The Market Hotel Groningen

Mariëtte Winters | Front Office Manager

How did you start your career at WestCord?

‘That was thirteen years ago, when I started my internship at Hotel Noordsee on Ameland in 2008. It wasn't necessarily my plan to work in a hotel, but I just wanted to go to Ameland! At Hotel Noordsee, I discovered my love for the profession. Welcoming guests with kindness, offering that little extra, and providing an experience that stays with them for a long time, that's what I find beautiful about the job. After Ameland, I started at the ss Rotterdam in 2014. Working on a historic ship was an amazing experience!’

And now you work in Groningen!

‘I was born and raised in the north of the Netherlands, so I wanted nothing more than to work in a WestCord hotel nearby. I've often suggested to Mr. Westers to open a hotel in Groningen, haha. In July 2016, the wonderful news came that WestCord was going to build a hotel here. Immediately I said: no matter what position, I'm going to Groningen!’

The hotel opened on May 1, 2021. ‘It was really a rollercoaster! We've all been looking forward to it so much. Initially, we were supposed to open last July, but complications with the facade delayed the opening. And then came the lockdown. The cities were more quite due to COVID-19, but the hotels on the Wadden Islands were bustling. So, I went to WestCord Hotel Schylge Terschelling for a few months to support colleagues there, which I really enjoyed.’

What makes The Market Hotel Groningen by WestCord so unique? ‘We focus on the city itself and offer a place where both locals and tourists are welcome for a cup of coffee, lunch on the terrace, or a good dinner. The entire ground floor consists of hospitality outlets, where guests can eat and drink in various places like Café Albert. In addition, we have 123 very nice hotel rooms. So, in Groningen, we turn it around: we're not a hotel with a restaurant, but we have various hospitality outlets with a hotel in the same building.’

What are you looking forward to?

‘I hope we can establish such a high level of hospitality and quality that when people hear about The Market Hotel, they immediately think of the great atmosphere and coziness! Every day, I get to be among people, I'm not locked up in an office, so I'm constantly among guests, feeling the atmosphere. My colleagues often call me "the Mariette experience," haha! Because I chat with everyone. The personal contact with guests and building a connection with them is what I enjoy most about my job.’

Ron Bus – F&B Manager

How did you start your career at WestCord?

‘Originally, I started with a holiday job at WestCord Hotel de Wadden on Vlieland, and I never left! Even though WestCord is technically a chain, it doesn't feel like it at all. We're a big family. I got the opportunity to become F&B Manager of WestCord Strandhotel Seeduyn, also on Vieland, which I did for many years with great pleasure. However, I started to miss the mainland and wanted to be closer to family who live in Drachten. When I heard about the plans for The Market Hotel in Groningen, the choice was quickly made for me. At the end of 2018, it was clear that I would take on the role of F&B Manager, and from that moment on, I was closely involved in the process.’

What did that process look like?

‘We had a lot of freedom. I actively participated in planning the bar, capacity, ordering systems, you name it. Besides the café and restaurant, we also have a bakery, and next year we'll have a rooftop terrace. There's also a huge terrace at the front of the building, and of course, we serve breakfast every morning. We're open 24/7. So, you're welcome at any time of the day!’

What does the F&B concept look like? ‘It's a Dutch kitchen in a modern style, inspired by the history of the location of the building. The Market Hotel is built on exactly the same spot where Willem Albert Scholten - a Groninger who lived from 1819 to 1892 and who is seen as the world's first agricultural industrialist - lived with his family. Because of the historical connection and the story of this remarkable Groninger, the decision was made to name the restaurant in The Market Hotel after Willem Albert Scholten. As a tribute and a reminder of our shared history. Café Willem Albert on the ground floor offers the opportunity to have an extensive dinner, have a drink at the bar, or enjoy the spacious terrace. In summer, it's lovely to sit on the terrace at the Grote Markt and enjoy the sun and the bustling city.’

How was the opening?

‘Super fun! We've been looking forward to it for so long, we were eager! We couldn't have the big opening we wanted due to RIVM measures, but it was a fantastic day with beautiful weather, and we received only positive feedback. I hear a lot around me that this didn't exist in Groningen before and that it's a warm addition to the city. The building has international allure, where it's warm and cozy.’