant Kernel opened in New York City
12-4-2024
Kernel Foods is a hybrid hospitality and technology company that designed and built a novel operating system for restaurants. The company uses the system at its wholly owned brick-and-mortar restaurants in NYC. By reducing waste and friction, they usher in significant improvements in hospitality, food quality, employee satisfaction, and restaurant economics. Plant-based fastfood restaurant Kernel is an idea of Steve Ells, now CEO. He also built Chipotle Mexican Grill from a single restaurant to a global business.
We wrote about the announcement of this concept in our trends we spotted week 46 2023. One of those concepts highly on our list to visit if we go to NYC!
3 minutes read
Queer Beer brings diversity and inclusion to the beer world
12-4-2024
Drinking beer will never be the same after the ‘beerth’ of Queer Beer. Holland’s newest beer brand that is just a little bit different from other breweries. At this brewery they believe in standing out from the crowd and embracing everyone. It’s more than just a beer brand, as they are committed to making a positive impact on society. Their brand’s beer is celebrated with a Hoppy White – Spicy Mango.
1 minute read
Magnicity will develop the top of Varso Tower in Warsaw
12-4-2024
Magnicity will operate the top three floors of the tallest tower in the European Union, the Varso Tower, located in Warsaw, Poland. The company was selected by HB Reavis, the owner of the Varso Place project, marking the sixth location worldwide under Magnicity’s management.
Competitive socializing at ‘the All Out Amsterdam’
11-4-2024
This Friday, April 12, ‘The All Out Amsterdam’ is opening its doors at Europaplein 1B. This groundbreaking do-F&B and socializing concept, coming from the creative minds behind the social media experience The Upside Down, promises a unique and unforgettable experience where entertainment, food, drinks, and fun join in an Instagram-worthy setting. With a vibrant and daring design, the venue invites you to immerse yourself in a world full of color, creativity, and fun.
2 minutes read
888 Brickell Miami by Dolce&Gabbana condo hotel and residences
11-4-2024
A new design and flexible-residence details at 888 Brickell Miami by Dolce&Gabbana. The first real estate project and condo hotel in the USA by Dolce&Gabbana, in collaboration with developer JDS Development Group. Introducing a first-of-its kind design feat, Dolce&Gabbana’s Grand Residences seamlessly transition into multiple individual rooms and suites which can be utilized simultaneously by owners and hotel guests without compromising privacy and featuring private entries for each. Buyers of the residences will have the opportunity to rent their Dolce&Gabbana-designed homes via the hotel program when they’re not in private use.
3 minutes read
Smells Like McDonald’s
9-4-2024
In everyday settings like elevators, subways, or conference rooms, one often encounters a familiar scent: McDonald’s. Though unseen, its presence is unmistakable, akin to the brand’s iconic logo or jingle. That is why McDonald’s Netherlands leveraged their iconic smell in their latest campaign.
Trends we spotted | Week 14
8-4-2024
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- Utrecht Cocktail Week is taking place for the second time with 18 bars in Utrecht participating, from 10 to the 14th of April!
- Quality Lodgings adds three hotels to portfolio: Boutique Hotel Texel, Hotel Restaurant de Echoput and Hotel Goldene Rose in Germany.
- Eric Vökel Riverfront Suites has opened in Amsterdam. Cozy mezzanine flats with spectacular views of the IJ river and a friendly atmosphere.
- Last weekend, Rynbende Spirits’ ‘Experimental Batch’ Vintage Gin was launched. Only 140 bottles so aficionados should be quick.
- The National Week Without Meat & Dairy in the Netherlands had 2.8 million participants, the largest number ever. And the concept continues to be rolled out across Europe.
- Via Instagram this week: Tiramisu Espresso Martini and the ‘Special Egg Coqtail’ at COQODAQ in New York City. Easter inspiration for 2025!
- The Wave a new oasis for sport and wellbeing opening soon in London. Think surfing, an ‘activity zone’, food and drink outlets, camping/glamping accommodation, yoga and a lakeside park.
