Foreword

BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAYS!

Dear reader, 

Already the last month of the year.... Traditionally, of course, the holidays are a hugely busy and sociable time - with perhaps a time for reflection and looking ahead, too? 

In any case, the 'HOTELVAK Christmas tree' is once again bursting with inspiring and innovative stories around the themes of furnishing & design, green in and around the hotel, hotel tech, marketing, staff & policy, and wellness & comfort. 

A special story this time comes from the North Holland town of Hoorn. The Heavens Hotel in this West Frisian town is a great example of how a historic building can be transformed into a unique and successful four-star hotel with restaurant. Heavens Hotel is located in the former Grote Kerk. This national monument from the end of the last century has been transformed into a sustainable and atmospheric accommodation with respect for its cultural heritage. 

Heavens Hotel works with various partners that contribute to the quality and experience of its guests. In this issue, you can read more about the various collaborations in the field of design, sustainability and digitalisation. For example, Heineken Interior Design has given the restaurant in the heart of the cross church a contemporary look that still fits perfectly within the historic setting. Hotel for Trees allows guests to plant trees to have a positive impact on the environment. Expect Me allows guests to choose and book their own hotel room in advance in a smart digital platform. 

Stimulating guest columns and a great roundtable discussion on revenue management make this issue another source of information and inspiration. 

Happy holidays and we hope you can look ahead to a successful 2024!

Happy reading,

Maxim Brouwer