- And a cool example of how to use a ‘National Day’ in your marketing strategy. Chipotle’s Burrito Vault.
Enjoy reading!
Leo catering announces new lifestyle vision
5-4-2024
Leo catering, a leading catering company, is proud to announce its new lifestyle vision, focusing on the pursuit of an integrally healthy lifestyle. Leo catering believes they can go further as a caterer in contributing to vitality than just with food. They believe they can contribute to integral vitality, which is broader than their main activity: healthy and tasty food. This is why they are introducing the ’10 energizers’ (sleep, nutrition, exercise, humor, passion, relaxation, socializing, home, work life and meaning) in an exclusive partnership with Mind&Health.
Restaurant Aroma X Ristorante Sintesi | Six-hands dinner
5-4-2024
Chef Pasquale Carfora succeeded in bringing two young Michelin-acclaimed star chefs from Italy to his restaurant in Vaassen, Gelderland. Wednesday April 17, Sara Scarsella and Matteo Compagnucci of Ristorante Sintesi (*) in Ariccia, Italy, join chef Pascale for a six-hands dinner at his restaurant Aroma Italian Fine Dining.
Domaine de la Reine Margot Paris Issy | MGallery Collection in historic estate
5-4-2024
MGallery Collection unveils a brand-new sanctuary within a historic estate in Issy-les-Moulineaux, Domaine de la Reine Margot. Just a few miles from the heart of the French capital, guests will discover a place that encourages relaxation amid natural surroundings.
Trends we spotted | Week 13
2-4-2024
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- On April 1st BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse introduced their new Pizookie® | The Pizickle!

- Interesting read about reaching out to tech-savvy travelers by Anna Randow on the website of eHotelier.
- New Stars & Awards – MICHELIN Guide Germany 2024.
- A huge urban theme park, Gravity MAX, is coming to east London May 2024.
- Opening this month in Knightbridge, SURRENNE is London’s new next generation wellbeing and longevity Members’ Club. A wellbeing brand launched by the Maybourne Group.
- Peet’s Coffee celebrates Earth Month with sustainability efforts, Earth Day discounts and initiatives.
- Restaurant Sézanne in Tokyo claims no1 spot at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Enjoy reading!
Monte Marcella | High altitude cycling training in West Flanders
29-3-2024
Cyclists no longer have to travel to distant mountain areas in search of those extra few percentages. From now on, they can find what they need in the heart of West Flanders, Belgium. “Using the latest technology, we transform our 16 rooms, with a total of 42 beds, into altitude rooms. We simulate the same effects of altitude training,” says Frederik Van Lierde, former Ironman world champion and 2013 Sportsman of the Year and ambassador for Monte Marcella. “Moreover, we also offer altitude stimuli in many common areas, such as the food lounge, fitness and gym space, living room, wellness area, and cinema room. The more hours per day you spend in the thinner air, the better your sports result. Additionally, taking on the altitude challenge together also increases the mental resilience of the athletes. The numerous facilities at altitude make Monte Marcella unique in the world.”
Restaurant Madunia | Great connection to the surrounding nature on Ibiza
28-3-2024
Opening – Located on the west coast of Ibiza, where the breathtaking sunset sets the ambiance, restaurant Madunia will open its doors on June 8th. The name Madunia is derived from ‘Mama Dunia’, or Mother Earth, and reflects the restaurant’s connection to its surrounding nature.
Riot Restobar | Amsterdam conviviality and potato in a high-end jacket
28-3-2024
Opening – Located in Amsterdam, where the Amstelveenseweg turns into Overtoom. Those visiting or living in Amsterdam can since recently visit Riot Restobar. A restobar with swagger where differences are embraced. And where the potato returns in all its glory in the dishes and drinks, such as in the house beer.
NoHouseWine | Five wines that build houses in South Africa
28-3-2024
Henk Jan Beltman, formerly chief chocolate officer of Tony’s Chocolonely, is relaunching impact brand NoHouseWine. A wine brand with an important mission: to build houses in South Africa for those who have no home.